The off-season dating scene for NFL players is heating up, and Houston Texans wide receiver Braxton Berrios is officially back in the game. Months after his high-profile split from TikTok sensation Alix Earle, Berrios has been spotted stepping out with a new companion, and the internet has swiftly identified her.
From the Gridiron to the Dinner Table
Berrios and Earle called it quits in December after a two-year romance that often played out in the public eye. At the time, Earle cited the challenges of a long-distance relationship and a desire to focus on herself. "I just feel like I can’t be what Braxton needs," she explained following her stint on "Dancing with the Stars." The split appeared amicable but definitive, leaving fans wondering what was next for the 28-year-old receiver.
Now, the question has been answered. This week, Berrios was seen enjoying a dinner date at the exclusive Bird Streets Club in Los Angeles. It didn't take long for eagle-eyed social media users to identify his companion as model Hollie Ford, who boasts a significant following on Instagram. The sighting, first reported by TMZ, has since sparked a flurry of comments on Ford's social media posts, as fans of both the NFL and celebrity gossip connect the dots.
Earle's Own Romantic Whirlwind
While Berrios explores a new connection, his ex has also been at the center of dating speculation. Earlier this year, Alix Earle was linked to none other than NFL legend Tom Brady after videos from a St. Barths party showed a flirty interaction between the two. Reports described whispered conversations and close dancing, though nothing substantial materialized from the encounter.
Earle has since moved on as well, recently sharing a harrowing story about a terrible date that left her feeling unsafe. "I swear to God, I turned green and almost passed out because I seriously thought I was getting kidnapped," she revealed in a TikTok video, adding a new rule for future suitors: full itineraries only. Her experience is a stark reminder that the dating world isn't always glamorous, even for influencers. It seems the search for love can be as unpredictable as a mysterious quarterback injury report.
This kind of star-crossed social speculation isn't unique to the NFL world. Just as a cheerleader's post can ignite a frenzy, the personal lives of athletes and influencers constantly fuel the rumor mill. From the golf course to the football field, new romances are always making headlines.
Looking Ahead for Berrios
For now, Braxton Berrios seems focused on his fresh start. There has been no official comment from the Texans receiver or Hollie Ford regarding their dinner, and Earle has not publicly addressed her ex's new romance. As the NFL offseason continues, Berrios will soon shift his primary focus back to the field, preparing to build on his role as a key special teams contributor and receiver for C.J. Stroud and the rising Texans.
This episode is another chapter in the ever-blurring line between sports stardom and celebrity culture. While fans are captivated by the personal lives of their favorite athletes, the players themselves navigate relationships under an intense spotlight. As training camp approaches, Berrios will hope his on-field performance creates as much buzz as his dinner plans. After all, in the world of sports, a winning season is the ultimate headline, but a little off-field intrigue certainly keeps things interesting during the summer months.
