“`html
Four-Year-Old’s NFL Picks Spark Viral Fame, Unexpected Backlash
Reese Donatelli, a four-year-old football enthusiast, has become a viral sensation for her NFL predictions, a tradition that began nearly four years ago. What started as a playful way for her father,Anthony Donatelli,to share his love of football with his daughter has evolved into a popular Instagram series,”Trust the Toddler,” attracting a large following and even the attention of celebrities.
From Playful picks to Viral Fame
Anthony donatelli initially purchased NFL mini helmets to help Reese learn colors and geography while introducing her to the sport he grew up with. He woudl present her with the helmets of opposing teams, and her selections, often based on seemingly random criteria like dress color or a fondness for cheese (for the Packers), began to demonstrate an uncanny accuracy. For years, her picks were celebrated, with fans enjoying her enthusiasm as she chose winners, often grabbing the winning team’s helmet and playfully tossing the opponent’s.
The Playoff “Curse” and Online Harassment
However, a string of incorrect predictions during the first two weeks of the 2024 NFL playoffs triggered an unexpected and disturbing backlash. After Reese incorrectly predicted the winners of all six games in the first week and then went 1 for 9 the following week, some fans began to believe her picks were “cursed,” leading to negative consequences for the Donatelli family. They began receiving death threats and messages demanding financial compensation for lost bets.
Celebrity Reaction and a Viral Moment
The situation gained further attention when rapper Cardi B jokingly referenced Reese’s picks during an Instagram Live stream,expressing frustration after Reese predicted a New England Patriots victory over the Houston Texans,a team whose wide receiver,Stefon Diggs,is Cardi B’s partner. Cardi B quickly apologized for her outburst,stating,”
