Sergio Dipp’s Monday Night Football debut was equal parts cringe-worthy and captivating.
The 29-year-old ESPN Deportes reporter lit up the internet with a now-viral sideline segment during last night’s San Diego Chargers-Denver Broncos game. It was, uh, shaky to say the least.
“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 said as he looked into the camera. “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.”
Dipp’s nervousness is completely understandable. Not only was it his first time reporting on such a huge stage, it was also pointed out that English is his second language. With this in mind, many viewers tweeted out their supportive words and congratulated Dipp on his inevitable fame.
At least Dipp has a good sense of humor, which he demonstrated shortly after the broadcast.
But it wasn't all jokes. Dipp also posted an emotional video in which he apologized for his performance, insisting he "meant no disrespect." He mentioned the 16th anniversary of 9/11 as well as his experience as a minority in America. Because of his background, Dipp said he wanted to celebrate a historic moment in NFL history last night: the debuts of two black head coaches, Vance Joseph of the Broncos and the Chargers’ Anthony Lynn.
Well said, Dipp.
