Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is known for his cool demeanor on the field, but off it, he's facing some serious heat over how he handles his love life. The star signal-caller has been linked to Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model and TikTok sensation Olivia Ponton for months, but critics say he's not treating her like a girlfriend—more like a fan.
Rumors first caught fire back in December 2024, when Ponton reported a break-in at Burrow's house. Since then, the two have been spotted together at the Kentucky Derby and other high-profile events, but they've never publicly confirmed their relationship. That ambiguity is exactly what's rubbing people the wrong way.
Maria Ciuffo of Barstool Sports didn't hold back when she called out Burrow for his behavior. “I’m so sick of Joe Burrow acting like he’s not dating Olivia Ponton,” Ciuffo said. “He’s walking four feet ahead of her in every photograph. I hate that. By the way, you look like a d—-b–.”
Ciuffo went on to say that Burrow’s actions make Ponton look like a groupie rather than a partner. “Everyone knows you’re dating. We see you out and about all the time. Hold her hand. Let her walk first. Open the car door for her. You don’t even have to use PDA. He’s always making her look like a groupie. I hate it. It’s really grinding my gears.” Her comments have sparked a wider conversation about how public figures handle private relationships.
This isn't the first time Burrow's off-field life has drawn scrutiny. Earlier this year, his glamorous outings raised questions about his commitment to football. Now, the focus is on his commitment to Ponton.
Who is Olivia Ponton? The 23-year-old rose to fame in 2020 through TikTok, and by 2022 she was posing for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. “Through being a part of Sports Illustrated, I have been able to shoot with amazing photographers, travel to really cool places, and be a part of a really special community of women,” Ponton said. “I first started working with them when I was 18-years-old through TikTok, so I feel extremely honored that I was the first woman who they tapped into from that world.”
Ponton has also collaborated with Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, and Skims. Despite the buzz, neither she nor Burrow has commented on the status of their relationship. And while some fans defend Burrow's right to privacy, others agree with Ciuffo that his actions speak louder than words.
For now, all eyes are on Burrow—both on the field and off. As he prepares for the next season, he's fired up about the Bengals' championship window. But if the backlash keeps growing, he may need to address what's happening away from the gridiron.
