Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Joe Royer has become the focus of attention for negative reasons. The fifth-round draft pick has faced criticism after reports and social media posts revealed details about his personal life. Royer is reportedly dating the daughter of Josh Stepp, Royer's former tight ends coach with the Cincinnati Bearcats.
Joe Royer's viral dating rumors have sparked heated discussions among fans.
February 26, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Cincinnati tight end Joe Royer (TE22) speaks to the media during the NFL draft combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Photo: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
NFL fans are mocking Cleveland Browns rookie Joe Royer for his alleged relationship with 18-year-old Riley Stepp, who is also the daughter of his former position coach.
One fan wrote: "Dude, he put it on in a red shirt.".
Another user wrote: "Trending: Two adults dating **below**. Complete speculation for the purpose of slander.".
One Twitter user wrote: "The family doesn't mind, so why should we care?"«
«"I don't understand why I keep seeing this. Who cares? Real pedophiles exist. This is stupid," wrote one Twitter user.
Another fan wrote: "This guy was a senior in college and he was dating a high school girl. Horrible.".
«"This age gap has been around for centuries," another user commented.
Royer, a tight end from Cincinnati, Ohio, began his collegiate career at Ohio State University before transferring. After missing his freshman year in 2020, he saw limited action with the Buckeyes. He enjoyed significant success with the Bearcats in 2024, setting a program record for most receptions among tight ends: 50 receptions for 521 yards and three touchdowns, earning him a First-Team All-Big 12 selection.
Read also: "We didn't expect this": Browns general manager Andrew Berry addressed rumors about a possible trade of Myles Garrett.
Read also: 'I'd be shocked if he wasn't traded': JJ McCarthy gets bad prognosis after Kyler Murray's terrible statement.
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The article "Brough Missed Her Game": Cleveland Browns' Joe Royer Ridiculed for Dating Position Coach's 18-Year-Old Daughter" first appeared on Gridiron Heroics.