In the vast and often chaotic universe of internet fame, it usually takes a carefully curated brand or a bizarre accident to capture the world’s attention. But every once in a while, someone stumbles into the spotlight with nothing more than pure, unadulterated joy. That someone was Gemi Bordelon. Back in January 2020, a video surfaced that would momentarily break the internet—not for a political scandal or a celebrity mishap, but for a dance. As the LSU Tigers football team visited the White House to celebrate their national championship victory, they decided to let loose and perform the “Get the Gat” challenge. Standing among the towering athletes, moving with a rhythm and confidence that was utterly captivating, was a blonde woman who instantly became the star of the show . That woman was Gemi Bordelon, and her life hasn’t quite been the same since.
However, to define Gemi Bordelon solely by that 60-second clip of her dancing would be a massive disservice to the depth of her character. Behind the viral moment is a story rooted deep in the soil of Louisiana—a tale of family legacy, entrepreneurial grit, and a steadfast commitment to privacy in an age that demands oversharing. She is the wife of a football legend turned business mogul, the mother of rising athletes, and a figure of quiet influence in her community. This is the long-form story of Gemi Bordelon, the woman who taught the internet that sometimes, the best moments in life are the ones where you just dance like nobody’s watching.
The Woman Behind the Dance: Who is Gemi Bordelon?
To understand the phenomenon of the viral video, you first have to understand the woman at its center. Gemi Bordelon wasn’t some hired influencer or an attention-seeking fan who crashed the White House gates. She was, and still is, a proud Louisiana native with deep ties to the LSU community . Born on February 1, 1975, in Louisiana, Gemi’s identity is intrinsically linked to the Bayou State. Her upbringing in the American South instilled in her a set of values that are palpable in her public persona: warmth, resilience, and an unpretentious approach to life .
Before the flashes of the paparazzi and the curious tweets, Gemi was simply living her life, raising a family, and building a career. She is described by those who know her as a grounded individual who values substance over style. This authenticity is precisely what made her viral moment so powerful. When she danced, it wasn’t a performance; it was a genuine expression of happiness for a team she and her family have supported for decades. Her educational background, which reportedly includes time at Louisiana State University, solidified her connection to the university, making her not just a spectator but a part of the Tigers’ extended family .
The Viral Moment: LSU, The White House, and “Get the Gat”
Let’s rewind to January 17, 2020. The Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers were riding high after a dominant 42-25 victory over Clemson to secure the national college football championship. As is tradition for championship teams, they were invited to the White House to meet then-President Donald Trump. During the visit, the team decided to film a TikTok video performing the “Get the Gat” challenge, a popular dance set to New Orleans bounce artist Lil Elt’s song “Get the Gat” .
In the video, Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow and his teammates are seen laughing and dancing. But it was the woman in the background who stole the show. With her blonde hair and effortless moves, Gemi Bordelon danced with an energy that rivaled the athletes half her age. The internet immediately went into detective mode. Who was this woman? Was she a White House staffer? A team employee? .
The mystery was solved quickly thanks to the power of social media. Gemi’s daughter, Brooke Bordelon, took to Twitter to set the record straight with a simple, proud tweet: “It would be my mother” . The revelation that the mystery woman was the wife of a former LSU player only made the story sweeter. The video spread like wildfire across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, amassing millions of views. It wasn’t just a dance; it was a moment of shared joy. Gemi Bordelon became a symbol of spontaneous fun, and her age-defying energy made her an inspiration to women everywhere. As one fan noted, her authenticity stood out in a digital world that is often overly polished and calculated .
| Platform | Estimated Views (Approx.) | User Engagement |
|---|---|---|
| LSU Official Twitter | 1.5 Million | 20,000+ Likes/Retweets |
| LSU Official Facebook | 2 Million | 50,000+ Reactions/Shares |
| LSU Official Instagram | 1 Million | 10,000+ Comments |
*Source: Wikibiography.in *
A Legacy on the Gridiron: Meet Ben Bordelon
Of course, you cannot tell the story of Gemi without highlighting the man beside her. Her husband, Ben Bordelon, is a towering figure in Louisiana sports and business—both literally and figuratively. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches during his playing days, Ben was a force on the offensive line for the LSU Tigers in the mid-1990s . A three-year starter and offensive captain during his senior year in 1996, he earned second-team All-SEC honors, cementing his legacy in the Tiger record books .
After a stellar college career, Ben took his talents to the NFL, playing offensive tackle for the San Diego Chargers during the 1997-1998 season . While his professional football career was relatively brief, it laid the foundation for the discipline and leadership he would later exhibit in the corporate world. For Gemi, marrying Ben meant becoming part of a legacy. The couple tied the knot in 1999, and since then, she has been his steadfast partner, supporting him through the transition from cleats to suit jackets . Their partnership is often described as a true team, balancing the demands of public life with the sanctity of their private world .
The Bollinger Shipyards Connection
If football is the passion of the Bordelon family, shipbuilding is the business. Ben Bordelon is the President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, a massive family-run company founded by his grandfather, Donald G. Bollinger, in 1946 . Headquartered in Lockport, Louisiana, Bollinger is one of the largest privately-owned shipbuilding companies in the United States, providing services to the U.S. military, the oil and gas industry, and commercial maritime interests .
This connection places Gemi Bordelon in a unique position within the Louisiana business community. While she maintains her own identity as an entrepreneur, she is also the matriarch of a family that employs thousands of Louisianans. Her role, though often behind the scenes, involves representing the family at community events and supporting the legacy that her husband upholds. The couple lives in Raceland, within Lafourche Parish, placing them right in the heart of Louisiana’s maritime industry . This deep-rooted connection to the local economy explains why, despite their wealth and status, the Bordelons remain closely tied to the culture and people of the region .
