This ESPN Sideline Reporter’s Cringe-Worthy ‘Monday Night Football’ Debut Is Internet Gold

Meet Sergio Dipp, your new favorite sportscaster.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjPmybdjdH8

Every so often a transcendent talent emerges in the world of broadcasting, a star so bright that, if only for a moment, the spotlight shifts from the field of play to the man with the microphone. It happened last night in Denver, during ESPN’s inaugural “Monday Night Football” broadcast, and the man who has gone from nobody to viral superstar is Sergio Dipp. 

Let’s break down the 30 seconds that have allowed Dipp to bear the torch once held by the “Boom goes the dynamite” guy. 

It begins innocently enough, as Dipp thanks Beth Mowins and Rex Ryan, who are working up in the broadcast booth. 

But then things get dicey. “It’s a pleasure to be here, up close, to watching coach Vance Joseph from here.” 

And then it gets even worse. “You watch him now on the screen.” 

But then a recovery, as Dipp approaches a coherent point. “There’s diversity in his background that’s helping him a lot tonight. Quarterback at Colorado, defense back in the NFL.” 

Then it all goes south, with a phrase that we suspect you’ll be hearing a lot in the next few months. “And here he is, having the TIME OF HIS LIFE, making his coach debut,” Dipp yells, sounding like a guy plucked from the audience who won a contest to be sideline reporter. 

Now, it’s worth noting that Dipp is used to doing his broadcasting in Spanish. The 29-year-old has hosted the ESPN Deportes’ Sportscenter and appeared on other network shows, including Fútbol Picante and Toque Inicial.

The guy was clearly nervous, as anyone in his situation would be. And he deserves credit for handling his screw up with aplomb. 

Dipp later apologized for sounding like a fourth grader on the sideline of a middle school game, saying that he “meant no disrespect,” on “the most heartfelt day in this great country.” He was referring to Monday being the 16th anniversary of 9/11, which was a weird way to take this, but as we’ve learned during our brief time knowing Dipp, dude is full of surprises.