If you watched college football in 2019, you remember the dominance of the LSU Tigers. Led by Joe Burrow, the team marched through the season with swagger, confidence, and a rhythm that came to define that era of Louisiana sports culture.
But it wasn’t just their performance on the field that made history—it was the celebration that followed. After LSU clinched the College Football Playoff National Championship, the players visited the White House. What followed became one of the most viral sports videos of the year: the “Get the Gat” dance, performed proudly by LSU players—and a mysterious, charismatic woman who quickly caught the internet’s attention.
That woman was Gemi Bordelon.
Who Is Gemi Bordelon?
Gemi Bordelon isn’t a celebrity in the traditional sense. She’s not an athlete, singer, or influencer. Yet for millions, her face became instantly recognizable after that viral video.
She is the wife of Ben Bordelon, a former LSU offensive lineman who played in the mid-1990s and later became president and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, one of Louisiana’s major shipbuilding companies. The Bordelons are well-known in Louisiana business and athletic circles, but outside that state, Gemi had largely flown under the radar—until the “Get the Gat” clip changed everything.
The Viral Moment That Sparked Nationwide Curiosity
The Setting: LSU at the White House
On January 17, 2020, the LSU Tigers arrived at the White House to be honored for their national championship win over Clemson. The day was filled with the usual photo-ops, speeches, and congratulations. But what nobody expected was that an impromptu dance would steal the show.
The Dance: “Get the Gat”
“Get the Gat” is a dance that originated from a 1990s New Orleans bounce song by rapper Lil Elt. During the 2019 season, LSU players made it part of their locker-room ritual. They’d break into the dance after victories, posting videos that became a hallmark of the team’s camaraderie and culture.
When the team visited the White House, someone pulled out a phone and hit record. The result was pure magic: players confidently performing their signature dance in one of the most formal spaces in America. And leading the steps—matching the rhythm, smiling, and clearly enjoying herself—was a blonde woman in professional attire: Gemi Bordelon.
The Internet Wants to Know: Who Was She?
The video hit Twitter and TikTok within hours. Sports accounts reposted it, fans cheered, and within minutes the question spread like wildfire: “Who’s the woman dancing with the team?”
Some speculated she might be a university staffer or political aide. Others assumed she was part of the LSU administration. But the mystery didn’t last long.
Shortly after the clip started circulating, Brooke Bordelon, Gemi’s daughter, tweeted a simple line that confirmed what fans were guessing:
“It would be my mother.”
That single tweet went viral, instantly linking the now-famous woman to her name: Gemi Bordelon. Sports blogs and entertainment sites quickly ran stories identifying her, citing Brooke’s confirmation. BroBible, FanSided, and Heavy.com all published pieces about “the woman in the LSU video,” using that tweet as proof.
Why the Video Blew Up
A Perfect Cultural Collision
The reason the “Get the Gat” video became so beloved goes beyond the dance itself. It represented a joyful clash of cultures: Louisiana swagger meeting Washington D.C. formality. It was a moment of pure Southern authenticity in a setting often known for stiffness.
Gemi’s appearance elevated the vibe. She didn’t just stand awkwardly among the players; she moved with confidence, humor, and natural rhythm—like someone who belonged in that celebration. Her energy bridged the generation gap between the players and the alumni community.
A Symbol of LSU Pride
For many fans, Gemi became the embodiment of LSU spirit—graceful yet fearless, proud yet playful. She wasn’t an athlete, but she represented the same confidence that defined that record-breaking team.
Gemi Bordelon’s Louisiana Roots
A Deep Connection to LSU
The Bordelon family’s connection to LSU runs deep. Ben Bordelon, Gemi’s husband, played for LSU from 1993 to 1996, starting for four years and earning All-SEC honors. After college, he had a brief NFL stint with the San Diego Chargers, before returning home to Louisiana.
Those LSU ties meant the Bordelons remained close to the program—supporting players, attending events, and staying active in Tiger Nation. When the national-championship team visited the White House, the Bordelons were part of the LSU delegation because of those enduring relationships.
