On Sunday, the Cincinnati Bengals faced a disappointing 26-20 defeat against the New England Patriots. The loss was particularly painful for the Bengals, who had taken an early 10-0 lead, bolstered by a pick-six from safety Geno Stone. However, the offense faltered, and despite Evan McPherson setting a record with a 63-yard field goal, they could not maintain their advantage.
Amidst the frustration of the game, a different kind of excitement emerged at Paycor Stadium. The spotlight shifted to internet sensation iShowSpeed, the 19-year-old streamer who arrived well ahead of the game, embracing the honorary title of “Ruler of the Jungle.” This role involves a passionate Bengals fan leading the stadium in the iconic “Who Dey” chant, and as expected, iShowSpeed brought his characteristic enthusiasm to the occasion.
He engaged with fans, signed autographs, and energized the crowd as he made his way through the tunnel. Fans quickly took to social media to share their excitement, with one tweet stating, “. @ishowspeedsui has us ready to run through a brick wall.”
The highlight of the day, however, came when Joe Burrow, who was inactive due to turf toe, took the time to greet iShowSpeed on the sidelines. This moment quickly went viral, with the NFL”s social media accounts sharing it almost immediately, showcasing the bond between athletes and fans.
This led many to wonder: is iShowSpeed genuinely a fan of the Cincinnati Bengals? Evidence suggests that he is. Born and raised in Cincinnati, he attended Purcell Marian High School and has been connected to the city long before he gained fame online. His previous setup even featured a Bengals helmet poster, a detail noted by his long-time viewers before he updated his decor.
While the details of how he became a Bengals fan remain unclear, it is easy to see how a young person growing up in Cincinnati, immersed in the local culture and surrounded by Bengals merchandise, would naturally develop an allegiance to the team. In NFL towns, fandom often chooses you rather than the other way around.
Despite the Bengals” inability to secure a victory that day, they did manage to create a memorable moment nationally, largely thanks to iShowSpeed”s vibrant presence. His involvement made the atmosphere at Paycor Stadium electric, leaving fans with a sense of pride even in defeat. Ultimately, his appearance confirmed what many had hoped: yes, iShowSpeed is indeed a Bengals fan, and Sunday felt like a celebration of that connection.
