In a world where celebrity, fashion, and sport increasingly intertwine, few stories are as compelling as Alix Earle’s. Once a rising social media sensation, Earle’s journey has catapulted her into the limelight as both a two-time SI Swimsuit model and the newest NFL WAG (Wives and Girlfriends) on the Houston Texans scene. Her romance with wide receiver Braxton Berrios and her groundbreaking SI Swimsuit digital cover have made her a name to watch—not just for her style but for her influence at the intersection of pop culture and sport. As the Texans prepare for their first home game of the regular season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the spotlight shines brightly on Earle, whose transitions reflect the zeitgeist of modern celebrity. This is not merely a profile—it’s a window into how Earle’s multifaceted brand is redefining the narrative for athletes’ partners and style icons alike.
From TikTok Stardom to SI Swimsuit Sensation
Alix Earle, just 24 and hailing from New Jersey, has rewritten what it means to ascend the ranks of digital stardom. Before her romance with NFL wide receiver Braxton Berrios made headlines, Earle had already established herself as a force in the world of social media. Her massive following on TikTok—built through candid vlogs and authentic storytelling—set the stage for a career that transcended platforms.
In June 2024, Earle’s journey took a historic turn. She became the inaugural digital cover star for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, marking a new era for the iconic brand. The significance of this debut cannot be overstated: SI Swimsuit, a cornerstone of American pop culture, chose Earle not only for her visual appeal, but for her cultural relevance and digital prowess. The photo shoot, set in the vibrant backdrop of Miami, was a milestone, but also a test of discretion—Earle had to keep the opportunity under wraps for two months, a feat she admitted was “so difficult” in her own words. This blend of anticipation and secrecy only heightened the impact of her reveal.
A Love Story in the Limelight: Alix Earle and Braxton Berrios
Earle’s ascent in the fashion world dovetailed with a high-profile romance. In 2023, she and Braxton Berrios made their relationship official—a union that immediately garnered attention from fans and media alike. At the time, Berrios was making plays for the Miami Dolphins, and Earle, living in Florida, was a regular fixture of support both online and in the stands.
Their relationship, characterized by mutual ambition and visibility, exemplifies the evolving role of NFL WAGs. Gone are the days when partners of athletes were relegated to the periphery. Today, figures like Earle are redefining what it means to be present—and influential—in the public eye. Her advocacy for Berrios, paired with her own career milestones, creates a dynamic narrative that resonates with audiences craving authenticity and aspiration.
Houston Texans: A New Home and a Fresh Spotlight
The 2024 NFL season ushered in major changes. Braxton Berrios signed a one-year contract with the Houston Texans, relocating the couple from the sun-soaked streets of Miami to the bustling energy of Houston. This move, ahead of the Texans’ first home game of the regular season on Monday, September 15, signals not just a change in geography, but a new phase of visibility for Earle.
Her presence in Houston—cheering from the stands, engaging with fans, and continuing her social media dominance—positions her as a central figure in the city’s cultural fabric. The Texans, a team on the cusp of a new chapter, now have Earle in their orbit: a style star whose influence extends far beyond the field. The timing is apt; as the NFL seeks to broaden its appeal, Earle’s ability to connect with younger, digitally savvy audiences is a strategic asset.
The SI Swimsuit Debut: Breaking New Ground
Earle’s SI Swimsuit debut is more than a personal achievement—it’s a harbinger for the future of fashion media. As the brand’s first-ever digital cover star, she embodies the shift towards inclusivity, immediacy, and multi-platform storytelling. Her candid vlog about the photo shoot in Miami offered fans a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse, revealing both the glamour and the grit required to land such an opportunity.
The decision to keep the cover under wraps for two months added a layer of suspense. Earle’s admission that maintaining the secret was a challenge only humanized her further, enhancing her relatability in an era where authenticity is currency. Her journey from New Jersey to Miami, and now to Houston, mirrors the path of a modern-day fashion and sports influencer—mobile, adaptable, and perpetually engaging.
Why Alix Earle’s Influence Matters
Earle’s story is emblematic of larger trends in culture and media:
- Integration of social media and legacy brands: Her TikTok fame paved the way for her SI Swimsuit debut, demonstrating the power of digital-first celebrities to revitalize heritage media.
- Redefining the WAG narrative: Earle’s involvement in Berrios’s career and her own achievements position her as a role model for women seeking agency and multidimensionality.
- Geographic and cultural mobility: From New Jersey to Miami to Houston, Earle’s adaptability reflects the increasingly nomadic nature of modern celebrity, following opportunities and reshaping local culture as she goes.
Her journey is not just about personal milestones—it’s about the shifting landscape of fame, influence, and visibility. Earle’s ability to connect with diverse audiences, from sports fans to fashion enthusiasts, makes her a bellwether for the future of celebrity partnerships.
Looking Forward: The Future of Sports, Style, and Social Influence
Alix Earle’s trajectory offers a blueprint for aspiring influencers and athletes’ partners alike. As she navigates the spotlight in Houston, her presence will likely shape not just the Texans’ fan culture, but also broader conversations around women’s roles in sports, fashion, and media. Her SI Swimsuit cover heralds a new age of digital-first representation, while her relationship with Berrios exemplifies the power of partnership in the public eye.
The coming months will be telling. As Earle continues to balance personal ambition with supportive partnership, her moves will be watched—and emulated—by a generation eager to define itself through authenticity, adaptability, and influence. Whether on the cover of SI Swimsuit or on the sidelines of an NFL game, Earle’s narrative is a testament to the enduring allure of those who can seamlessly blend style, substance, and star power.
Conclusion: Alix Earle, On the Radar and Beyond
As the Houston Texans take the field for their first home game, Alix Earle stands at the nexus of sports, style, and digital influence. Her journey from New Jersey to Miami to Houston, from TikTok fame to SI Swimsuit history, is a reflection of the evolving nature of celebrity in 2024. Those who underestimated her relevance are now witnessing the rise of a new kind of icon—one whose impact will resonate well beyond the football season. Watch closely: Earle is setting the pace for what’s next in sports, fashion, and the art of staying unmistakably on the radar.
