Joe Burrow, star quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, found himself at the centre of a burglary investigation after his Ohio home was broken into while he was playing in a Monday Night Football game. The incident was reported by Olivia Ponton, a 22-year-old model and social media influencer, whose involvement has raised questions about her connection to Burrow.
Details of the Burglary
Burrow's £5.9 million ($7.5 million) mansion in Anderson Township, Ohio, became the target of thieves on Monday evening. The break-in occurred between 2:30 PM and 8 PM, during which time a first-floor bedroom window was shattered, and the room was ransacked. According to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, Ponton discovered the scene and called her mother, Diane, who subsequently alerted the authorities.
During the emergency call, Diane relayed her daughter's concerns, stating, "She is wondering what she should do, if she should be hiding or if she should go outside." Ponton also spoke to dispatchers, saying, "Someone broke into my house... It's like completely messed up." Deputies canvassed the area, speaking to neighbours and searching for surveillance footage to identify potential suspects. However, Ponton was unable to provide a detailed list of missing items, and the burglars left no fingerprints at the scene.
Ponton reportedly called her mother before contacting the authorities as she felt unsure of how to handle the situation, seeking guidance and reassurance during what was likely a terrifying experience.
Model Discovers Break-In
Ponton, described in police documents as "employed by Mr. Burrow," was at the residence during the break-in. While the exact nature of her employment remains unclear, her involvement has sparked intrigue. Ponton's discovery of the shattered window and disorganised room led to immediate action, but neither she nor Burrow has commented publicly on the incident.
The break-in aligns with a troubling pattern of professional athletes' homes being targeted. In recent months, Kansas City Chiefs players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce had their properties burgled, with losses including jewellery, memorabilia, and other valuables.
Who Is Olivia Ponton?
The incident brought increased attention to Ponton, whose professional accomplishments are noteworthy. Originally from Naples, Florida, Ponton rose to fame during the COVID-19 pandemic, sharing workout videos on social media. Her engaging content quickly garnered a massive following, including 7.6 million TikTok followers and 3 million Instagram followers.
A graduate of Naples High School, Ponton joined the Hype House, a TikTok influencer collective, after moving to Los Angeles. Her modelling career includes collaborations with top brands like Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, Victoria's Secret, Ralph Lauren, and Tory Burch. She was signed by IMG Models and is represented by Digital Brand Architects. In addition to modelling, Ponton has ventured into acting, with a cameo in the film It Ends with Us, according to Cosmopolitan.
Relationship Status and Background
Ponton has kept her personal life relatively private. In a recent interview with Cosmopolitan, she said she is "very happy and content," although her Instagram lacks any images indicating a romantic relationship. Her connection to Burrow, beyond being an employee, remains a mystery.
Growing up near the beach in Naples, Florida, Ponton attributes her upbringing to shaping her travel-oriented lifestyle. "Being so close to something like that is amazing," she told Flaunt. "I'm glad my parents raised me there."
While the burglary unfolded, Burrow was 1,000 miles away in Dallas, leading the Bengals to a 27-20 victory over the Cowboys. Completing 33 of 44 passes for 369 yards and three touchdowns, he remained focused on his game. However, the incident at his home adds an unwanted layer of distraction as the NFL warns players to bolster home security amid a rising trend of burglaries targeting high-profile athletes.
