Braxton Berrios Addresses Absence from Alix Earle’s DWTS Performances

Braxton Berrios, the Houston Texans wide receiver, has publicly defended his absence from Alix Earle’s performances on *Dancing With the Stars*, attributing it to his NFL commitments. Fans expressed disappointment over his lack of support during Earle’s journey on the show, particularly as she competed in season 34.

On December 11, 2023, Berrios took to Instagram to address the situation. He shared a lighthearted post with several photos of himself, captioning it, “What did I miss?” This prompted a flurry of comments, with one user noting, “Every single performance of Alix’s.” Berrios responded to the criticism, stating, “I would’ve been at every one if I could’ve, sadly I can’t travel like that in season.” His remarks highlight the challenges athletes face in balancing personal relationships with professional obligations.

Earle, who is 24, and her dance partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, ultimately finished as runners-up on the reality competition, losing to Robert Irwin and his partner, Witney Carson, during the finale on November 25. In a prerecorded video message, Berrios acknowledged Earle’s hard work, 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.”

Their relationship, which lasted two years, reportedly ended on amicable terms. Sources confirmed to *Us Weekly* on December 6 that the couple mutually agreed to separate, primarily due to the difficulties of maintaining a long-distance romance. An insider revealed, “Majority of their relationship was long-distance and it was hard for them to navigate.”

Initially linked in May 2023, Earle had denied dating Berrios until she later confirmed their relationship in November 2023. She celebrated their connection on Instagram, writing, “To the person who taught me to love wholeheartedly… I have truly found my other half! I love you.” Earlier this year, she mentioned their discussions about the future, emphasizing their focus on careers while enjoying their present moments together.

Earle recounted the story of their first meeting during a Great Gatsby-themed party in February 2023. She approached Berrios with confidence, stating, “You wanted to meet me,” which left him initially surprised. This encounter was the beginning of a relationship that many followers had come to admire.

Despite the end of their romance, both Berrios and Earle have expressed support for each other’s careers. As Berrios continues his NFL season, Earle remains focused on her performance in the entertainment industry. While fans may have their thoughts on the relationship’s conclusion, the pair’s mutual respect and understanding seem evident as they navigate their separate paths.