Olivia Ponton Reflects on a 'Hard' October Amid Burrow's Personal Struggles
Olivia Ponton, the social media influencer rumoured to be in a relationship with NFL star Joe Burrow, has publicly described enduring a 'pretty hard month' in October. This revelation comes after the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback himself alluded to significant difficulties in his personal life away from the football field.
Social Media Hints and a Troubled Timeline
During an Instagram Q&A session on Tuesday, Ponton was asked to identify her most difficult month of the year. She responded with a video of a friend, writing: “October was a pretty hard month for me but thankfully I got this girl next to me.” She did not provide further specifics, but the timing is notable.
In December, following a loss to the Buffalo Bills, a visibly downbeat Joe Burrow hinted at wider troubles. When a reporter asked if he had something on his mind, Burrow stated, 'There’s a lot of things going on right now.' Pressed on whether this referred to football or his personal life, he replied simply: 'All the above.'
A Season of Setbacks and a Relationship in the Spotlight
Burrow's challenging year extended onto the pitch. After high pre-season hopes, his campaign was disrupted by a Week 2 injury that required toe surgery. His return saw the Bengals fighting an uphill battle for playoff contention, a fight they ultimately lost. 'I think I’ve been through more than most, and it’s certainly not easy on the brain or the body,' Burrow reflected in December.
The speculation around his relationship with Ponton intensified last December when there was a break-in at Burrow's mansion while he was playing in Dallas. It was reported that Ponton was in the home at the time and placed the call to police. Prior to this, Burrow was believed to be engaged to longtime girlfriend Olivia Holzmacher, but the pair have not appeared on each other's social media since January 2024.
Burrow is set to play the Bengals' final game of the season against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. After that, attention will turn to the off-season and preparations for the 2026 campaign.
