A sad Jet's fan gives an interview to D'Andre McKenzi
People come together in good times and bad, sickness and in health, championships and devastating losses. It's the glue that holds the human race together. So, when actor/content creator D'Andre McKenzie stopped a young boy sporting a New York Jets jersey (number 95 for current defensive tackle Quinnen Williams) to "get his thoughts on the game," most everyone watching felt his pain.
The boy with the adorable mop top and braces stops, clearly upset, but is able to give an answer. "I hate this team. I was born into this and I'm not gonna ever… I'm always a Jets fan, but like… just hate this team." He mopes off.
In truth, it's been yet another rough start for the Jets with zero wins and seven losses, nearly halfway through the season. They had just lost yet another game, this time to the Carolina Panthers. But the earnest clip spread like wildfire and resonated with millions of people, even those who otherwise couldn't care less about a professional football game or its fan base. On Instagram alone, it received nearly a million likes in just two days, with over 16,000 comments and growing.
It's the camaraderie that happens next that is so sweet and relatable. The comments range from funny to supportive, but nearly everyone, Jets fan or not, can relate to this beautiful, deeply felt heartbreak.
One person writes, "Hang in there kid. The games will get easier to watch once you turn 21." Another sweetly adds, "Someone give that kid a hug." And rightfully, this person suggests, "This kid deserves season tickets for his honesty."
Commenters who support other teams also weigh in. "Chin up. I was born into a Bills family when it was definitely not a flex. Now we up baby!"
Another talks about legacy in general. "I was born into this = This legacy of shame sits squarely on the shoulders of my father. (laugh/cry emoji)."
There's not an NFL team unrepresented in these comments, with the common thread being "we are all in this together, win or lose."
D'Andre McKenzie poses for the camera.Photo Credit: D'Andre McKenzie via Instagram
Upworthy had a chance to chat with McKenzie, who is a professional actor and runs his own media company. He travels to NFL, NBA, PGA, NCAA games, etc. to "talk to the fans and give them a platform to say their piece in an articulate way." He notes, "I never rage bait and I don't do trivia. I ask questions that would be asked on debate shows to prove that the fans know just as much, if not more than the people on TV."
McKenzie also shares, "I admire the kid for being upfront and candid about his experience at the game. I can only hope that he can witness at least one Jets victory this season."
He adds this wonderfully positive spin, "Hopefully he had a great week at school with new popularity."
A hopeless NY Jets fan gives an interview. www.youtube.com, The D'Andre Way
On YouTube, McKenzie's video received thousands of comments, as well. One writes, "This is gonna be the most iconic football video in years." Another puts it into context from a Detroit Lions fan. "As a Lions fan, I felt like this for 28 years. Then the last 2 years have happened. My son has experienced as many Detroit Playoff wins as me. Your time will come around man."
And perhaps this somewhat joking comment resonates the most: "Poor kid. It's like not liking some members of your family, but you're stuck with them, especially on the holidays."