DENVER — It was a night of big firsts during Monday’s NFL contest between the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Charges in Denver – but no one anticipated a sideline reporter’s rocky, show-stealing debut.
Sergio Dipp became an unlikely star after his awkward “Monday Night Football” debut caught the attention of social media users.
History was made Monday – two African-American head coaches faced each other in their debuts, and ESPN play-by-play announcer Beth Mowins became the first woman to call an NFL game in 30 years and the first to do so before a national audience.
Dipp later said it was that historic diversity that he wanted to highlight when Mowins went to him for a report on rookie Broncos coach Vance Joseph during the first quarter.
“Folks, it’s a pleasure to be with you guys, here on the field, from up close, just watching coach Vance Joseph from here, you watch him now on the screen,” Dipp haltingly said.
He then more confidently said, as ESPN switched to a shot of Joseph, “His diversity and his background is helping him a lot tonight. Quarterback at Colorado, defensive back in the NFL and here he is, having the time of his life this night, making his head coaching debut.”
It was Dipp’s only report of the game, but it made him a trending topic online – especially when he didn’t reappear for another sideline report.
https://twitter.com/xmasape/status/907438704242896899
Need more Sergio Dipp. Gotta give us more
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) September 12, 2017
Boom Goes the Dynamite Guy: I'll never be overshadowed.
Sergio Dipp: Hold my beer
— Freezing Cold Takes (@OldTakesExposed) September 12, 2017
If ESPN has an ounce of intelligence they'd pick an exact time for another Sergio Dipp appearance, hype it up, and break ratings records
— KFC (@KFCBarstool) September 12, 2017
Replace the bottom score ticker with just a timer of when Sergio Dipp is returning to air. I’m not even kidding. https://t.co/MgohEDTCVp
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) September 12, 2017
From now on if someone ask's were I was on 9/11 im going to need them2 specfy if they mean 2001 or when Amerca was introduced to Sergio Dipp
— PFTCommenter(DC DEFENDERS2-1, Caps SCs 2018,2020) (@PFTCommenter) September 12, 2017
If ESPN doesn't use Sergio Dipp in the second half they're missing out on a huge opportunity. Everyone loves a good comeback story.
— Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith) September 12, 2017
When it’s been like 2 hours and Sergio Dipp hasn’t been on your TV pic.twitter.com/vZ3gsXL05Z
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) September 12, 2017
The 29-year-old has been with ESPN since 2013, but has reported mostly for the Spanish-language “ESPN Deportes.”
He seemed to be taking the response in stride after receiving some ribbing on social media.
✌😉
— Sergio Dipp (@SergioADippW) September 12, 2017
— Sergio Dipp (@SergioADippW) September 12, 2017
Dipp gave a statement in a Twitter video on Tuesday morning, saying he hopes to “have another chance.” He explained that he grew up in Mexicali, in Baja California and “meant no disrespect.” He said that he knew it was 9/11 and was only trying to “show some love to these historical coaches” on “the most heartfelt day in this great country.”
Dipp added that he hopes to have another chance will “be sure I make the most out of it.”
Thank you…
And God bless America.🇺🇸✔️ pic.twitter.com/mYXwBNFB6g
— Sergio Dipp (@SergioADippW) September 12, 2017
