Brief Introduction of Braxton Berrios
Braxton Berrios is a dynamic American football player, excelling as both a wide receiver and a return specialist in the National Football League (NFL). He is widely recognized for his agility, speed, and versatility on the field, which have made him a valuable asset to every team he has played for. Berrios first garnered national attention during his standout college career with the Miami Hurricanes, where he was not only a key player but also a remarkable student, graduating as the valedictorian of the business school. His professional journey in the NFL has seen him play for several teams, including the New England Patriots, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, and most recently, the Houston Texans. A Super Bowl champion with the Patriots and a First-Team All-Pro selection as a kick returner in 2021, Berrios has consistently demonstrated his playmaking abilities. Off the field, he has gained significant media attention for his relationship with social media influencer Alix Earle.
Braxton Berrios Overview
| Full Name | Braxton Berrios |
| Date of Birth | October 6, 1995 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 30 |
| Birthplace | Raleigh, North Carolina |
| Profession | Professional Football Player (Wide Receiver and Return Specialist) |
| Husband/Wife | Not married |
| Family | Father: Rico Berrios, Mother: Lee Smothers, Brother: Austin Berrios, Half-brothers: Jackson, Carson, and Brooks. |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Alix Earle |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be around $7 million. |
Early Life and Education of Braxton Berrios
Braxton Berrios was born on October 6, 1995, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to Rico Berrios and Lee Smothers. His father, Rico, was a former soccer player, and his mother, Lee, played softball at Campbell University, instilling in him a love for sports from a young age. His parents divorced when he was young, and both have since remarried. He has an older brother named Austin and three younger half-siblings. Berrios attended Leesville Road High School in Raleigh, where he was a star athlete, showcasing his versatility by playing both quarterback and wide receiver. His talent on the football field was evident early on, and he became a highly sought-after recruit. Demonstrating a strong will to achieve his goals, one of his teenage ambitions was to win the Nike SPARQ competition to secure a spot at The Opening, an elite prospect camp, a feat he accomplished in 2013 with an impressive 20-yard shuttle time. Berrios was also an exceptional student, maintaining excellent grades throughout his high school years. He ultimately committed to the University of Miami, fulfilling a childhood dream of playing for the Hurricanes, a team he grew up idolizing.
At the University of Miami, Berrios continued to excel both academically and athletically. He pursued a double major in entrepreneurship and finance. His dedication to his studies was as strong as his commitment to football, and he was a consistent member of the Dean’s List. In a remarkable academic achievement, he graduated as the valedictorian of the University of Miami’s School of Business Administration with a near-perfect GPA of 3.96. His only blemish was a single B+ in an investments and security markets class, which was the result of a group project. His academic prowess earned him the prestigious Jim Tatum Award as the ACC’s top senior student-athlete.
Braxton Berrios’s Career
Braxton Berrios’s football career is a testament to his perseverance and multifaceted talent. After a successful collegiate career at the University of Miami, where in his senior year he led the team in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, he was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Although he was placed on injured reserve for his entire rookie season, he was part of the team that won Super Bowl LIII, earning him a championship ring. The following year, Berrios was waived by the Patriots and subsequently claimed by the New York Jets.
It was with the Jets that Berrios truly began to carve out his niche in the NFL. Over four seasons in New York, he became a key contributor on special teams and a reliable option in the receiving corps. His breakout season came in 2021, when he was named a First-Team All-Pro as a kick returner after leading the league with an average of 30.4 yards per return. That season, he also recorded a 102-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars, earning him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. In addition to his return duties, he also proved to be a versatile offensive weapon, catching 46 passes for 431 yards and two touchdowns, and also rushing for two scores. His impressive performance earned him a two-year, $12 million contract extension with the Jets in 2022.
In March 2023, Berrios was released by the Jets and signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins, marking a return to the city where he played his college football. He continued to be a valuable asset as a return specialist and depth receiver for the Dolphins. After a successful season in Miami, he re-signed with the team in March 2024. However, his 2024 season was cut short by a torn ACL in October. In a move that signaled a new chapter in his career, Berrios signed with the Houston Texans in March 2025.
