Updated: March 9, 2026
Cincinnati Bengals superstar Joe Burrow has always kept his personal life pretty low-key, but his long-term relationship with Olivia Holzmacher grabbed headlines for years. As one of the NFL’s most eligible bachelors (and now apparently single again), fans can’t help but wonder about his past flames—especially his college sweetheart who was by his side through the rise to fame.
If you’re searching for “Joe Burrow ex girlfriend,” you’re likely landing here because of the buzz around their breakup and what came after. Let’s dive into the details of who Olivia Holzmacher is, how their romance unfolded, why it ended, and where things stand today. It’s a classic tale of college love meeting the bright lights of the NFL.
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Who Is Olivia Holzmacher? Meet Joe Burrow’s Longtime Ex
Olivia Holzmacher isn’t just known as “Joe Burrow’s ex-girlfriend”—she’s carved out her own path. A Nashville-based influencer and data analyst (she worked at Kroger for a while), Olivia met Joe back in 2017 at Ohio State University. They started dating around August that year, right before Joe transferred to LSU and exploded onto the national scene with a national championship win.
She was the grounded, supportive partner during his college days and early NFL career. Olivia often stayed out of the spotlight, but she appeared at games and events, earning fans who loved her down-to-earth vibe. She’s got a solid Instagram presence where she shares lifestyle content, travel, and personal updates—though she’s kept things private post-breakup.
- Key facts about Olivia Holzmacher:
- Age: Around 28 (born circa 1997-1998)
- Profession: Influencer, former data analyst
- Hometown/Current: Nashville, Tennessee
- Known for: Being Joe Burrow’s college sweetheart for nearly 7-8 years
She’s often described as “wifey material” by fans—real, relatable, and low-drama compared to the flashier world of NFL WAGs.
The Timeline of Joe Burrow and Olivia Holzmacher’s Relationship
Their story started innocently in college classrooms and grew into something serious. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- 2017: Met at Ohio State; began dating publicly.
- 2018-2019: Joe transfers to LSU; Olivia supports from afar as he wins the Heisman and national title.
- 2020 onward: Joe gets drafted #1 by the Bengals; they continue long-distance vibes at times but stay strong.
- Rumors of engagement: In 2023-2024, whispers (even from ex-NFL players like Pacman Jones) suggested they were engaged, but nothing was ever confirmed.
- Last public sightings together: Early 2024 photos, but no joint appearances after that.
They were together for about 7 years—a solid run in the high-pressure NFL world.
The Breakup: What Really Happened in Late 2024?
The split rumors exploded in December 2024 when Burrow’s Ohio home was burglarized during a Bengals away game. The person who called police? Not Olivia—but Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Olivia Ponton, who was reportedly at the house.
This sparked massive speculation. Insiders said Joe and Ponton had been “hooking up” for months, implying the relationship with Holzmacher had already ended quietly. Neither Joe nor Olivia confirmed anything publicly at first.
In February 2025, Olivia finally broke her silence with a cryptic Instagram post alluding to big life changes, growth, and finding her “deeper well.” It felt like confirmation without the drama. By then, Joe was linked to Ponton more openly (spotted at events like the F1 Miami Grand Prix and NYC dates in 2025), though recent 2026 rumors suggest even that fizzled, with new mystery women popping up.
No messy public fights—just a quiet fade-out after years together. Fans speculate reasons like career pressures, timing, or simply growing apart, but we’ll likely never get the full story.
Joe Burrow’s Dating History at a Glance
Here’s a simple table summarizing the key details fans always ask about:
| Person | Relationship Period | Background | Status | Notable Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olivia Holzmacher | 2017 – 2024 | College sweetheart, influencer/data analyst | Ex-girlfriend (breakup late 2024) | Longest relationship; low-key support during rise to fame |
| Olivia Ponton | Rumored late 2024 – 2025/2026? | SI Swimsuit model, TikTok star | Rumored ex/current? (status unclear in 2026) | Linked after home burglary incident; spotted at events |
| Others (rumored) | 2025-2026 | Various models/influencers | Speculative | Brief links like Sophie Julia or others; Joe keeps it private |
Wrapping It Up: Moving On in the Spotlight
Joe Burrow’s ex-girlfriend Olivia Holzmacher represents a chapter of genuine, long-haul love in a world full of fleeting headlines. Their split in late 2024 marked the end of an era for Bengals fans who rooted for the couple. Olivia seems to be thriving independently in Nashville, occasionally popping up (like her fun 2025 Titans game appearance in an old crewneck—shade or just coincidence?). Joe, meanwhile, focuses on football while dodging dating rumors left and right.
Relationships in the NFL are tough—spotlight, injuries, travel—and not every story gets the fairy-tale ending. But both seem to be handling it with class. If you’re a fan of Joe Burrow, his ex Olivia Holzmacher will always be part of his origin story: the girl who was there before the millions and the MVP talks.
Who knows what the future holds? For now, Joey B is balling on the field, and Olivia’s writing her next chapter off it. Stay tuned—NFL personal lives never stay quiet for long.