The Los Angeles Chargers are gearing up for a crucial match against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday, and they’re bringing a special guest to help rally the team. After a narrow defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Chargers are looking for a motivational boost, and they’ve enlisted the help of a television icon.
A Star-Studded Honorary Captain
Judge Judy Sheindlin, famed television judge and personality, will step into the role of honorary team captain for the Chargers during this pivotal game. She will join Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and the team’s other captains for the coin toss just before kickoff at 4:25 p.m. ET.
This surprise appearance highlights the long-standing admiration that Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has for Sheindlin. His enthusiasm for her courtroom drama series has been well-documented over the years.
Harbaugh’s Longtime Admiration for Judge Judy
Jim Harbaugh has not been shy about expressing his admiration for Judge Judy in various press conferences. The former Michigan football coach even made a cameo in the audience of her show in January 2015, alongside his father, Jack Harbaugh.
Ahead of the game, Judge Judy shared her excitement about spending time with Harbaugh and his family. “Jim Harbaugh is a force of nature. His enthusiasm for the game and for life in general is infectious,” she expressed in an interview. “I had the great pleasure of spending a day with Jim and his dad, a pretty cute guy himself. I am definitely a fan of the Harbaughs. They are a one-of-a-kind family.”
Mutual Respect and Support
The feeling is clearly mutual for Harbaugh, who expressed his excitement about having Judge Judy on the sidelines. “It will be an incredible honor to share our sideline with Judge Judy. She’s been appointment television viewing for my family for years,” he stated. Harbaugh has even gone so far as to advocate for her appointment to the Supreme Court, declaring, “If we could just get Judge Judy on The Supreme Court, the world would be a better place. Suffice to say, I’m a huge fan.”
This isn’t the first time Harbaugh has made headlines for his support of Sheindlin. In 2016, he publicly urged former President Barack Obama to consider her for a Supreme Court nomination, praising her as “the wise and competent, Judge Extraordinaire Judith Sheindlin.”
A Legacy in Television
Judge Judy’s illustrious career spans 25 years on the original “Judge Judy” show, before transitioning to “Judy Justice,” which streams on Prime Video and has won two Daytime Emmys. Her influence and popularity have made her a beloved figure in American television.
Looking Ahead to the Game
While a win on Sunday won’t guarantee the Chargers a playoff berth, it is a crucial step towards that goal. After their recent loss, the Chargers now sit as the sixth seed in the AFC. A victory over the Buccaneers would bring their total wins for the season to nine, putting them one step closer to playoff contention.
As the Chargers take the field this Sunday, the presence of Judge Judy and the energy of Jim Harbaugh may just provide the spark they need in their playoff push.
