Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow spoke to reporters about a burglary that occurred at his home while he was playing during Monday Night Football.
The break-in, which occurred while he was leading his team to a 27-20 victory over the Cowboys in Dallas has left him feeling violated, both in terms of his personal space and privacy.
“So obviously everybody has heard what has happened,” said Burrow during a press conference on Wednesday.
“I feel like my privacy has been violated in more ways than one, and way more is already out there than I would want out there and that I care to share. So that’s all I got to say about that.”
This is probably the most emotional I’ve seen Joe Burrow. He’s a pretty private guy. That includes quietly providing mental health resources to kids in Ohio and Louisiana. Posting his foundation link and encouraging anyone who can to donate $9. Link: https://t.co/2sKC6QDJSs pic.twitter.com/fmilO11bnx
— Brandon Saho (@BrandonSaho) December 12, 2024
According to reports from law enforcement, police were notified about the burglary by Sports Illustrated model Olivia Ponton, who was present at Burrow’s house at the time.
Ponton, 23, contacted police and also called her mother, who then made a second call to authorities to report the emergency.
“Someone is trying to break into the house right now,” Ponton’s mother said during a 911 call.
Joe Burrow next time someone breaks into his house pic.twitter.com/yTEjhBlYyV
— Cody Crabtree |o| (@crabtree_cody) December 10, 2024
“My daughter is there. This is Joe Burrow’s house. She is staying there. He’s at the football game.”
A police report described Ponton as Burrow’s employee. However, rumors had circulated prior to the event suggesting that the two might have been romantically linked.
The report further detailed that a bedroom window had been broken, and a room showed clear signs of being ransacked by intruders before Ponton arrived at the scene.
Joe burrow looking for who robbed his house pic.twitter.com/pkRWVJXFN9
— alex_91 (@Alex_Cincy91) December 10, 2024
A spokesperson for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office stated that an off-duty special deputy tasked with providing security was present at Burrow’s residence during the incident.
However, by the time police arrived, the suspects had already fled the property, according to the deputy on-site.
Burrow also shared his thoughts on the difficulties of maintaining privacy in his public life as an NFL standout.
Joe Burrow updating his home security after Monday nights burglary attempt pic.twitter.com/FttOL7NRLD
— Shooter McGavin (@ShooterMcGavin_) December 11, 2024
“We live a public life, and one of my least favorite parts of that is the lack of privacy, and that has been difficult for me to deal with in my entire career,” Burrow said.
“Still learning, but I understand it’s the life that we choose, doesn’t make it any any easier to deal with.”
The burglary at Burrows’ home isn’t an isolated event, with other NFL stars also falling victim.
Reports have indicated that Kansas City stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were both targeted. Kelce allegedly lost $20,000 during a robbery.
Teams are being warned that the operation behind these crimes appears organized, with perpetrators reportedly using social media to plan their heists.
Last month, the NFL issued a player memo cautioning them about the realities of an organized crime ring breaking into players’ homes while they are out competing.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa addressed concerns on Wednesday, issuing his own warning to any potential burglars.
🎥 Amidst the recent security concerns around NFL players’ houses, Tua Tagovailoa reveals he has hired personal security
“Just let that be known, they are armed… I hope if you decide to go to my house, you think twice.” (@MiamiDolphins) #GoFins pic.twitter.com/v3wpWfAETH
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) December 11, 2024
The 26-year-old play caller highlighted the security measures he’s taken for the safety of his family while speaking with the press about recent break-ins involving other players.
After previously experiencing a vehicle break-in, the quarterback explained how close the incident hit to home.
“We got personal security to take care of all of that when we’re on the road,” he told reporters.
“We got someone with my wife, got someone also at the house, surveying the house, so just to let that be known, they are armed, so I hope if you decide to go to my house, you think twice.”
Meanwhile, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers had a wild hot take on an unrelated matter, the mysterious drone sightings over New Jersey.
“Do you know what’s been going on in New Jersey lately? And I’m not talking about the football. There’s been some crazy things going on,” Rodgers began during his weekly appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.
Aaron Rodgers will use Steven Greer’s CE5 protocols to try and communicate with the New Jersey drones!
CE5 is a meditation protocol formalized by UFO researcher Steven Greer with the goal of attracting and interacting with UFOs. 🧘🛸#ufotwitter pic.twitter.com/WHoXXr0xF6
— Red Panda Koala (@RedPandaKoala) December 11, 2024
McAfee later shared footage depicting a large, unexplained object hovering over Bedminster, New Jersey, featuring lights flashing in green, blue, and red. Rodgers chimed in, describing it as unusual.
“What the hell is that?” he wondered aloud. He speculated on its connection to the area, where former president Donald Trump owns a golf course and where Jets owner Woody Johnson resides.
Rodgers offered his signature commentary, often laced with conspiracy undertones. “Maybe it’s some kids messing around…maybe not, though,” he hinted.
Adding to the bizarre moment, Rodgers mused about a potential “Friday night 5E experience,” describing it as a meditation circle designed to “call in the aliens,” complete with green lasers.