The sports media world was recently set ablaze – or at least mildly singed – by the revelation that Barstool Sports’ own Big Cat, also known as Dan Katz, harbored a secret past: he grew up rooting for Boston sports teams. This bombshell, dropped amidst his established persona as a die-hard Chicago fan, sparked a wave of reactions, mostly confusion and a sprinkle of outrage online, particularly on Twitter.
Katz addressed the swirling accusations in a blog post, attempting to clarify his position and offering an apology for any perceived deception. However, the reaction from some corners of the internet, especially those active on platforms like Twitter, demonstrates a perplexing overreaction to what is, in reality, a rather trivial matter.
I have written and deleted 500 tweets in an attempt to comment on this.
I think @BarstoolBigCat is a tremendous talent. I’m just not sure who he really is now, which I think is understandable for anyone. https://t.co/SjqppSzVga
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) January 15, 2025
This tweet from Darren Rovell perfectly encapsulates the bewildering nature of the “controversy.” Rovell, a veteran sports media personality himself, highlights the talent of Big Cat but questions his authenticity based on this childhood fandom reveal. It begs the question: are we really questioning the identity of a media figure because of their childhood sports allegiances?
For anyone familiar with Big Cat’s work, especially his role as co-host of the wildly popular podcast Pardon My Take, this entire episode feels like a massive overreaction. His Chicago sports fandom has undoubtedly been a part of his on-screen persona, but his success and influence extend far beyond just cheering for the Bears or the Bulls. He’s a key figure in Barstool Sports’ impressive rise to digital prominence, a driving force behind one of the biggest sports podcasts ever created, and a personality that resonates with millions.
To suggest that his past as a Boston fan somehow invalidates his current achievements or makes his persona a “fraud” is, frankly, absurd. The outrage seems rooted in the often irrational world of sports fandom, where team loyalty is treated with an almost religious fervor.
Imagine trying to explain this to someone outside the sports bubble. “This incredibly popular sports media guy, known for being a huge Chicago fan, used to like Boston teams when he was a kid, and now people are mad at him.” The reaction would likely range from confusion to outright laughter.
Big Cat himself admitted that hiding his Boston past was a mistake, acknowledging the optics of the situation. However, his strategic shift to embracing Chicago sports was undeniably a career-defining move. Can anyone realistically argue that aligning himself with Chicago, Barstool’s Chicago platform specifically, hindered his career trajectory? It seems quite the opposite.
The irony of this entire situation reached peak levels when, almost simultaneously, Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh quoted Big Cat in a press conference.
Jim Harbaugh on Justin Herbert:
“I agree with @BarstoolBigCat … if you’re selling Justin Herbert stock then he’s buying” pic.twitter.com/GBWU8sw2fU
— Barstool Gambling (@stoolgambling) January 15, 2025
This instance perfectly illustrates Big Cat’s current standing in the sports world. While some Twitter users were busy questioning his authenticity, a prominent NFL coach was quoting him on player evaluations. This highlights the disconnect between the online “controversy” and the reality of Big Cat’s established influence and respect within the industry.
If the price of success and influence is enduring some online backlash from overly sensitive fans about switching team allegiances, it’s a trade-off most would gladly accept. The accusations of “fraud” and “phony” are simply hyperbolic reactions in the often-dramatic world of sports discourse. Big Cat was a Boston fan, yes. He then developed ties to Chicago, joined Barstool Chicago, and fully immersed himself in the city’s sports culture. This journey, regardless of its starting point, has led to the impressive career he enjoys today.
Ultimately, the “Twitter Barstool Big Cat” saga is a testament to the often-fickle nature of online fandom and the tendency for minor revelations to be blown out of proportion in the fast-paced world of social media. It also underscores the undeniable success and influence of Big Cat, who continues to thrive despite, or perhaps even because of, the internet’s latest sports media “controversy”. Good for him, and perhaps a moment of self-reflection for those who got caught up in the online whirlwind.
