After Being Branded a Coward by Furious Knicks Fans, Elmo Makes a Desperate Move to Save His Reputation During the World Cup
‘Don’t make this a thing.’
Elmo has picked a side in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and this time, he’s not leaving anything to chance. According to Today, the beloved red Muppet, still reeling from the backlash over his neutral stance during the NBA Finals, posted a video declaring his support for Team USA. Sporting a Team USA jersey, Elmo made it clear: “Elmo wants Team USA to win. OK? Just to be clear.” But true to form, he added, “But Elmo loves everybody. Just to be clear. Don’t make this a thing.”
This is a far cry from the mess he found himself in just weeks ago, when his refusal to back the New York Knicks during the NBA Finals sparked outrage among fans. Elmo, who canonically lives on Sesame Street in New York City, posted on X that he “hopes both teams have fun” ahead of Game 1 between the Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. The response was swift and brutal.
Knicks fans, still riding high from the team’s first championship win in 53 years, accused Elmo of betrayal. Some called him a “coward,” while others demanded his New Yorker status be revoked. The NYC Department of Transportation even threatened to take down the iconic Sesame Street sign at Broadway and West 63rd Street, a move that would’ve been the ultimate humiliation for the furry little guy.
Elmo then tried to backtrack
He posted a follow-up on X that read, “KNICKS that last message! Elmo didn’t mean to SPUR you on!” But the damage was done. The internet had already moved on to roasting him, and even his Sesame Street co-stars couldn’t resist piling on. Cookie Monster, never one to miss an opportunity to troll, posted, “Elmo teach me not to eat trophy. Me teach Elmo to pick a team.”
The Knicks, however, seemed willing to let bygones be bygones. After their championship parade last Thursday, star player Jalen Brunson showed up with an Elmo plushie holding a sign that read, “Forgive Me PLEASE.” It was a sweet gesture, but it’s clear Elmo isn’t taking any chances this time around. With the World Cup in full swing, he’s making sure everyone knows where his loyalties lie, even if he’s still insisting he loves everyone.
Elmo’s World Cup video wasn’t just about damage control, though. It was also a chance for him to redeem himself in the eyes of sports fans everywhere. And judging by the comments, he might be pulling it off.
One user wrote, “Y’all should be shamed. Why Elmo have to do this?” Another chimed in, “Can’t believe y’all bullied Elmo into making an apology video.” Someone even felt the need to apologize on behalf of adults everywhere, writing, “I am so sorry that some grownups can’t get along Elmo.”
It’s a far cry from the vitriol he faced during the NBA Finals
Back then, fans were relentless. One post read, “Elmo be serious you’re a New Yorker, you know you can’t act like this.” Another user declared, “They’re revoking Elmo’s New Yorker status in real time.” And yet another added, “Elmo, you’re from the city. Pick a side man.” The pressure was real, and Elmo clearly felt it.
This time, Elmo’s actively engaging with the World Cup, even lending his voice to Fox’s coverage of the tournament. According to USA Today, during the United States’ opening match against Paraguay on June 12, Elmo and Cookie Monster joined Fox’s Charissa Thompson for a segment. When asked how he was feeling, Elmo gushed, “It’s really amazing. Everybody’s been really nice and teaching us about soccer.”
He’s not the only Sesame Street character getting in on the action, either. The Count is set to host a stats-focused segment, breaking down the numbers behind the games. Oscar the Grouch will host ‘Trash Talk’, a satirical highlight show featuring the “grouchiest” moments on and off the pitch.
And Grover will be working behind the scenes, interacting with Fox Sports broadcasters to better understand how a World Cup match is called on television. It’s a full-blown Sesame Street takeover, and it’s clear the Muppets are embracing their new roles as sports analysts.
For Elmo, this is a chance to prove he’s more than just a neutral bystander
His Team USA video was a smart move, showing fans that he’s capable of picking a side, while still loving everyone. And with the World Cup in full swing, he’s got plenty of opportunities to keep the momentum going. Whether he’s analyzing games with Cookie Monster or cheering on Team USA, Elmo is making sure he’s part of the conversation.
If there’s one lesson Elmo has learned from this whole ordeal, it’s that neutrality doesn’t always pay off. Sometimes, you’ve got to pick a side – even if it means risking the wrath of half the internet. And for a 3-year-old Muppet, that’s a pretty grown-up lesson to learn. Whether he’ll stick to his guns or waver under pressure remains to be seen, but for now, Elmo is doing everything he can to make sure he doesn’t repeat the mistakes of the past.
(Featured image: USAID Indonesia)
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