Over the recent weeks of the NFL and NBA seasons, many players have been victims of home invasions. From Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, to Bobby Portis, and even Joe Burrow, athletes are being objected to a lack of privacy. These break-ins have often occurred even when the athletes are on the road or at games.

This raises the questions not only about security, but also a growing disregard for athlete’s privacy, which is a problem fueled by growing social media, constant media coverage, and society’s obsession with celebrity lives.  

The fact that some of these break-ins have occurred during games, shows that the burglars have access to public knowledge. Just by looking at each athlete’s schedule, the robbers had an easier time knowing when the athlete wouldn’t be home. The amount of information of each player that is public needs to be addressed, as there is a line between public knowledge and private lives. 

What’s more concerning is the way these incidents normalize the idea that an athlete’s personal life is a part of their “brand”. Lavish lifestyles are often promoted through social media posts, interviews, or even marketing campaigns. While these portrayals often are used as a tool for connecting with fans, they create a false sense of accessibility. This, combined with the perception that players’ wealth makes them invincible, distorts how the public views their vulnerability in these invasions. 

These break-ins are more than just small invasion of privacy crimes, they bring light to a larger issue that’s being faced in society today: athletes are no longer just admired for their athletic abilities, they’re subjected to being treated as a public object. 

Another contributing factor is the increasing 24/7 media coverage. This paints athletes as constantly in the public eye, leaving little room for privacy. Players are celebrated for their success, but the cost of fame can come too high when their security and safety are jeopardized. 

The lack of privacy doesn’t only just affect players- but their families as well. Seeing loved ones being attacked online or in public is a nightmare for most, but for athletes it’s become a reality. Security measures can be increased, but the growing perspective of fans needs to change before players can be safe. Fans and media both need to address the boundary between appreciation and overexposure. 

Ultimately, fans need to realize that athletes owe us their effort while on the field, not their personal lives. The recent break-ins should come as a wake up call: admiration should never come at the cost of privacy. Fans need to respect the line between public figure and private citizen.