Gemi Bordelon: The Woman Who Became an Unlikely Internet Sensation
Introduction:
Every now and then, the internet brings someone unexpected into the spotlight. Sometimes it’s a celebrity, other times it’s a regular person caught in a viral moment. One of those individuals is Gemi Bordelon. You may recognize her name from social media buzz, or maybe you remember the viral video of her dancing with the LSU football team. Either way, Gemi’s story is more than just a viral clip—it’s about personality, influence, and the power of the internet to turn ordinary moments into cultural touchpoints.
Gemi Bordelon is not a professional entertainer or a politician. Instead, she is a businesswoman, a family figure, and someone who captured attention for simply being herself. Her viral moment struck a chord with millions of viewers across the country, and that single moment opened doors for curiosity about her background, her life, and her impact.
This article dives deep into who Gemi Bordelon is, why she became an internet name, and how her life story reveals interesting insights about culture, community, and the digital age.
Early Life and Background of Gemi Bordelon
Gemi Bordelon was born and raised in Louisiana, a state known for its vibrant culture, deep traditions, and love for football. Growing up in this environment shaped her into someone who values family, community, and southern hospitality. While she did not live her life in the limelight initially, the community ties she built in Louisiana would later play a role in her story.
She attended local schools in Louisiana, and although much of her early academic life remains private, what’s clear is that she grew up grounded in her surroundings. Being part of a football-loving state gave her a natural connection to LSU culture long before her name became associated with it. Family roots in Louisiana also meant that she was connected to both small-town values and big-state pride.
From a young age, she showed signs of independence and leadership. Those traits would eventually lead her toward business pursuits and community involvement. While not everyone grows up expecting to gain internet fame, Gemi Bordelon confidence and personality made her the perfect candidate for a moment that would later take the online world by storm.
Marriage to Ben Bordelon: A Connection to LSU Football
One of the central parts of Gemi Bordelon story is her marriage to Ben Bordelon, a former LSU offensive tackle who went on to play professionally with the San Diego Chargers. Ben Bordelon is also known as the CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, a well-respected shipbuilding company in Louisiana. Through her marriage, Gemi was closely tied to both the world of business and the LSU football community.
Football is more than just a sport in Louisiana—it’s a lifestyle. Being married to a former LSU player and business executive placed Gemi in a position where she naturally interacted with athletes, coaches, and community leaders. However, she was never just “the wife of a former player.” Gemi carved out her own identity, even while being part of this football-rich world.
Her marriage to Ben also meant that she shared in the pride of LSU’s victories and traditions. When the LSU football team made headlines with their remarkable 2019 season, it wasn’t surprising that the Bordelon family was involved in the celebrations. Yet no one could have predicted that Gemi herself would become one of the most memorable faces from that moment.
The Viral “Get the Gat” Video
The internet loves spontaneity, and Gemi Bordelon became famous because of one viral video. In January 2020, after LSU’s victory at the White House visit celebrating their national championship, a video of the team dancing to the song “Get the Gat” went viral. Front and center in that video was none other than Gemi Bordelon.
Her confident dance moves and charismatic presence stood out immediately. Viewers across the nation were intrigued: who was this woman dancing with LSU’s football players? Social media quickly lit up with people trying to identify her. Many assumed she was a celebrity or a politician’s wife, but soon, it was revealed that she was Gemi Bordelon, wife of former LSU lineman Ben Bordelon.
The video spread across Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook, sparking countless memes and reactions. Some praised her for her boldness, while others simply enjoyed the unexpected crossover of an older adult joining in a college team’s viral trend. What made the moment so special was that it was genuine—Gemi wasn’t trying to go viral, she was simply enjoying the celebration.
Why the Video Resonated With Millions
Part of what made Gemi Bordelon viral moment resonate with so many people was its authenticity. In a world full of carefully curated content, Gemi’s dance felt raw, real, and fun. She wasn’t worried about image or perception. Instead, she embraced the moment and enjoyed herself.
Generational crossover also played a role. Seeing someone outside the typical age range of viral TikTok dancers leading a college football team’s dance routine created both humor and admiration. It reminded viewers that joy and celebration aren’t limited to any one age group.
