Have you ever wondered how a normal person becomes an internet star in just a few seconds? That is exactly what happened to Gemi Bordelon in early 2020. She went from being a private citizen to someone people all over the internet were talking about, all because of a fun, happy moment during a big celebration.
Most people remember her from a viral video where she joined the LSU football team to dance. Even though she wasn't a professional dancer or a famous celebrity, her energy and spirit made her a standout figure during that day. This article will tell you the real story behind the viral sensation and who Gemi Bordelon is when she isn't in the spotlight.
Early Life and Background
Before the internet knew her name, Gemi Bordelon lived a quiet and focused life in Louisiana. Like many people in her community, she is deeply connected to the local culture and values the importance of family above all else. She grew up with strong ties to the region, which explains why she is such a dedicated supporter of local teams and traditions.
Her life has largely been spent away from the cameras, focusing on her family and supporting her husband’s career. While she didn't grow up as a public figure, her path eventually crossed with the world of sports, which led to that unexpected moment in the national spotlight. For those interested in how family support shapes the lives of prominent public figures, Gemi’s story is a perfect example of staying grounded despite sudden attention.
Marriage to Ben Bordelon
Gemi Bordelon is the wife of Ben Bordelon, a man who has had a very successful career in both sports and business. Ben is a former professional athlete who played football at a high level for Louisiana State University (LSU). After his time as a college star, he even had the opportunity to play in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers.
After his football career, Ben moved into the business world and found great success. He currently serves as the CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, a company with a long and respected history in Louisiana. Because of his background as a former LSU athlete and his current role in the community, the Bordelon family has always had strong ties to the university and its football program.
The LSU White House Celebration
In January 2020, the LSU Tigers football team won a big National Championship. To celebrate their amazing undefeated season, the team was invited to the White House to meet the President. It was a huge event, filled with excitement, pride, and celebration for everyone involved.
Gemi Bordelon and her husband were among the guests at the White House that day. They were invited thanks to their close connections with Louisiana's congressional representatives. It was supposed to be a standard formal visit, but the atmosphere was anything but quiet. The team was in high spirits, and they were looking for a way to keep the party going even while visiting one of the most famous buildings in the world.
The Viral "Get the Gat" Moment
If you followed college football back in 2020, you might remember the "Get the Gat" dance challenge. It was a fun trend where players and fans danced to the song "Get the Gat" by Lil Elt. The LSU team had adopted this song as their own unofficial victory anthem during their championship run.
While the team was waiting in a holding area at the White House, the music started, and the team began to dance. Gemi Bordelon was standing nearby, and she didn't hesitate to join in the fun. The moment was captured on video and posted to TikTok, where it immediately took off. People were charmed by how natural and happy she looked dancing alongside the players in her elegant outfit.
Solving the Mystery: Who Was the Dancing Lady?
When the video first hit social media, people were incredibly curious. Everyone wanted to know: "Who is the woman dancing with the LSU players?" Many viewers guessed she might be a White House staff member or perhaps someone working with the university. The mystery became a huge topic of conversation on Twitter, with people sharing the video and asking if anyone could identify her.
The answer finally came from the most direct source possible: her own family. Brooke Bordelon, Gemi’s daughter, saw the buzz online and decided to clear things up. She simply tweeted, "It would be my mother," identifying the viral star as Gemi Bordelon. This sweet and funny reveal immediately put an end to the guessing game and made Gemi even more popular with fans.
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Family Life and Community Ties
Beyond that viral moment, the Bordelon family is known for being a very close-knit group. Gemi and Ben have three children Brooke, Bo, and Brett. Sports seem to run in the family, as their son Brett also had the opportunity to play football for LSU, continuing the family’s long history with the university.
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Living in Lafourche Parish, the family remains deeply rooted in their Louisiana community. While they occasionally participate in high-profile events due to their professional and political connections, they generally value their privacy. They are often seen supporting local causes and cheering on the Tigers, showing that their dedication to the team goes far beyond a single dance video.
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Professional Legacy of the Bordelon Family
The family name is very well-known in the business world, thanks to Bollinger Shipyards. Ben Bordelon is the third generation of his family to lead this business, serving as its President and CEO. The shipyard has been a vital part of the local economy for decades, providing jobs and supporting the maritime industry in Louisiana.
The company’s work is highly respected, and it has played a significant role in both commercial and government projects. Even with the fame that came from the White House visit, the Bordelons have stayed focused on their professional responsibilities. It is a great example of how a family can be successful in business while also being part of fun, memorable cultural moments.
Life After the Viral Fame
After the internet buzz cooled down, Gemi Bordelon went back to her normal life. For her, the "Get the Gat" moment was just a spontaneous and happy memory from an exciting trip. She didn't seek out more fame or become a professional influencer; instead, she remained the same supportive wife and mother she had always been.
Today, the video remains a favorite piece of LSU football history. It serves as a lighthearted reminder of the team’s perfect championship season. For Gemi, it is just a funny story she can look back on, proving that sometimes, being in the right place at the right time can turn a simple day into a lasting online memory.
The Lasting Impact of the Story
The reason this story became so popular is that it brought together sports, family, and a sense of shared joy. Fans loved seeing a "regular" person joining in the celebration with the players, making the championship win feel more personal and human. The video perfectly captured the fun spirit of the 2019 LSU Tigers.
Even years later, the video is still shared and talked about during college football season. It stands as a perfect "footnote" to the team’s historic run. It shows how social media can capture small, honest moments and turn them into something that thousands of people can smile about together.
More Stories from Our Archive If you enjoyed learning about the life behind the viral spotlight, you might also be interested in our deep dive into the inspiring career and life story of legendary music producer Dr. Dre, another figure who significantly shaped modern entertainment culture.
Conclusion
Gemi Bordelon became an overnight star, but her story is ultimately about family and community. While the world remembers her for a few seconds of dancing, those who know her see a dedicated mother and wife who is deeply connected to her home in Louisiana. Her journey from the White House floor to the center of a viral trend is a unique piece of modern sports history.
At the end of the day, her story is a great reminder that even in a world of high-pressure sports and big public events, it is the fun, human moments that people remember the most. Gemi Bordelon will always have a special place in the hearts of Tigers fans as a symbol of that unforgettable championship year.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Gemi Bordelon? Gemi Bordelon is the wife of former LSU football player and current CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, Ben Bordelon. She became famous in 2020 after dancing in a viral video with the LSU football team.
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2. Why was Gemi Bordelon at the White House? She and her husband were invited to the White House to celebrate the LSU football team's national championship victory, thanks to their close ties with members of the Louisiana congressional delegation.
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3. How did Gemi Bordelon get identified? She was identified by her daughter, Brooke Bordelon, who posted a tweet confirming that the woman in the viral video was her mother.
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4. Is Gemi Bordelon a professional dancer? No, she is not a professional dancer. She is a private citizen who simply joined in the fun during a celebration with the LSU team.
5. What is the "Get the Gat" challenge? It is a viral dance trend set to the song "Get the Gat" by Lil Elt. The LSU football team popularized it as their unofficial victory anthem during their 2019 championship season.
6. Does Gemi Bordelon still talk about the video? She has largely kept to her private life since the video went viral. She treats the event as a fun, one-time memory from a special family trip.
7. Where can I find more about LSU football history? For more details on the team's success and history, you can look at resources like LSU Athletics to learn about their legendary seasons and traditions.