Braxton Berrios Personal Life & Family
Braxton Berrios comes from a supportive and athletic family. His father, Rico Berrios, is of Puerto Rican descent through his own father, and was a former soccer player. His mother, Lee Smothers, played softball in college. Although his parents divorced in 2002, they both have remained influential figures in his life. He has an older brother, Austin, and three younger half-brothers from his father’s second marriage.
In his personal life, Braxton Berrios has been in the public eye for his relationships. He previously dated Sophia Culpo, the sister of Olivia Culpo, from early 2021 to 2023. Since 2023, he has been in a high-profile relationship with social media personality and influencer Alix Earle. The couple’s relationship is often a topic of discussion on social media and in the news. Berrios has made appearances on Earle’s podcast, “Hot Mess,” where they have discussed their relationship and the importance of prioritizing each other. Despite his Puerto Rican heritage, Berrios has mentioned that he speaks very little Spanish, as it was not a language spoken in his household growing up.
Awards and Achievements of Braxton Berrios
- Super Bowl Champion (LIII) with the New England Patriots.
- First-Team All-Pro (2021) as a kick returner.
- AFC Special Teams Player of the Week (Week 16, 2021).
- Third-Team All-ACC (2017) at the University of Miami.
- Jim Tatum Award (2017) recipient as the ACC’s top senior student-athlete.
- NFF National Scholar-Athlete (2017).
- CoSIDA Academic All-American (2017).
Braxton Berrios Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Braxton Berrios’s net worth is estimated to be around $7 million. His primary sources of income are his NFL contracts and any potential endorsement deals. Throughout his career, Berrios has signed several contracts with different teams. His rookie contract with the New England Patriots was followed by a more lucrative two-year, $12 million deal with the New York Jets in 2022, which included a significant signing bonus and guaranteed money. After his time with the Jets, he signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins and subsequently with the Houston Texans. His career earnings from his NFL salaries have been substantial, contributing significantly to his overall net worth. While not widely publicized, it is likely that his status as a professional athlete also opens doors for various endorsement and sponsorship opportunities.
Legacy and Influence
Braxton Berrios has built a legacy as a resilient and versatile player who has maximized his talents at every stage of his career. Despite being a late-round draft pick, he has established himself as one of the premier return specialists in the NFL, a fact solidified by his First-Team All-Pro selection in 2021. His ability to impact the game on special teams and contribute offensively makes him a valuable player. Off the field, his academic achievements at the University of Miami, particularly graduating as valedictorian of the business school, serve as an inspiration and challenge the stereotypes often associated with student-athletes. He has demonstrated that it is possible to achieve excellence in both academics and athletics at the highest level. His work ethic and dedication are frequently praised by coaches and teammates, highlighting his positive influence within the locker room.
Interesting Facts about Braxton Berrios
- He was the valedictorian of the University of Miami’s School of Business Administration in 2017.
- His jersey number, 8, was retired by his alma mater, Leesville Road High School.
- He is of Puerto Rican descent through his paternal grandfather.
- Growing up, his favorite football players were Ray Lewis and Devin Hester, both of whom are University of Miami alumni.
- He won the Nike SPARQ national championship in high school, recording the fastest 20-yard shuttle time.
- As a trick play specialist, he threw a two-yard touchdown pass to quarterback Zach Wilson in a 2022 game, making Wilson the first Jets quarterback to record a receiving touchdown.
Controversies
Information not publicly available.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram (@braxtonberrios) – Over 400,000 followers.
- Twitter – Information not disclosed.
- YouTube – Information not disclosed.
Final Words about Braxton Berrios
Braxton Berrios’s journey is a compelling narrative of a player who has consistently defied expectations. From a late-round draft pick to a Super Bowl champion and an All-Pro returner, his career is a testament to his hard work and versatility. His intelligence, both on and off the field, sets him apart. As he embarks on the next chapter of his career with the Houston Texans, he will undoubtedly continue to be a dynamic playmaker and a respected teammate. Beyond the gridiron, his academic accomplishments and his growing public profile ensure that his influence will extend far beyond the football field. Braxton Berrios’s story is one of determination, intellect, and athletic prowess, and it is a story that is still being written.
