Viral Chargers fan insists she's a true fan, asks team to spread the word
We Americans love a good conspiracy theory, the more senseless, the more shareable. But we’re here to tell you that the animated Chargers fan from Monday Night Football isn’t a paid actor.
She truly loves her team. All that delirious, kinetic anxiety she showed on every Justin Herbert pass was very much real. She lived and died on all the calls of the Cowboys, 20-17 win over the Chargers at SoFi Stadium. The ABC/ESPN cameras showed her close up at least three times, leaving social media at a loss. Were we supposed to know her? Was she famous? Then those at home started pondering if the woman was a paid actor for the Chargers. After all, SoFi Stadium was packed with very loud Cowboys fans living in SoCal. The local team needed someone, anyone, to represent.
Then the Chargers fan went viral. She seemed almost too perfect. Turns out, everyone was getting it so wrong.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network shared video of the Chargers fan. And he added: “Sorry, conspiracy theorists: The #Chargers fan who went viral Monday night and her husband are season ticket holders who rent cabana suites every season for multiple games, I’m told. They’re true diehard fans — not actors — and wanted to get the word out.”
Chargers added photo of fan to their X profile
ProFootballTalk identified the Chargers fan as Merianne Do. She was at the game with her husband, Tuan Pham. The two are avid fans. And they asked the Chargers director of premium seating to release their names and let people know they’re very real fans.
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The Chargers social media team embraced the viral moment, even if their team didn’t win. As of Tuesday morning, Do is now part of the profile photo on X.
The whole evening had a big-game feel. The Cowboys were trying to bounce back from a 42-10 thumping at the hands of the 49ers. And the Chargers needed a victory to get them above .500 after a bye week.
LA tied the game at 17 with about 7 minutes remaining. And the Chargers fan went crazy as Herbert tossed a touchdown pass to Gerald Everett. Then Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey broke the tie with a 39-yard field goal.
LA had one final try to at least send the game into overtime. But Micah Parsons sacked Herbert. And Stephon Gilmore intercepted Herbert in the final moments. At least the Chargers have a very recognizable fan now.