The Unexpected Curse of a 4-Year-Old Football Guru
Reese Donatelli, a four-year-old football enthusiast, has become an unlikely sensation in the world of NFL predictions. What started as a heartwarming father-daughter activity – sharing the joy of football and learning colors – has unexpectedly turned into a viral phenomenon, attracting both adoration and, disturbingly, threats.
From Playful Picks to Playoff Pressure
For years, Reese has been charming football fans with her spirited picks, often selecting teams based on whimsical criteria like dress color or a fondness for cheese (a nod to the Green Bay Packers!). Her dad, Anthony Donatelli, shares these predictions on social media, and her accuracy has often been surprisingly on point. However, during the first weekend of the NFL playoffs, Reese’s predictions didn’t pan out, and the situation took a dark turn.
A Viral Curse and Disturbing Threats
Fans began to believe Reese’s picks were cursed, leading to a barrage of negative reactions. The Donatelli family started receiving death threats, and Anthony received messages demanding reimbursement for lost bets. “It’s nuts,” Donatelli stated. “She’s obviously not an NFL analyst. She’s picking teams based on silly little things.”
Even Cardi B Weighs In
The story even caught the attention of rapper Cardi B, whose partner, Stefon Diggs, plays for the New England Patriots. After Reese predicted a Patriots victory over the Houston Texans, Cardi B jokingly expressed her frustration during an Instagram Live, though she quickly apologized for her outburst. Ironically, Reese’s prediction proved correct, with the Patriots defeating the Texans 28-16.
‘Trust the Toddler’: A Bond Beyond Football
The Donatellis’ Instagram series, now known as “Trust the Toddler,” began almost four years ago as a way to connect over their shared love of football. Anthony purchased mini NFL helmets to help Reese learn colors and geography. The tradition quickly evolved into a fun and engaging way to spend time together. Despite the recent controversy, Donatelli remains unfazed. “I’m not here to fight fire with fire. I’m not angry,” he said. “We don’t want anybody or anything to ruin what Reese and I have created and how we bond.”
The Ups and Downs of a Young Prognosticator
While Reese’s success rate is impressive, she’s not infallible. She went 0-6 in the first week of the playoffs and 1-9 the following week. However, Donatelli maintains a lighthearted approach, posting updates like “the curse has been reversed” after a correct prediction. Fans have responded with humor, with one user jokingly claiming to be in massive debt due to following Reese’s picks. Another follower offered a dose of reality: “If [you’re] letting a kid pick your parlays you shouldn’t be betting.”
The Future of ‘Trust the Toddler’
The Donatellis have no plans to stop their tradition. For them, it’s about the joy of spending time together and strengthening their father-daughter bond, regardless of whether Reese’s picks lead to victory or defeat. You can find more information about the NFL and its players on Yahoo Sports NFL.
This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.
