Joe Burrow is currently rumored to be in a relationship with Sports Illustrated model and TikTok star Olivia Ponton as of February 2026. While Burrow and Ponton have not officially confirmed their romance, they have been linked since late 2024 and have been spotted together at several high-profile events, including the F1 Miami Grand Prix and various Super Bowl parties. Previously, Burrow was in a long-term relationship with Olivia Holzmacher, his college sweetheart from Ohio State University, but the pair reportedly split in 2024 after seven years of dating.

This comprehensive guide explores the evolution of Joe Burrow’s personal life, the details of his high-profile relationship with Olivia Ponton, the history of his long-term bond with Olivia Holzmacher, and how he manages his privacy while leading the Cincinnati Bengals. We will dive into timelines, career backgrounds of his partners, and the most frequently asked questions surrounding the NFL star’s love life in 2026.

Who is Olivia Ponton?

Olivia Ponton is a 23-year-old high-profile model and social media influencer originally from Naples, Florida. She gained significant fame as a member of the Hype House in Los Angeles before moving to New York City to further her modeling career. She made her debut in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2022 and has since worked with global brands like Victoria’s Secret, Ralph Lauren, and Skims.

Beyond modeling, Ponton has a massive digital footprint with millions of followers across TikTok and Instagram. She is known for her athletic lifestyle and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, having come out as bisexual in 2021. Her move to New York, where she owns an apartment in the East Village, has allowed her to balance her high-fashion career while reportedly making frequent trips to Cincinnati to visit Burrow.

The Olivia Holzmacher Era

Before his current rumors, Joe Burrow was in a well-documented, seven-year relationship with Olivia Holzmacher. The pair met in 2017 while they were both students at Ohio State University, prior to Burrow’s historic transfer to LSU. Holzmacher, an Ohio native, was a constant fixture at his games, from his Heisman-winning season in Baton Rouge to his Super Bowl run with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Holzmacher graduated with a degree in data analytics and social sciences and has maintained a successful professional career outside of the NFL spotlight. She works as a senior process specialist and analyst for Kroger, a major grocery chain headquartered in Cincinnati. Fans long admired their relationship for its stability and “college sweetheart” narrative, which lasted until their quiet separation in mid-2024.

2023 Engagement Rumors Debunked

In the summer of 2023, the internet was ablaze with rumors that Joe Burrow and Olivia Holzmacher had officially gotten engaged. The speculation was fueled by former NFL player Adam “Pacman” Jones, who claimed on The Pat McAfee Show that Burrow had recently proposed. Additionally, eagle-eyed fans claimed to see a diamond ring on Holzmacher’s finger in various social media posts from that period.

Despite the intense fan interest, the engagement was never confirmed by the couple or their representatives. It is now understood that the pair parted ways approximately a year after these rumors surfaced. Sources suggest that different life stages and Burrow’s intense focus on his NFL career may have contributed to the natural end of their seven-year journey together.

Living in Cincinnati, Ohio

Joe Burrow resides in a $7.4 million mansion located in the Cincinnati area, which serves as the primary backdrop for his personal life. The property offers the privacy he craves, though it became the center of media attention during the 2024 burglary incident. Both Olivia Holzmacher (during their relationship) and rumors of Olivia Ponton (presently) involve frequent stays at this residence.

Burrow’s lifestyle in Cincinnati is described as low-key, often involving recovery sessions, film study, and spending time with his Goldendoodle, Beau. While he has recently become more visible at international events like Paris Fashion Week and Miami’s F1, his home base remains firmly in Ohio. He has expressed frustration when his personal privacy is invaded, stating that he prefers to keep his “off-field” life entirely separate from his professional duties.

Joe Burrow and Olivia Ponton

The relationship between Joe Burrow and Olivia Ponton first became a public talking point in December 2024 following a peculiar incident. While Burrow was away playing a game in Dallas, Ponton was the person who discovered a break-in at his Ohio home and reported it to the authorities. This event led sources to confirm that the two had been “hooking up” and keeping things casual since early autumn of that year.

Throughout 2025 and into 2026, the pair has been seen together at major celebrity hotspots. In May 2025, they attended the F1 Miami Grand Prix, and in early 2026, both were present at Michael Rubin’s star-studded Fanatics Super Bowl party in San Francisco. Despite the persistent sightings, both Burrow and Ponton have maintained a strict “no comment” policy regarding their status, preferring to keep their private lives away from the intense scrutiny of NFL media.

The Olivia Holzmacher Era (2017–2024)

Before his connection to Olivia Ponton, Joe Burrow was known for his steady relationship with Olivia Holzmacher. The two met in August 2017 while they were both students at Ohio State University. Holzmacher remained a constant fixture by Burrow’s side as he transferred to LSU, won the Heisman Trophy, and eventually became the first overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Their relationship was widely celebrated by Bengals fans, as Holzmacher was frequently seen in a private suite at Paycor Stadium wearing custom Bengals gear. However, after seven years together, the couple quietly separated in early 2024. While neither party has explicitly detailed the reason for the split, Holzmacher hinted at a “new chapter” in social media posts throughout 2025, confirming she had moved on from her long-term role as the “First Lady of Bengals Football.”

