Cryptic message on Super Bowl pitch invader's chest explained
Here is what the cryptic message written across the chest of a pitch invader at last night's Super Bowl meant.
Last night (8 February) saw the Seattle Seahawks thrash the New England Patriots 29-13 at the major sporting event, which is projected to have drawn in over 120 million viewers.
Given the sheer amount of people tuning in for the event, the Super Bowl is a massive opportunity for advertisers, with commercials estimated to cost $8 million (£6.39 million) for a half a minute slot.
Even halftime performer Bad Bunny wasn't paid for his work, with the show being one of the rare occasions in which the term 'paid in exposure' actually applies.
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So as you can see, having the eyes of America and most of the world on you can really pay off.
Which means it should come as now surprise that the Super Bowl is the prime opportunity for a pitch invader looking to make a name for themself.
This is exactly what happened last night, when a topless man ran onto the pitch with various slogans written across his upper body.
The unnamed man was able to bypass stunned security personnel and run up the pitch before being tackled by New England Patriots wideout Kyle Williams, a move which allowed staff to remove him from the venue.
Broadcaster NBC opted against showing the footage to viewers at home in order to divert attention and discourage copycats, however, footage of the man has since made its way online.
It has since emerged that the phrase written on the man's chest was rather cryptic, reading: "@FXALEXG Trade with Athena."
But what does that mean exactly?
Super Bowl pitch invader's message explained
Pitch invaders at major sporting event are usually trying to raise awareness for a certain social or political cause, which means many may be mistaken for thinking the man was expressing his views on Donald Trump or recent ICE raids in Minnesota... but apparently not.
The word 'fxalexg' is the username for online trader Alex Gonzalez, while 'Trade with Athena' is a phrase linked to his ForeEx trading enterprise.
Gonzalez is no stranger when it comes to causing controversy at the Super Bowl either, with the trader previously disrupting the 2024 Super Bowl at the Allegiant Stadium in Nevada for the same reason, to promote his online brand.
Despite being handed a heavy fine and facing various legal troubles after the 2024 incident, Gonzalez remained unapologetic about his actions and claimed that he would do it again if he had the chance.
"One of my goals has always been to streak the Super Bowl. I did it now, and I'll do it again," he wrote on social media after the 2024 incident.
Which is exactly the kind of behaviour broadcasters and major sporting events don't want to attract.
Topics: Super Bowl, Sport
Brenna Cooper