From a dog saving a soccer goal to a mascot’s funny antics to a football player’s troll-tastic handshake, viral sports moments capture the world’s imagination and build bridges that span language, time zones and sport. They turn athletes into legends and create global communities of team loyalty. But while viral sports moments are often spontaneous, there are a few smart ways for teams to engineer these micro-moments.
From the 2024 Olympics to the real-life world of professional and college sports, the wacky and head-scratching moments that leave fans and journalists in stitches aren’t always easy to forget. Rachael Gunn’s breakdancing antics at the Olympics left spectators and judges scratching their heads, while late-night hosts had a field day. But the most viral Olympic moment may have come from a casual swimmer who accidentally became an internet celebrity.
But the NBA is the king of memes, as its best players become avatars and paragons, thanks to the league’s unique ability to highlight individual style. Being a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander supporter or Joel Embiid apologist says something about you; it’s almost as iconic as being a Michael Jordan fan.
But what about the rest of the world of professional and college sports? What about those who don’t have the privilege of wearing a jersey, or a helmet, or a pair of sneakers? Whether it’s a football player’s impromptu dance-off or an NFL star’s heartwarming Memorial Day tribute, these unexpected micro-moments are equally as important to the sport’s culture.