Braxton Berrios, the Houston Texans wide receiver, has defended his absence from ex-girlfriend Alix Earle’s performances on *Dancing With the Stars*. His comments come as fans expressed disappointment over his lack of attendance during the show’s recent season, where Earle finished in second place.
On December 11, 2023, Berrios took to Instagram to address the backlash. He shared a series of photos with the caption, “What did I miss?” This prompted fans to respond, with one follower highlighting his absence from the audience: “Every single performance of Alix’s.”
Berrios, 30, responded to the criticism by emphasizing his NFL commitments. “I would’ve been at every one if I could’ve, sadly I can’t travel like that in season,” he wrote. His remarks reflect the challenges professional athletes face when balancing personal relationships and demanding schedules.
Earle, 24, performed alongside her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, throughout the competition. They ultimately lost to Robert Irwin and Witney Carson in the finale that aired on November 25. In a pre-recorded message during the show, Berrios acknowledged Earle’s dedication, stating, “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 split came after two years of dating, a decision confirmed by multiple sources to *Us Weekly* on December 6. An insider noted the difficulties they faced due to the long-distance nature of their relationship, stating, “Majority of their relationship was long-distance and it was hard for them to navigate. They mutually agreed on the split.”
Earle and Berrios were first linked in May 2023. Initially, Earle denied the rumors, but she later confirmed their relationship in November. In a heartfelt Instagram post celebrating their one-year anniversary, she expressed her feelings, saying, “To the person who taught me to love wholeheartedly… I didn’t know I was capable of this type of love and I feel like I have truly found my other half!”
Earlier this year, Earle discussed their future plans, indicating they were focused on their careers while enjoying their time together. “We always talk about our future,” she shared in February. “Right now, we’re so focused on our careers that we live in the moment and don’t rush into anything.”
Reflecting on their first meeting, Earle described a memorable encounter at a Great Gatsby-themed party in February 2023, where she boldly approached Berrios. “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, showcasing the playful dynamic that characterized their relationship.
As both Berrios and Earle move forward, their individual commitments and experiences highlight the complexities of maintaining personal relationships in the spotlight.
