NJCS 08: Philly's #1 Fan: Going Viral and Creating Content All for the Love of the Game
Philly's #1 Fan: Going Viral and Doing It All for the Love of the Game
From rowdy tailgates to viral street interviews, the Philly Sports Guy has become one of the loudest and proudest voices in Philadelphia sports culture. In this energy-packed two-part episode, John and Steven sit down with the man behind the painted face to talk rivalries, rituals, and why his booming passion resonates far beyond the stadium.
You’ll hear how dressing up for one Eagles game snowballed into a full-blown persona, the behind-the-scenes grind of keeping that energy alive week after week, and what it’s really like to go toe to toe with rival fans on camera. Along the way, he opens up about the highs of going viral, the lows of dealing with critics, and the deeper sense of community that fuels his love for Philly.
Expect laughs, wild stories from the stands, and an unfiltered look at what it means to live and breathe your city’s sports 24/7, win or lose.
Listen Now:
Watch Now: First Half
Watch Now: Second Half
The Philly Sports Guy - The Origin & Breakthroughs - Part 1 Video
Key Topics Covered: First Half
- 00:00:00 — Intro – teaser sizzle reel on who the Philly Sports Guy is
- 00:04:51 — Family at the Spectrum (childhood roots)
- 00:11:20 — Nostalgic/fan memory
- 00:16:20 — Starting chimney & masonry company
- 00:18:57 — Rapid-fire jobs list (Sizzler, etc.)
- 00:19:37 — Ticketmaster line hustle
- 00:23:19 — Production studio enters; persona begins to form
- 00:31:37 — Shoulder pads & football pants — first full costume
- 00:32:58 — Viral cheer; Barstool’s “most sophisticated man in Philadelphia”
- 00:33:40 — The ‘elbow’ clip goes ultra-viral
- 00:37:36 — Securing the ‘Philly Sports Guy’ name/handles
- 00:41:07 — Decision to go full-time (2019)
- 00:41:13 — Mom’s hospital moment & motivation
- 00:44:33 — Influences: becoming a student of Gary Vee
The Philly Sports Guy - Strategy, Systems & Monetization - Part 2 Video
Key Topics Covered: Second Half
- 00:00:00 — Cold open: Recap on where we left off from Part 1 (on the NJCS Business Channel): going full-time → COVID → testing show ideas
- 00:00:45 — Show concept: Philly Fan Caves (man-cave series)
- 00:06:41 — What COVID taught me (back to marketing roots)
- 00:07:56 — Marketing rule: never assume; always introduce yourself
- 00:09:22 — Signature sign-off: “Go Birds” (ending cadence)
- 00:12:38 — Three rules of the Philly Sports Guy (“I don’t sit… I don’t shut up…”)
- 00:19:27 — Terabytes of footage; needs a team
- 00:20:43 — Viral on a mistake + mea culpa; stitched on TikTok
- 00:31:45 — Stadium Wi-Fi throttling & in-moment posting
- 00:33:43 — One-take posting rule
- 00:36:03 — Security run-ins become content
- 00:38:32 — Has an agent; brand deals pipeline (picked up ~2 years ago)
- 00:43:49 — Monetization: Instagram pays best; TikTok policy hurts
- 00:46:52 — “Most photographed person” story
- 00:53:26 — Fan trips with sponsors (away games)
Big laughs, wild fan stories, and a behind the scenes look at how one man’s passion turned into a city-wide phenomenon. This episode is a must listen for die hard sports fans, content creators, and anyone who knows what it means to bleed green.
About the Show and Our Expert Guest:
NJ Content Studio
For start-ups, creators, entrepreneurs, and business owners looking to grow your business and amplify your voice, NJ Content Studio exists for you. With hosts John Bertino and Steven Picanza!
Philly Sports Guy
What began as a spirited way to show support for his team has grown into one of the most recognizable fan personas in Philadelphia. With his painted face, booming voice, and unwavering energy, the Philly Sports Guy has become a symbol of passion that resonates across stadiums, screens, and social media feeds.
Fueled by a love for the game and the city, he brings humor, intensity, and authenticity to every interaction. From tailgates to live broadcasts, his presence captures the raw emotion of Philly sports and connects fans from all walks of life.
Through his larger-than-life character, Philly Sports Guy proves that fandom can be more than cheering from the sidelines, it can be a platform for community, identity, and storytelling that unites people under one chant: Go Birds.
The Philly Sports Guy
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