A Crimson Tide Miracle
Barstool President Buys Superfan New House
President and founder of Barstool Sports David Portnoy announced that he will be paying for University of Alabama superfan Roll Tide Willie’s house to be built. Portnoy released a video on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Jan. 1, 2024, documenting Michigan’s win against Alabama in the 2024 Rose Bowl Game that took place in Pasadena, California. Following his breakdown of the game, he apologized to Willie for Alabama’s loss but told him he would pay for the rest of his house to be built.
Before announcing his good news, Portnoy made a video affirming the win.
“It was the Michigan men who stood up and made plays when we need to,” Portnoy said.
The 46-year-old American businessman and social media personality placed a $1 million bet against Alabama in favor of The University of Michigan who would later go on to win the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship. Although Michigan took home the win, and Portnoy became $1 million richer, he decided he wanted to do some good with his earnings and give back to a friend of his.
“I think its pretty cool for Portnoy to reach out and help this guy,” senior Brinkley Snow said. “Really shows how sports can bring people together.”
Portnoy has known Willie for many years and has been seen in interviews with him recently. Willie is a social media personality who is known for his dedication to all things Alabama sports from football to gymnastics to basketball. He has acquired 315,000 followers on Instagram and posts various content supporting the university.
“I’ll pay for the rest of your house though, Roll Tide Willie,” Portnoy said. “That's not just a lie, I’ll do it.”
After his initial video, he recorded a follow-up explaining that after offering to pay for the rest of Willie’s house to be built, he declined saying he would not accept charity. Instead, he proposed making Barstool Sports T-shirts to raise the money. The shirts he created have Willie’s name and face on the front, with the saying “Brick by Brick” on the back. Rather than going to Barstool, all proceeds from the merchandise will go to Willie to help him finish building the rest of his house.
“A man of the people, for the people,” Willie said. “We [him and his family] can’t thank you enough.”
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