NFL star Braxton Berrios has finally responded to a flood of fan criticism regarding his absence during ex-girlfriend Alix Earle‘s successful run on Dancing With The Stars, clarifying that his professional commitments made attendance impossible just days after their high-profile split became public.
In the world of high-profile celebrity relationships, perception is everything. For months, fans watched social media influencer Alix Earle light up the dance floor on Dancing With The Stars while her then-boyfriend, NFL player Braxton Berrios, was conspicuously absent. Now, Berrios is setting the record straight, but his explanation only adds another layer to the public timeline of their recent breakup.
The drama ignited when the Houston Texans wide receiver posted a series of photos of his game-day attire to Instagram with the seemingly innocuous caption, “What did I miss?” The question, likely a nod to a popular Drake song, was interpreted by Earle’s loyal fanbase as a direct jab, and they wasted no time filling him in.
The Instagram Confrontation
The comment section quickly became a referendum on his support—or lack thereof—for Earle during her competitive run on the hit dance show. “Every single performance of alixs,” one fan wrote pointedly. Berrios didn’t ignore the criticism, replying directly: “I would’ve been at every one if I could’ve, sadly I can’t travel like that in season.”
When another user commented, “Every single one of Alix’s shows…,” Berrios reiterated his defense. “I would’ve loved to be,” he wrote. “Sadly I wasn’t able to travel like that in-season.” His response highlights the logistical nightmare of balancing a demanding professional football career with a partner’s equally demanding television schedule.
Why It Matters: The Breakup Timeline
What makes Berrios’s comments so significant is their timing. This public defense came just days after the couple’s split was officially confirmed on December 6 by Us Weekly. The report cited the strain of a long-distance relationship as the primary reason for the mutual decision to part ways, a detail that perfectly aligns with Berrios’s explanation for his absence.
For weeks leading up to the official announcement, fan speculation about a potential breakup was rampant, fueled entirely by Berrios not being in the DWTS audience. Interestingly, Earle herself had previously shut down these rumors, echoing the exact same sentiment that her boyfriend’s football commitments made it impossible for him to attend.
This reveals a couple attempting to maintain a united front publicly while privately navigating the challenges that would ultimately end their relationship.
A Whirlwind Romance Under a Microscope
The relationship between Earle and Berrios has been under intense public scrutiny from the very beginning.
- May 2023: The pair were first linked shortly after Berrios’s split from Sophia Culpo, who accused him of cheating on her with Earle—allegations both Berrios and Earle denied.
- November 2023: They made their relationship official.
- November 2024: Earle celebrated their one-year anniversary with a heartfelt Instagram post, writing, “I didn’t know I was capable of this type of love and I feel like I have truly found my other half!”
- Fall 2025: Earle competed on Season 34 of Dancing With The Stars with pro partner Val Chmerkovskiy, ultimately securing an impressive second-place finish.
Despite his physical absence, Berrios did make a virtual appearance during the show’s finale. In a pre-recorded video message, he offered words of encouragement to his now-ex. “I’ve watched you pour everything into this since the moment it has started, and I think it shows,” he said. “Good luck. Have fun, babe.”
Ultimately, Berrios’s recent Instagram comments serve as a final confirmation of the narrative the couple maintained until the end. While fans may have wanted to see him in the front row, the realities of two high-demand careers proved to be an insurmountable obstacle. His decision to address the criticism directly, post-breakup, closes a chapter that played out almost entirely in the public eye.
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