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Former Ohio State and University of Cincinnati tight end Joe Royer hasn’t yet played a single snap in the NFL, but the Cleveland Browns rookie is already under the microscope for a unique reason.
Royer, a former four-star recruit according to 247Sports, played three seasons for the Buckeyes before finishing his college career with the Bearcats under tight ends coach Josh Stepp.
Why is Stepp relevant? Well, he took to social media recently to congratulate his daughter, Rilee, for graduating high school. Oddly enough, in the pictures from her graduation ceremony, Stepp was surrounded by her family…as well as Royer.
Cleveland Browns tight end Joe Royer is 24 dating a 18 year old who just graduated high school.
His position coaches daughter. Likely he knew her before she was 18.
Had a high schooler coming to his games in his jersey as a senior 😭😭#Royerfiles pic.twitter.com/uA91eGRL1F
— SmellyDeLaCruz (@BurrowLand) June 1, 2026
Is 24-Year-Old Browns TE Joe Royer Dating 18-Year-Old Rilee Stepp
Now, just because Royer, who is 24, was in a picture at her graduation ceremony does not mean that the two are necessarily in a relationship.
However, a further look into the situation sure seems to implicate as much. Rilee Stepp, who is 18, posted pictures on her social media account wearing Royer’s jersey at a Bearcats’ football game last season.
Additionally, several of her reposts on Instagram are from Royer, with no other Cincy players involved. Although she does not tag Royer in any of the posts.
Again, this doesn’t confirm anything. But it’s certainly a strong implication. And even if a relationship between the two would be entirely legal in the state of Ohio, it would certainly be classed as uncommon.
Stepp has since made all of her social media pages private as well.
We’re certainly not here to pass judgment on either party! But fans on X sure had plenty of thoughts on the situation. Meanwhile, Royer will have plenty of opportunities to make an impact on the field for the Browns this season after Pro Bowl tight end David Njoku signed with the Chargers in free agency.