Family First: The Bordelon Children
For Gemi, her most important title isn’t “internet sensation” or “CEO’s wife”—it’s “mom.” She and Ben have three children: a daughter named Brooke and two sons, Bo and Brett . In an era where celebrity children are often thrust into the limelight whether they like it or not, Gemi has worked tirelessly to provide them with a sense of normalcy.
The family’s bond was on full display after the viral video, when Brooke proudly identified her mother to the world. Brooke, a graduate of Louisiana State University, married former LSU player Grant Gauthreaux in 2022, further intertwining the family with LSU athletics . The Bordelon sons have followed in their father’s footsteps, with Brett “Bo” Bordelon playing as an offensive lineman for the LSU Tigers, continuing the family dynasty on the field .
Gemi’s parenting philosophy appears to be rooted in leading by example. By maintaining her composure and privacy despite her sudden fame, she has taught her children how to handle public attention with grace. Her commitment to keeping her family life private, even as her own face became a meme, demonstrates a fierce protective instinct that defines her role as a mother .
Why Was She at the White House? Unpacking the Mystery
One of the lingering questions from the viral video was simple: why was she there? How does the wife of a former player from the 90s end up in the official delegation photo op at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? According to reports from WBRZ and Heavy, Gemi and Ben Bordelon were present due to their close ties to the Louisiana congressional delegation .
Given Ben’s status as a major employer in the state and the family’s political connections within the business community, it is highly plausible they were invited as distinguished guests to represent Louisiana alongside the championship team. Furthermore, the family lives in Lafourche Parish, which happens to be very close to the hometown of former LSU Tigers coach Ed Orgeron . These personal and professional networks explain why Gemi Bordelon was not just a spectator but an active participant in the day’s celebrations. It was a convergence of sports, politics, and local pride—and Gemi happened to be the spark that lit the viral fuse.
Life Beyond the Limelight: Gemi’s Professional Identity
While much of the media focus is on her husband’s career, Gemi Bordelon is a accomplished individual in her own right. She is frequently described as a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur . Unlike her husband’s very public role at Bollinger, Gemi’s professional endeavors have remained largely private, a deliberate choice that aligns with her preference for a life away from the cameras.
However, those in the know recognize her as a motivated figure within Louisiana’s business network, with interests that align closely with community growth and workforce development . She embodies the modern woman who can navigate the worlds of high-stakes business and family life without losing her identity. Her estimated net worth, often reported in conjunction with her husband’s, is cited by various sources to be around $750,000 individually, though these figures are speculative . What is clear is that Gemi Bordelon is not just living off a family name; she contributes to it, bringing her own blend of creativity and leadership to the table.
Handling Fame with Grace and Privacy
In a world where 15 minutes of fame usually leads to a podcast deal or a reality TV show, Gemi took the road less traveled. After her video went viral, she did not create a TikTok account to capitalize on her fame. She didn’t hire a publicist or start selling merchandise. Instead, she retreated back into the comfort of her private life .
This decision is perhaps the most telling aspect of her character. It highlights a level of self-assuredness that is rare. She enjoyed the moment, certainly, but she had no desire to live in it forever. Her limited social media presence is a testament to her priorities: faith, family, and community over followers and likes. By choosing discretion over exposure, Gemi Bordelon has maintained a positive public image. She is remembered fondly because she left the party before it ended, leaving everyone wanting more but respecting her choice to go home .
Quotes That Define Her Journey
While Gemi herself rarely gives interviews, the words of her family members paint a vivid picture of the woman she is. Perhaps the most famous quote associated with her story came from her daughter, Brooke, who solved the internet’s biggest mystery with a simple declaration:
“It would be my mother.” – Brooke Bordelon
This quote captures the pride and close-knit nature of the Bordelon family. Furthermore, descriptions of her from various outlets highlight her impact:
“Her authentic and energetic performance in the White House video resonated strongly with LSU fans… portraying her as a sensation who handled her newfound fame graciously.” – Wikibiography.in
“She exemplifies how grace under attention, grounded values, and commitment to loved ones create enduring influence.” – Apex Magazine
Influence and Legacy in Louisiana
Years after the “Get the Gat” video, Gemi’s influence endures. She has become an unintentional icon for women, particularly in the South, who see her as proof that confidence and fun have no expiration date. Her story speaks to the power of representation—showing that successful women are often the ones working behind the scenes, leading their families and communities without seeking validation from the internet .
Her legacy is also tied to philanthropy. Though she keeps a low profile, Gemi is involved in community initiatives, charities, and programs that support education and local culture . She represents the best of Louisiana: a blend of French Creole heritage, Southern hospitality, and American entrepreneurial spirit. Gemi Bordelon is more than a viral meme; she is a snapshot of a life well-lived, filled with love, rhythm, and an unshakeable sense of self.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gemi Bordelon
Who is Gemi Bordelon?
Gemi Bordelon is an American businesswoman and public figure from Louisiana. She is best known for her appearance in a viral “Get the Gat” dance video with the LSU Tigers football team at the White House in 2020. She is married to Ben Bordelon, a former LSU and NFL player who is now the CEO of Bollinger Shipyards .
How did Gemi Bordelon become famous?
She became an internet sensation in January 2020 when a video of her dancing joyfully alongside LSU players during a White House visit went viral on social media. