Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, and model Olivia Ponton appear to be stepping out of the shadows and into the spotlight with their increasingly public relationship. Over the weekend of June 20-22, 2025, the duo was spotted together in New York City, sparking fresh rumors that their romance is no longer a secret.
According to TMZ Sports, Burrow and Ponton were "attached at the hip" throughout Friday night, June 20, as they visited several celebrity hotspots. The night culminated with the couple arriving outside an apartment complex around 3 a.m. Photos obtained by The Post confirmed their late-night outing, showing the pair entering a building together. Burrow was in New York to participate in Fanatics Fest, where he appeared on a panel and competed in the Fanatics Games, even going viral for his off-target attempts at MLB pitching. Ponton, who resides in New York and is a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, was accompanied by former LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne and her sister Julz Dunne during the weekend. Dunne is also friends with Burrow, who won the 2019 Heisman Trophy while playing for LSU.
Their public appearances come after months of speculation surrounding their relationship, which first came to light in December 2024 when Ponton called the police to report a burglary at Burrow's Ohio home in Anderson Township. Police documents noted that Ponton was "employed by Mr. Burrow," though People magazine reported that the two had been "hooking up since the early fall 2024 and are keeping it casual." The burglary was part of a series of robberies targeting high-profile athletes, including Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Although the home was ransacked, no one was injured during the incident.
Following the break-in, Burrow expressed feelings of violation not only because of the invasion of his home but also due to the exposure of his personal life. "I feel like my privacy has been violated in more ways than one and way more is already out there than I would want out there and that I care to share so that's all I got to say about that," he told reporters. Despite the intrusion, Burrow and Ponton have been increasingly seen together in public settings, signaling a shift towards greater openness about their relationship.
In May 2025, the couple was spotted together at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, mingling within the same social circle. Later that month, after Burrow attended the prestigious Met Gala, the pair were seen exiting the same hotel in New York City, further fueling the romance rumors. Following Netflix's announcement of the premiere date for Season 2 of their docuseries "Quarterback," new photos emerged of Burrow and Ponton in Manhattan heading to Ponton's residence.
Burrow, 28, is one of three NFL quarterbacks featured in the upcoming season of Netflix's "Quarterback," alongside Detroit Lions' Jared Goff and Atlanta Falcons veteran Kirk Cousins. The series, which dropped a new trailer on June 23, 2025, is set to premiere on July 8, 2025. In the trailer, Burrow reflects on the fleeting nature of an NFL career: "You only have so many of these seasons. You start out your career, you’re like, ‘OK, I’m going to be playing for 15, 20 years. It seems like a lot. And then you blink your eye and you’re in year five. Next time I blink my eye is going to be year 10." The docuseries also touches on the burglary incident and the public revelation of his connection to Ponton.
Burrow was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and has since become a two-time Pro Bowler. His relationship with Ponton, 23, a Victoria’s Secret model and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit star, has attracted significant media attention, especially given their high-profile appearances and the public nature of the burglary incident. Despite the buzz, neither Burrow nor Ponton have publicly commented on their relationship status. Burrow was previously engaged to Olivia Holzmacher.
During the Fanatics Fest in New York, Burrow was seen sporting a casual outfit—a short-sleeved oversized hoodie and baggy jeans—drawing playful comparisons to legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick's signature style. Ponton complemented him with a short black skirt, a white flowy blouse, and heels, presenting an effortlessly chic look. Interestingly, Burrow received numerous compliments about his sex appeal during the event, which he handled with a mix of surprise and charm.
Their growing comfort with public appearances together suggests a shift from keeping their relationship under wraps to embracing their status as a couple in the public eye. Fans and media alike have followed their journey from the initial burglary incident through multiple high-profile social events, including the Miami Grand Prix and the Met Gala, to their recent New York City outings.
As the premiere of "Quarterback" Season 2 approaches, viewers will get a closer look at Burrow’s professional and personal life, including the challenges and triumphs he faces both on and off the field. The series promises to provide an intimate portrait of a quarterback navigating the pressures of an NFL career while managing the complexities of a highly scrutinized personal life.
With their relationship no longer a secret and their appearances becoming more frequent, Joe Burrow and Olivia Ponton seem ready to face the spotlight together. Whether this marks the beginning of a new chapter for the couple or simply a moment of openness, it’s clear their story has captured the attention of sports fans and pop culture enthusiasts alike.
