Joe Burrow is one of the biggest names in the NFL but he is not gay and is dating his long-time girlfriend
Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals’ franchise quarterback who’s captured hearts both on and off the field, has found himself at the center of relationship speculation throughout 2024 and into 2025. The 28-year-old NFL star isn’t married—but his romantic life has undergone significant changes, transitioning from a long-term college relationship to rumored new romance with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Olivia Ponton. Burrow’s personal life seems to be unfolding much like his career—carefully, but still drawing attention no matter how hard he tries to keep it private.
Joe Burrow’s Dating History: The College Sweetheart Chapter
Burrow’s most significant relationship was with Olivia Holzmacher, whom he met during their time at Ohio State University. The couple dated from 2017 through 2024, with Holzmacher serving as his constant supporter throughout his college career at LSU and his rise to NFL stardom. Holzmacher, who works as a senior process specialist and analyst for Kroger in Cincinnati, Ohio, became a familiar face in Bengals Nation.
Their relationship appeared rock-solid for years, with Holzmacher supporting Burrow through every step of his NCAA and NFL journey, though the couple never officially got engaged despite occasional rumors when she was spotted wearing what appeared to be engagement rings. The relationship’s end became public knowledge in an unexpected way—during a December 9, 2024 break-in at Burrow’s Ohio home while the Bengals were playing the Dallas Cowboys in Texas.
Is Joe Burrow Married?
No, Joe Burrow is not married. The NFL quarterback has never been married, despite his high-profile seven-year relationship with college sweetheart Olivia Holzmacher. At 28, Burrow has consistently maintained privacy around his personal life, focusing publicly on his football career and community involvement rather than discussing marriage plans or long-term relationship goals.
Current Relationship Status with Olivia Ponton: A New Chapter
The relationship rumors with Olivia Ponton began in December 2024 when the 23-year-old Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model called 911 from Burrow’s house during the break-in incident. According to exclusive sources, the pair had been “hooking up since early fall” of 2024, though they were initially “keeping it casual.”
Wholesome: Bengals star QB Joe Burrow and model Olivia Ponton are reportedly officially dating after being spotted together at 3 AM in NYC.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 23, 2025
Ponton has been legally listed as an employee of Burrow for over a year.
Congrats to the happy couple 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/Wr7UtBYR2n
Their first public appearance together came at F1 Miami in May 2025, where they were spotted entering a party during the racing weekend. Despite increasing media attention, Ponton has remained tight-lipped about the relationship, refusing to answer questions about the dating rumors when approached by TMZ.
The relationship gained more credibility when Burrow and Ponton were photographed together during a late-night outing in New York City in June 2025, six months after their initial dating rumors surfaced. Interestingly, reports say that Ponton has been “officially listed as an employee of Burrow for over a year,” adding an extra twist to their relationship.
What’s Next for Joe Burrow?
Recent photos from their New York City appearance seem to confirm their relationship status, with NFL fans and media outlets treating the pairing as official. However, both Burrow and Ponton continue to maintain their privacy, neither confirming nor denying the relationship through official statements or social media posts.
Meanwhile, his ex-girlfriend Olivia Holzmacher made her first public acknowledgment of their breakup through a cryptic Instagram post in February 2025—closing the door on that chapter of Burrow’s life and sparking new speculation about his future with Ponton.
As Burrow enters his prime years both professionally and personally, he seems to be handling his love life with the same careful strategy he uses to dissect NFL defenses. Whether this rumored romance with Ponton develops into something more serious remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Joe Burrow’s personal life will continue to captivate fans as much as his fourth-quarter comebacks.
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