Joe Burrow became the latest target in a line of several alarming break-ins targeting professional athletes. While Burrow starred in the Cincinnati Bengals’ 27-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night in Week 14, his Anderson Township home was being ransacked.
NFL Fans See Joe Burrow House Break-In as ‘Business’
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the break-in, which occurred as Burrow was away for the game. According to reports, a broken window in a bedroom was discovered, and the room appeared completely trashed.
As reported by WLWT, a 911 call from someone at Burrow’s residence revealed the distress: “Someone broke into my house. It’s like completely messed up.”
There’s no word yet on suspects or whether any valuables were stolen.
#BREAKING While Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was playing Monday Night Football, I have confirmed police were called to his Cincinnati area home for a report of a break-in. A woman called 911 and said…. @wlwt
— Karin Johnson WLWT (@karinjohnson) December 10, 2024
Fans flooded social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) with their reactions, with one user summing up the sentiment: “Sick people out there.”
Sick people out there
— After Review Bets (@AfterReviewBets) December 10, 2024
Another said, “Hope nothing was stolen and no one was hurt.”
“Sad times… opportunist always looking for the next victim,” commented one user.
“Same thing happened to [Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce’s] home. It’s gonna happen…,” tweeted another.
One fan said, “damn bro! this a business now 🤦🏽♂️”
One X user tweeted, “What’s with all the home robberies in sports recently?”
The break-in coincides with a growing concern across professional sports. In November, the NFL warned players about organized crime rings targeting athlete homes during games.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that the series of crimes is believed to be tied to a South American crime syndicate, sharing what a source familiar with the situation told him: “‘It’s legit. It’s a transnational crime ring, and over the last three weeks, they’ve focused on NBA and NFL players, and it’s all over the country.'”
Thieves are exploiting team schedules, public records, and social media to determine when properties are vacant. The burglars focus on stealing cash, jewelry, and high-value items, typically from bedrooms and closets.
READ MORE: Travis Hunter Urges Burglary Victims To Stay Safe
This isn’t the first instance involving high-profile athletes. Kansas City Chiefs stars Mahomes and Kelce faced similar intrusions in October. The NFL’s security bulletin informed that these criminals avoid confrontation, ensuring homes are empty before striking.
Burrow’s case highlights the vulnerability of professional athletes whose schedules are widely publicized. Fans only hope security measures are tightened to protect their favorite stars from such calculated invasions.