Joe Burrow may be making bigger headlines off the field than on it this summer.
The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback was seen out with model Olivia Ponton during a late-night sweep of New York City hotspots over the weekend, fueling long-standing dating rumors. With the NFL offseason in full swing, Burrow’s visit to the Big Apple for Fanatics Fest turned into something a bit more intriguing.
Joe Burrow and Olivia Ponton Add Fuel to the Fire
Burrow and Ponton didn’t seem concerned with staying under the radar Friday night. TMZ reported that the two were reportedly inseparable throughout the evening, hitting multiple popular hangouts before wrapping things up around 3 a.m. outside an NYC apartment building.
Ponton, a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model and social media star, was also seen earlier in the evening with Olivia Dunne and Julz Dunne. Both sisters are close to Burrow, who played at LSU and took home the Heisman Trophy in 2019.
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This isn’t the first time the two have been spotted together. In May, they drew attention during the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, where they were seen in the same circle. But their connection stretches back even further, to a December burglary incident at Burrow’s Ohio home, when Ponton called law enforcement and reportedly identified herself as one of his employees.
That situation marked a turning point in the public’s awareness of their relationship, as Burrow later admitted the incident felt like an invasion, not just of his home, but of his personal life.
Since then, there’s been little effort to keep their association private.
Are Burrow and Ponton the NFL’s Newest Power Couple?
Burrow, 28, was in New York for Fanatics Fest, where he participated in a panel and the Fanatics Games. Despite catching some lighthearted flak for a few off-target pitches during a baseball challenge, his appearance drew plenty of attention, both for his fashion and for the praise he received for his charisma.
Meanwhile, Ponton, 23, who resides in New York, appeared unfazed by the growing buzz surrounding their rumored relationship. While neither party has addressed the speculation directly, they also haven’t made much effort to quiet it.
With few big names left in free agency and training camps weeks away, Burrow’s night out and who he’s spending it with might be the most watched storyline in Cincinnati.
Whether this is just a summer fling or something more serious, one thing’s clear: Burrow isn’t just drawing eyes for what he does between the lines.