The unidentified Baltimore Ravens fan, who gained viral attention during Saturday’s Divisional Round victory over the Houston Texans, has now been identified as Wardell Roberts
As Lamar Jackson led his team to the AFC Championship game, viewers couldn’t help but notice a man in the crowd who strikingly resembled the late Christian minister and activist Martin Luther King Jr.
Who is Baltimore Ravens fan Wardell Roberts as lookalike of Martin Luther King Jr goes viral during NFL game
The Ravens Fan Wardell Roberts who went viral for looking like Martin Luther King says his son was thrilled about it and mad no one was recognizing him because he just learned about the legacy of Martin Luther King in school. pic.twitter.com/FbDUlf6HsF
— Black Millionaires ® (@Blackmillions_) January 23, 2024
The man, later revealed to be Wardell Roberts, a Ravens enthusiast from Frederick, attended the game with his wife Karla and their eight-year-old son Karson.
Wardell, surprised by his sudden fame, shared that his son, in particular, was disappointed not to be recognized but was thrilled about the comparison to MLK, having just learned about him that week.
Chris Korman of the Baltimore Banner managed to interview Wardell, who expressed astonishment at becoming the center of attention, especially since he wasn’t actively seeking it.
While acknowledging the lively atmosphere with a shirtless fan behind him, Wardell had no idea that he was being compared to MLK until the news reached him after the game.
Expecting a brief moment on TV, Wardell was taken aback by the widespread recognition. “It didn’t stop,” he said. “Everybody started sending it. They’re all saying, ‘You’re trending right now.’ It was everywhere. Even Dr. King’s daughter [Bernice King] saw it and got a chuckle out of it.”
Despite not having tickets to the AFC Championship Game at the time of the interview, Wardell remained optimistic about the Ravens’ chances and hoped to secure tickets for the upcoming match.
Reflecting on the Ravens’ performance, he praised Lamar Jackson and the team’s focus, believing they were on a special journey and expressing confidence in reaching the Super Bowl.
Regarding his resemblance to Martin Luther King Jr., Wardell mentioned that friends had occasionally mentioned it during his college years, but he hadn’t given it much thought.
In the Ravens vs. Houston game, Lamar Jackson led the team to a 34-10 victory, with two touchdown passes and two touchdown runs.
The Ravens’ defense held the Texans scoreless in the second half, securing their place in the AFC Championship game. They will face either the Buffalo Bills or the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.