Meet Mike D’Amico. If you’ve been following the World Cup, you probably know him better as Teddy Goalsevelt.
D’Amico was made famous after the ESPN cameras caught him celebrating a U.S. goal against Portugal, dressed as Teddy Roosevelt.
In an interview with “Good Morning America,” D’Amico explained his inspiration for the costume.
“I thought if I’m travelling thousands of miles, spending thousands of dollars to travel to the World Cup, I should probably do something,” he explained.
D’Amico has followed the U.S. Men’s soccer team around the country over the past few years, and noticed “there is always someone who takes it to the next level.” He has seen fans dressed as colonials, pilots, and presidents. He wanted to do something similar for the World Cup.
After realizing he’d be in the Amazon along with a beard he could shave, he figured Roosevelt would be “perfect.”
“If there’s anyone you want leading the team, the fans, the country into battle in the jungle, it’s Teddy Roosevelt,” D’Amico said.
D’Amico had reservations after assembling the costume, but received a “unanimous” go-ahead from his friends. He knew the costume was a hit before he even left the hotel for the U.S.’s first game.
Despite his recent fame, D’Amico calls himself “just another guy.” He mentions other super-fans with outlandish costumes who haven’t made the airwaves. Recently, he spotted a fan dressed in full military garb as General George Patton
“I’m just the lucky schmuck they cut to when he was losing his mind on ESPN,” D’Amico joked.
D’Amico finds his fame “crazy,” but did remark it brings along some bragging rights. He beat his brother, Marc, who works for the Boston Celtics to the front page of ESPN.
Watch the full interview below