Family and Business: The Bollinger Legacy
After football, Ben joined his family’s company, Bollinger Shipyards, which was founded in 1946 by his grandfather Donald G. Bollinger. The company is one of the largest privately owned shipbuilders in the U.S., building and repairing vessels for commercial and military use.
In 2014, Ben became President and CEO. The company employs thousands across Louisiana and has contracts with the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy.
While Gemi does not hold an official public position within Bollinger Shipyards, she’s often seen at LSU and Louisiana community functions with her husband, supporting causes tied to education, athletics, and state industry.
Gemi Bordelon’s Personality: What the Video Showed
Though only a few seconds long, the viral clip gave viewers a strong sense of Gemi’s personality:
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Confident. She stood among college athletes and carried herself with ease.
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Joyful. Her smile throughout the dance wasn’t forced—it was pure fun.
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Unpretentious. She wasn’t trying to steal the show; she was enjoying the moment.
That combination made her instantly likable. Viewers saw not a random guest, but someone celebrating alongside her extended LSU family.
Why People Still Talk About Her Years Later
More than five years have passed since the viral video, yet searches for “Gemi Bordelon” remain steady. Why? Because her story checks all the boxes for internet fascination:
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An unexpected viral star. She wasn’t famous before; she became known by accident.
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A positive moment. The clip is pure good energy—no controversy, just celebration.
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A bit of mystery. Gemi never gave interviews or sought the spotlight afterward.
The result is a figure who feels familiar yet elusive—a one-moment celebrity who didn’t turn her 15 minutes into a brand deal or a YouTube channel.
Respecting Privacy in a Public World
In an age where viral fame often leads to overexposure, Gemi Bordelon’s restraint is refreshing. She has never given an official interview about the White House video, and there are no verified public social-media accounts in her name.
This restraint reminds us that not every viral moment needs a sequel. Some can simply exist as snapshots of joy.
Responsible reporting on private citizens like Gemi means recognizing the boundary between public curiosity and personal privacy. She has every right to remain outside the glare of celebrity, even as her brief moment lives forever online.
Setting the Record Straight: Facts vs. Speculation
Since 2020, numerous clickbait sites have recycled the same handful of details about Gemi—often padding them with speculation about her “career,” “net worth,” or “birth date.”
Here’s what’s verified and what’s not:
| Claim | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gemi Bordelon appeared in the “Get the Gat” video filmed at the White House. | ✅ Verified | Confirmed by multiple sports outlets and by her daughter’s tweet. |
| She is married to Ben Bordelon, former LSU player and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards. | ✅ Verified | Supported by LSU and company biographies. |
| She works at Bollinger Shipyards. | ❌ Unverified | No official record confirms any role. |
| Her net worth or income. | ❌ Unverified | Private citizens’ finances aren’t public data. |
| Her exact date of birth. | ❌ Unverified | Not cited in credible sources. |
When information can’t be verified through trustworthy records, the ethical approach is simple: leave it out.
Gemi and the Bordelon Family’s Community Presence
Louisiana families tied to industries like shipbuilding often play quiet but impactful roles in their communities—supporting local schools, charities, and sports programs.
While Gemi keeps a low profile, she’s often associated with philanthropic efforts through the LSU alumni network and Louisiana-based causes. Whether attending events, supporting players, or showing up for civic functions, the Bordelons are known for giving back to their state.
That aligns with the spirit seen in the “Get the Gat” video: community pride expressed through joy and participation.
A Look at Ben Bordelon’s Career and Achievements
To understand Gemi’s world, it’s worth noting the arc of her husband’s career.
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Born: LaRose, Louisiana
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College: Louisiana State University (Offensive Tackle, 1993–1996)
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Accolades: Second-Team All-SEC (1996)
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NFL: San Diego Chargers (1997 Season)
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Business: Joined Bollinger Shipyards (Founded by grandfather Donald G. Bollinger)
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Leadership: President and CEO since 2014
Under Ben’s leadership, Bollinger Shipyards continued to expand, acquiring additional facilities and securing major defense contracts. His prominence explains why the Bordelons were part of the LSU delegation honored in Washington.
