ESPN's Scott Van Pelt roasts Stephen Curry on live TV with four words after unexpected Panthers endorsement

“I am? As a loyal Panthers fan, I am excited for this season.” These words from Stephen Curry 2012 marked the beginning of an unwavering loyalty — one that just earned him a brutal four-word reality check from ESPN Scott Van Pelt on Monday evening Buccs-Ravens Halftime show.

As Curry proudly declared “Go Panthers” Van Pelt didn't miss a beat during his ESPN appearance. “Good luck with that..” the veteran broadcaster quipped, perfectly expressing the NBA superstar's optimism for his struggling team.

The playful exchange underscores Curry's longstanding devotion to Carolina – a connection that runs deeper than most realize. Although he lives in the Bay Area and led the Warriors to four NBA championships, Curry's heart lies with his hometown team. His roots go back to Akron, North Carolina, where he spent his childhood in Charlotte while his father, Dell Curry, played for the Hornets.

Currys Panthers Passion is not just talk. He showed up at Allegiant Stadium in Nevada this season rocking a Panthers cap and wowing fans via Instagram: “Greetings to the Panther Nation. Keep hitting as always. You know I'm here in Las Vegas representing the game and watching the game. All love.” The Panthers' social media team hugged their famous supporter and responded with one simple word “Yes Chef 👨‍🍳 #KeepPounding.”

This commitment even led to curry to seek partial ownership of the team in 2018. Along with rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs and billionaire Michael Rubin, Curry tried to turn his fan base into something bigger. Although hedge fund mogul David Tepper ultimately bought the franchise, Curry cited the experience “really powerful.”

Behind the scenes of Curry's Panthers obsession

Some fans wear jerseys – Stephen Curry takes it a step further. In 2016, he proudly wore customized Under Armor shoes in the Panthers' blue and white colors during an NBA game. The team recognized his commitment by having him beat the “Keep Pounding” drum before kickoff.

His game day superstition rivals that of any hardcore fan. During an NFC Championship game, Curry admitted to ESPN Radio's “Mike & Mike”: “I sat in a chair and watched… That was my favorite chair. Everything went great in the first half. I moved chairs for maybe five minutes and then Cam threw his interception. So I ran back to the chair I was sitting on.”

Even Thanksgiving dinner can't escape his team spirit. His wife Ayesha caught him wearing a Panthers jersey during the 2015 holiday celebration. Panthers players Jonathan Stewart and Thomas Davis returned their love, posing with Curry's No. 30 Warriors jersey at an NBA game.

For the four-time NBA champion, the Panthers' support goes beyond the typical celebrity fan base. From that difficult 2012 season to today's troubles that sparked Van Pelt's playful swipe, Curry's loyalty has not wavered. His Instagram bio could read “Warrior” But his football heart beats in Carolina blue.