Additionally, the video highlighted the unique culture of LSU and Louisiana itself. The song “Get the Gat” had local significance long before the video, and Gemi’s participation gave it national recognition. For Louisiana fans, it was a proud moment that their traditions were making waves across the country.
Ultimately, the video resonated because it represented pure celebration without pretense. In a time when internet fame often comes from controversy or shock value, Gemi Bordelon rise was refreshing.
Life After the Viral Moment
Going viral can be overwhelming. For many, it’s a fleeting experience that disappears within days. However, Gemi’s moment left a lasting impact. Even years after the LSU “Get the Gat” video, her name is still tied to that cultural moment. She didn’t seek to capitalize on her viral fame in the way influencers might. Instead, she allowed it to remain a fun memory and a unique part of her story.
Friends, family, and community members often bring up the video, and Gemi embraces it with humor. She has never tried to rebrand herself as an internet star. Instead, she remains grounded in her personal life, family, and community ties.
Her ability to embrace the attention while staying true to herself is what makes her story remarkable. It shows that internet fame doesn’t have to change someone’s identity—it can simply highlight it.
Gemi Bordelon as a Businesswoman
While her viral video brought her nationwide recognition, Gemi Bordelon is more than just a viral personality. She is also a businesswoman with her own influence and responsibilities. Being connected to Bollinger Shipyards through her husband also means that she is involved in a world of business, leadership, and corporate impact.
Though much of her direct business involvement is kept private, it is no secret that the Bordelon family plays a significant role in Louisiana’s economic landscape. Bollinger Shipyards is one of the largest shipbuilders in the nation, contributing jobs and industry development to the region.
Gemi’s support and involvement in this world demonstrate her ability to balance public life with private responsibilities. She represents the blend of family, community, and business that defines many influential figures in Louisiana.
Community Involvement and Philanthropy
Another important aspect of Gemi Bordelon’s life is her commitment to community involvement. Louisiana culture is built on togetherness, and Gemi embodies that spirit through her support of local causes and community activities. Whether it’s supporting LSU events, local charities, or community gatherings, she is seen as someone who cares deeply about her roots.
Philanthropy has long been a part of the Bordelon family, with contributions to education, sports, and local development. While Gemi does not seek the spotlight for her philanthropic work, her presence in community events shows that she values giving back.
For many, this side of Gemi is just as inspiring as her viral fame. It reveals that her character is not defined by a single video, but by a lifetime of consistent values.
The Role of LSU Football in Her Story
It’s impossible to talk about Gemi Bordelon without mentioning LSU football. The sport has always been at the heart of her family’s story. From her husband’s time as a player to her own moment in the viral LSU dance video, football ties everything together.
Football in Louisiana is more than just entertainment—it’s part of the culture. For families like the Bordelons, being connected to LSU football means being connected to a community that celebrates victories together and supports each other during defeats. It’s this environment that made Gemi’s viral moment feel so authentic.
The fact that her internet fame came directly from LSU’s victory celebration is fitting. It symbolizes the way football acts as a unifier in Louisiana, bringing together people from all backgrounds and generations.
How Gemi Bordelon Redefines Internet Fame
One of the fascinating parts of Gemi’s story is how she redefined what it means to go viral. In a world where internet fame is often associated with influencers, marketing, or controversy, her fame came from joy, culture, and community.
She didn’t need a YouTube channel, an Instagram sponsorship, or a reality TV show. Her authenticity was enough. That simplicity is why her moment remains memorable even years later.
Gemi’s story shows that internet fame doesn’t always have to be about building a brand. Sometimes, it’s about enjoying the moment, sharing it with others, and moving forward without letting it define you.
Public Perception and Media Coverage
When Gemi first appeared in the viral video, media outlets scrambled to identify her. Many headlines read something along the lines of “Who is the woman dancing with LSU players?” This curiosity highlighted the mystery surrounding her at the time. Once her identity was revealed, coverage often focused on her marriage to Ben Bordelon and her ties to LSU.
However, as the story developed, the media also emphasized her personality. Reporters and fans alike admired her confidence, humor, and willingness to enjoy the spotlight without letting it overwhelm her. For many, she became a symbol of how to handle sudden fame with grace.
Public perception of Gemi has remained positive. Ev