Braxton Berrios has publicly addressed his decision to miss ex-girlfriend Alix Earle’s performances on *Dancing With the Stars*, attributing his absence to NFL obligations. The Houston Texans wide receiver faced backlash from fans who noted his lack of support for Earle, who competed on the show’s 34th season and ultimately finished in second place.
In a post on Instagram dated December 11, 2023, Berrios, 30, responded to the criticism with a light-hearted tone, sharing a series of photos captioned, “What did I miss?” Fans quickly filled the comments section, with one user remarking, “Every single performance of Alix’s.” This pointed out his notable absence during Earle’s time on the show.
In his defense, Berrios explained his situation, stating, “I would’ve been at every one if I could’ve, sadly I can’t travel like that in season.” His comments highlight the challenges professional athletes face when balancing personal relationships with demanding sports schedules.
Earle, 24, and her dance partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, were outperformed by Robert Irwin and his partner, Witney Carson, during the finale on November 25, 2023. Berrios praised Earle’s dedication in a prerecorded message, saying, “I’ve watched you pour everything into this since the moment it has started, and I think it shows. Good luck. Have fun, babe.”
The couple’s relationship, which lasted for two years, recently ended, as confirmed by multiple sources to *Us Weekly* on December 6, 2023. An insider revealed, “The majority of their relationship was long-distance, and it was hard for them to navigate. They mutually agreed on the split.”
Earle initially denied reports of their relationship after being linked to Berrios in May 2023, but later confirmed it in November 2023. She celebrated their first anniversary with a heartfelt message on Instagram, stating, “To the person who taught me to love wholeheartedly… I feel like I have truly found my other half! I love you.”
Earlier this year, Earle spoke about their future plans, emphasizing their mutual focus on their careers while living in the moment. She told *Us Weekly* in February, “We always talk about our future… I think that’s the cool thing about being with Braxton, is not scared of any type of future.”
The couple’s initial meeting at a Great Gatsby-themed party in February 2023 was recounted by Earle in a September 2023 appearance on the “Hot Mess” podcast. She described approaching Berrios confidently, saying, “You wanted to meet me,” which set the stage for their relationship.
As both Berrios and Earle continue to navigate their respective careers and personal lives, their fans remain invested in their journeys.
