On November 11, 2025, Alix Earle, the 24-year-old TikTok sensation and host of the Hot Mess podcast, and Braxton Berrios, the 29-year-old wide receiver for the Houston Texans, quietly celebrated two years together — not with a grand party, but with quiet Instagram Stories filled with old photos and heart emojis. The anniversary came amid a grueling long-distance reality: Berrios is based in Houston, while Earle shuttles between Miami and Los Angeles as a finalist on Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars. Their love story, born in a Miami nightclub in February 2023, has defied skepticism, tabloid whispers, and the brutal logistics of professional sports and reality TV schedules.
From Super Bowl Dates to Social Media Silence
Their romance began unexpectedly. Earle revealed on her podcast that Berrios, then playing for the Miami Dolphins, invited her to a Super Bowl LVII after-party just two weeks after they met. They were spotted kissing that night — a moment that quickly spiraled into drama. Sophia Culpo, Berrios’ ex-girlfriend of two years, accused him of betrayal in April 2023, claiming the relationship with Earle began while he was still with her. Berrios didn’t engage in a public feud. Instead, he posted a calm, deliberate message on Instagram: “I genuinely want all of this to be over... We just weren’t working out. And that’s okay.” The clarity was rare in celebrity breakups. No blame. No drama. Just honesty.The Real Test: Distance, Schedules, and Trust
By September 2023, they’d moved in together in Miami. But when Berrios signed a one-year deal with the Houston Texans in March 2025, everything changed. Suddenly, they were 1,200 miles apart. Earle, meanwhile, was deep into rehearsals for Dancing With the Stars in Los Angeles. The timeline looked impossible: Berrios’ training camp in late July, Earle’s live shows every Monday night, his away games in Chicago, Seattle, and New Orleans — all while she was filming in a different time zone. Yet, the breakup rumors never stuck. Why? Because trust, not texts, became their foundation. On her podcast, Earle said bluntly: “I’m not nagging him, asking him a million questions. We just kind of trust each other.” That’s not the kind of thing you hear often in influencer relationships. She doesn’t need constant updates. He doesn’t need to justify his nights out. And he, in turn, quietly supports her — posting screenshots of her DWTS voting links, sharing fan messages, and showing up in photos at high-profile events like the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show in Miami Beach and the Super Bowl LVIII Pregame in Las Vegas.
A Relationship Built on Realism, Not Romance
Contrary to early reports that their ESPYs appearance in July 2023 was a “hard launch,” insiders told PEOPLE they never labeled themselves official. “They had fun,” the source said. “Alix wanted a summer after graduation. Braxton knew he’d be off to training.” That realism — no pressure, no labels — became their secret weapon. When asked on Call Her Daddy if she had a boyfriend, Earle didn’t dodge. She said, “I mean… yes.” Simple. Confident. No fanfare. Even marriage, a topic that usually sparks engagement rumors, is handled with surprising maturity. When a listener asked if they were planning to get engaged, Earle responded: “I don’t think I would be with someone that I couldn’t see myself marrying — then why are you dating?” That’s not a proposal announcement. It’s a statement of standards. She’s not rushing. He’s not pressuring. And that’s why, despite the miles and the madness, their relationship feels more solid than most.
What’s Next? The 2026 NFL Season and Beyond
Berrios’ contract with the Texans expires after the 2025-26 season. That means early 2026 could be a turning point. Will he re-sign in Houston? Will he test free agency? Could he return to Florida? Earle’s DWTS run ends in November 2025, and she’s hinted at expanding her podcast and brand — possibly relocating. Their next chapter isn’t written yet. But what’s clear is this: they’re not just surviving distance. They’re thriving because they never pretended love was easy. It’s messy. It’s inconvenient. It requires patience. And for them, that’s enough.Frequently Asked Questions
How have Alix Earle and Braxton Berrios managed to stay together despite the distance?
They’ve prioritized trust over constant communication. Earle has said she doesn’t interrogate Berrios about his whereabouts, and he respects her demanding DWTS schedule. Their bond is built on mutual respect, not control. Regular check-ins, shared social media moments, and attending each other’s high-profile events — like the Super Bowl pregame — keep the connection alive without needing to be physically together every day.
Did Braxton Berrios cheat on Sophia Culpo to start dating Alix Earle?
Berrios denied the cheating allegations outright in a 2023 Instagram post, stating his relationship with Culpo ended because they “just weren’t working out.” He emphasized no third party was involved. Earle has never commented on the specifics of their prior relationship, focusing instead on the present. The timeline suggests their connection began after Berrios and Culpo had already separated, though the overlap fueled media speculation.
Why didn’t Alix Earle and Braxton Berrios make their relationship official earlier?
According to insiders, both were upfront about wanting to keep things casual at first. Earle had just graduated and wanted a summer of freedom; Berrios knew his NFL schedule would pull him away. They avoided labels to prevent pressure. Their ESPYs appearance wasn’t meant as a public debut — just two friends attending an event together. Over time, the relationship deepened naturally, without needing a formal announcement.
Is marriage in the cards for Alix Earle and Braxton Berrios?
They’re not engaged as of November 2025, but Earle has indicated marriage is a non-negotiable long-term goal. On her podcast, she said, “I don’t think I would be with someone that I couldn’t see myself marrying — then why are you dating?” That’s not a proposal, but it’s a clear signal she views Berrios as a future husband. The timing depends on their careers — and whether they can align their lives post-2026.
How does Braxton Berrios support Alix Earle’s career on Dancing With the Stars?
Berrios has been quietly vocal in his support. He posts screenshots of DWTS voting links on his social media, shares fan messages, and attends live shows when his schedule allows. He doesn’t make grand gestures — no public speeches or viral videos. But his consistent, low-key encouragement speaks louder than any headline. For Earle, that quiet reliability is more meaningful than any social media post.
What happens after Berrios’ 2025-26 NFL contract ends?
His contract expires in early 2026, making free agency the next big variable. If he returns to Miami or signs with a team near Los Angeles, their long-distance phase could end. If he stays in Houston or moves elsewhere, they’ll need to decide whether to maintain the arrangement or make a more permanent relocation. Earle’s growing media brand may also influence the decision — she’s likely to prioritize locations with better production opportunities, which could mean staying on the coasts.
Caspian Nettleton
Hi, I'm Caspian Nettleton, a political expert with a passion for analyzing and writing about media. With years of experience in both fields, I've developed a deep understanding of the complex relationship between politics and the media landscape. I enjoy dissecting political campaigns, analyzing media bias, and exploring the impact of emerging technologies on the political arena. Writing about these topics allows me to share my insights and contribute to the ongoing conversation about the role of media in shaping public opinion and political outcomes.