Braxton Berrios recently addressed criticism for missing his ex-girlfriend Alix Earle’s performances on *Dancing With the Stars*. Fans expressed their disappointment after Berrios, a wide receiver for the Houston Texans, failed to attend several episodes of the popular show during its 34th season. The couple had reportedly split shortly before the performances began, adding to the scrutiny surrounding his absence.
In an Instagram post on December 11, 2023, Berrios shared a light-hearted comment alongside a series of personal photos, asking, “What did I miss?” This prompted a swift response from fans, with one commenter noting, “Every single performance of Alix’s.” Berrios clarified his situation, stating that his NFL commitments prevented him from attending. “I would’ve been at every one if I could’ve, sadly I can’t travel like that in season,” he explained.
Alix Earle, 24, and her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, ultimately finished in second place on *Dancing With the Stars*, losing to Robert Irwin and Witney Carson during the finale on November 25, 2023. Berrios, despite his absence, expressed support for Earle in a prerecorded video 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 faced challenges due to the long-distance nature of their romance, which lasted over two years. On December 6, 2023, multiple sources, including *Us Weekly*, confirmed their split. An insider mentioned, “Majority of their relationship was long-distance and it was hard for them to navigate. They mutually agreed on the split.”
Earle and Berrios first became publicly linked in May 2023, although Earle initially denied they were dating. By November of the same year, she confirmed their relationship, celebrating their first anniversary with a heartfelt Instagram post. “To the person who taught me to love wholeheartedly… happy 1 year ❣️ You have become so much more than my best friend and partner,” she wrote.
Earlier this year, Earle indicated that the couple had been discussing their future together, emphasizing their focus on careers while enjoying their present. “We always talk about our future,” she noted in February. “Right now, we’re so focused on our careers that we live in the moment and don’t rush into anything.”
In a candid moment during a September 2023 podcast appearance, Earle recounted how she and Berrios first met at a Great Gatsby-themed party in February. “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 shared, describing the playful nature of their initial encounter.
As both Berrios and Earle navigate their respective careers and personal lives following their recent separation, the public remains intrigued by their journey and the impact of their relationship.
