Braxton Berrios has spoken out regarding his absence from ex-girlfriend Alix Earle’s performances on *Dancing With the Stars*, attributing his decision to NFL commitments. The 30-year-old wide receiver for the Houston Texans faced criticism from fans for not attending the shows as Earle, 24, competed in the popular reality series.
On December 11, Berrios posted a series of photos on Instagram, humorously captioning them, “What did I miss?” This prompted a flurry of comments, including one that pointedly noted, “Every single performance of Alix’s,” highlighting his lack of presence during her time on the show. In response, Berrios clarified that he wished to support Earle but could not due to the demands of his football career. “I would’ve been at every one if I could’ve, sadly I can’t travel like that in season,” he explained.
Earle and her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, finished in second place during the *Dancing With the Stars* season 34 finale, which aired on November 25. Berrios expressed his admiration for Earle’s dedication in a prerecorded video. “I’ve watched you pour everything into this since the moment it has started, and I think it shows,” he said. “Good luck. Have fun, babe.”
The couple’s relationship has garnered attention, especially following their recent breakup, which multiple sources confirmed to *Us Weekly* on December 6. According to insiders, the majority of their two-year romance was characterized by long-distance challenges. “They mutually agreed on the split,” one source noted.
Earle initially kept her relationship with Berrios private, denying they were dating when first linked in May 2023. However, she later confirmed their connection in November 2023, celebrating their first anniversary with an emotional Instagram post. “To the person who taught me to love wholeheartedly… you have become so much more than my best friend and partner,” she wrote, expressing her deep affection for Berrios.
Earlier in the year, Earle had shared her aspirations for the future with Berrios. “We always talk about our future,” she revealed in February. “Right now, we’re so focused on our careers that we live in the moment and don’t rush into anything.” This sentiment highlighted their commitment to balancing personal ambitions with their relationship.
In a podcast appearance in September 2023, Earle recounted the memorable night they first met at a Great Gatsby-themed party. She described how she boldly approached Berrios, indicating their instant connection. “I go right up to him, I shove my hand in his face and I say ‘You.’ He looks at me like I have six heads,” she recalled, emphasizing the playful nature of their initial encounter.
As both individuals navigate their respective careers and personal lives following their split, the public interest in their story continues to grow. Earle has recently shared her struggles post-breakup on TikTok, indicating she is experiencing a challenging time. “I’m really going through it,” she admitted, leaning on friends and focusing on personal growth as she moves forward.
