Los Angeles gets an unwarranted rap as a bad sports town, and Fox Sports isn’t helping LA fans fight that label.
Fox posted a listing on the casting site projectcasting.com for “actors, models, and talent” to play Rams fans on its Sunday NFL pre-game show. With the Rams facing off against the Philadelphia Eagles in a match-up of two of the league’s best teams, you wouldn’t think it’d be necessary, but alas.
“We’re looking for LA’s biggest NFL fans to be part of #NFLSunday’s Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles Pre Game Show!” said the ad. “Come out, bring your spirit, your best NFL gear & join us for NFL on FOX THIS Sunday!”
No word on if the “fans” would actually be able to attend the game. The Rams have been a pleasant surprise this season, with a high-octane offense spurring the team on to a 9-3 record. But the team’s attendance woes have continued to be the butt of internet jokes, with the L.A. Coliseum routinely looking half-empty on game day.
The push to have actors masquerading as fans wasn’t lost on some looking at the casting call, however.
“Seems desperate to me!” chimed in one Eagles fan in the comments.
So, keep in mind as you’re watching football on Sunday: That attractive, fit, and photogenic Rams fan in the background of Fox’s pre-game show might just be a Hollywood nomad.
Update: A Fox representative told TheWrap this is not an “abnormal” practice — that it calls for fans to show up in any city their pre-game show is in. The rep added no one was paid for their fandom, it’s first come, first serve.