There's a trend occurring throughout professional sports and it's happening outside of the area of play. Both NFL and NBA players have been victims of house burglaries while they're on the road.
The most recent incident was Monday night, Dec. 9. While the Cincinnati Bengals were in Texas for their primetime game against the Dallas Cowboys, Joe Burrow's home was broken into. In October, both Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were targeted while they were away playing against the New Orleans Saints.
This crime wave dates back to September. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr. returned home after a Vikings game and noticed jewelry was missing. Then on Nov. 2, Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis had his home broken into.
(Photo: Sven Hoppe, Getty)
Noticing a trend, the NBA was quick to release a memo to all its players in November. Passing down information from the FBI, the league recommended that players install alarm systems with cameras, lock up valuables in safes, remove any online real estate footprint and "utilize protective guard services."
With safety becoming a major concern to athletes' homes and families, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa addressed the crime wave and issued a warning.
? Amidst the recent security concerns around NFL players’ houses, Tua Tagovailoa reveals he has hired personal security
“Just let that be known, they are armed… I hope if you decide to go to my house, you think twice.” (@MiamiDolphins) #GoFins pic.twitter.com/v3wpWfAETH
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) December 11, 2024
"I have personal security…My house had gotten broken into – not necessarily my house but one of my cars. And so, it's a little too close for my comfort with my family being in the house," Tagovailoa shared.
The Dolphins QB added that he has security at the house when he and his family are away and that there is also security when his wife is at the house.
"Just to let that be known, they are armed. So I hope if you decide to go to my house, you think twice."