The Cultural Impact of the Video
The “Get the Gat” video wasn’t just a viral sports clip—it became a cultural marker for LSU fans and Louisianans everywhere.
1. Celebrating Louisiana Authenticity
Louisiana has a distinct cultural identity—part Southern, part Creole, part Cajun, and all rhythm. Seeing that culture proudly displayed in a formal government setting was empowering.
2. Elevating Women in Sports Spaces
Even though the moment was spontaneous, Gemi’s presence highlighted the often-overlooked role women play in sports communities—wives, mothers, alumni, supporters, and behind-the-scenes champions.
3. A Lesson in Virality
The video spread precisely because it wasn’t curated. It was real, quick, and joyful—qualities that audiences crave online.
Media Literacy Lesson: How Viral Stories Spread
The arc of Gemi Bordelon’s recognition shows how information travels in the modern web ecosystem.
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Moment captured. — Someone posts a short clip.
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Social curiosity ignites. — Fans ask, “Who is that?”
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A confirmation appears. — In this case, Brooke Bordelon’s tweet.
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Amplification. — Media outlets use the confirmation as sourcing.
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Search explosion. — People Google the name; SEO sites rush to fill the gap.
It’s a reminder to verify before sharing and to treat the subjects of viral content with empathy.
What the Moment Meant to Fans
Ask any LSU fan about the 2019 season, and they’ll mention Joe Burrow, Ed Orgeron, and the “Get the Gat” video in the same breath. For many, it symbolized community, joy, and belonging.
Fans often say that watching Gemi dance made them feel seen—that she represented the LSU community as a whole: proud alumni, parents, and lifelong supporters who pour their hearts into the program.
Where Is Gemi Bordelon Now?
As of 2025, Gemi Bordelon continues to live in Louisiana with her family. There’s no indication she’s sought public attention or media work. Her name still trends occasionally when LSU fans revisit the video, but otherwise, she’s returned to normal life—something few viral figures manage to do gracefully.
That quiet return to privacy speaks volumes about her character. In an online culture addicted to visibility, Gemi Bordelon’s choice to stay out of the spotlight is a subtle act of dignity.
A Symbol of Louisiana Spirit
To the LSU community, Gemi Bordelon represents more than just a viral cameo. She stands for joy without pretense, confidence without ego, and celebration without spectacle.
Her moment at the White House captured what LSU and Louisiana pride look like when they’re distilled to their essence: fun, fearless, and full of life.
Lessons We Can Take from Her Story
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Authenticity wins.
Real joy resonates more than polished performance. -
Community matters.
Gemi’s connection to LSU and Louisiana gave the moment depth and context. -
Privacy is powerful.
Not every story needs constant follow-ups or personal exposure. -
Virality is fleeting—but impact isn’t.
The video may have been short-lived, but its cultural imprint endures.
FAQ: Quick Answers about Gemi Bordelon
Q1: Who is Gemi Bordelon?
A Louisiana native known for appearing in LSU’s viral “Get the Gat” video at the White House in 2020. She is married to former LSU football player and Bollinger Shipyards CEO Ben Bordelon.
Q2: Why was she in the video?
Because of the family’s strong ties to LSU and the invitation extended to LSU alumni and supporters.
Q3: Is she famous now?
She became briefly internet-famous, but she has chosen to live privately since.
Q4: Does she have social media?
There are no verified public accounts belonging to Gemi Bordelon.
Q5: What is the “Get the Gat” dance?
A New Orleans bounce dance popularized in 1990 by Lil Elt and revived by the 2019 LSU football team.
Read Also: Karron Eubank: Biography: Life, Marriage & Family
Conclusion: The Power of One Joyful Moment
In the digital age, fleeting videos can outlive championships. The “Get the Gat” dance was more than a meme—it was a snapshot of cultural pride, captured at the height of LSU’s glory.
And at the center of it stood Gemi Bordelon, embodying the exuberance, grace, and warmth of her home state. She didn’t plan the spotlight, didn’t chase it afterward, and didn’t exploit her sudden fame. She simply danced, smiled, and represented Louisiana with authenticity.
Years later, that authenticity remains her legacy.