Career of Olivia Ponton

Olivia Ponton is a highly successful model and social media influencer with millions of followers across TikTok and Instagram. Born in Florida, she rose to fame as a member of the Hype House and quickly transitioned into traditional high-fashion modeling. She made her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut in 2022 and has since worked with major brands like Victoria’s Secret, Ralph Lauren, and Marc Jacobs.

In addition to her modeling, Ponton is a prominent advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, having publicly come out as pansexual. Her career in 2026 remains focused on the fashion industry, with recent appearances at New York Fashion Week for designers like Marc Jacobs. Despite the rumors linking her to Burrow, she remains focused on her professional growth and health, recently sharing updates about her journey with hemochromatosis.

Career of Olivia Holzmacher

Olivia Holzmacher has maintained a professional career in data analytics, proving she is much more than just a former “WAG.” After graduating from Ohio State with a degree in Data Analytics and Social Sciences, she worked for several years as a Senior Process Specialist at Kroger in Cincinnati. Her role involved building complex dashboards to optimize e-commerce and delivery services for the grocery giant.

As of 2026, Holzmacher has reportedly moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where she works as a Senior Business Intelligence Analyst for Cat Financial. Despite her transition out of the Cincinnati spotlight, she remains a respected figure in the data science community. She continues to share updates about her life and her beloved Goldendoodle, Beau, who was a frequent guest in Burrow’s social media posts during their time together.

Dealing with Fame and Privacy

Joe Burrow is notoriously private about his life off the gridiron, often disappearing from social media during the off-season. He has expressed frustration in the past regarding the invasion of his privacy, particularly after the 2024 burglary incident made his relationship status a matter of public record. Burrow has stated that he prefers fans to focus on his performance as a quarterback rather than his dating life.

This desire for privacy is why fans rarely see official “couple photos” or red-carpet appearances with his partners. By 2026, Burrow has mastered the art of “stealth dating,” often arriving at events separately from his rumored girlfriend to avoid the paparazzi. This disciplined approach to his personal life mirrors his focused demeanor on the football field, where he is known for his “Joe Cool” composure under pressure.

Practical Information and Planning

For fans who want to follow the lifestyle of Joe Burrow or visit the locations where he is often spotted, here are the practical details.

  • Bengals Games: Tickets for games at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati typically range from $150 to $800+ for premium seating.
  • Celebrity Hotspots: In Cincinnati, Burrow is known to frequent high-end steakhouses like Jeff Ruby’s Precious Metals. In NYC, he has been spotted at hotspots like Carbone.
  • What to Expect: If you visit a Bengals home game, expect a sea of orange and black. Fans are generally respectful of Burrow’s space if they see him in public.
  • Travel: The best way to reach Paycor Stadium is via the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), followed by a short ride-share to the downtown area.
  • Tips for Fans: Follow the “Burrow Foundation” on social media for official updates on his charitable work, which is where he is most likely to make public appearances.

Seasonal Events and Sighting Tips

The best time to see the “social” side of Joe Burrow is typically during the off-season, particularly between February and July. This is when he attends high-profile events like the Met Gala (where he made his debut in 2025), F1 races, and New York Fashion Week. During the NFL season, he is almost entirely focused on football, with very few public outings. If you are in Cincinnati during the autumn months, the Banks district near the stadium is the best place to soak in the atmosphere of “Burrow-mania.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Joe Burrow’s girlfriend in 2026? 

Joe Burrow is rumored to be dating model Olivia Ponton. The two have been linked since late 2024 and have been spotted together at several public events in 2025.

Are Joe Burrow and Olivia Holzmacher still together? 

No, Joe Burrow and Olivia Holzmacher reportedly split in early 2024 after seven years of dating. They met at Ohio State in 2017.

How did Joe Burrow meet Olivia Ponton? 

While the exact meeting is not public, they are believed to have met through mutual social circles in the fashion and sports world, likely during the 2024 off-season.

What does Olivia Ponton do for a living? 

Olivia Ponton is a professional model signed with IMG Models and a social media influencer. She is well-known for her work with Sports Illustrated.

Who is the girl who reported the burglary at Joe Burrow’s house? 

Olivia Ponton was the person who reported the burglary at Burrow’s home in December 2024, which first alerted the public to their relationship.

Where does Olivia Holzmacher work? 

Olivia Holzmacher works as a senior process specialist and data analyst at Kroger’s corporate headquarters in Cincinnati.

How old is Olivia Ponton? 

Olivia Ponton was born in 2002, making her 23 years old as of 2026. She is approximately five years younger than Joe Burrow.

Final Thoughts

Joe Burrow’s personal life in 2026 remains a subject of intense public fascination, largely due to the contrast between his quiet, “Ohio-first” demeanor and his high-profile social circle. While his rumored relationship with Olivia Ponton has provided plenty of fodder for the media—particularly following the 2024 burglary incident and recent Super Bowl LX appearances—Burrow himself has successfully navigated the transition from a “college sweetheart” narrative to that of a global sports and style icon. By maintaining a strict boundary between his performance on the field and his activities off of it, he has set a new standard for how modern athletes handle the pressures of celebrity.

As we move further into 2026, it is clear that whoever Burrow dates will face a unique level of scrutiny. However, his history shows a pattern of loyalty and a preference for partners who have their own established careers and identities. Whether he eventually confirms a long-term commitment or continues to keep fans guessing with subtle social media clues, Joe Burrow’s status as one of the NFL’s most eligible and private stars remains firmly intact.

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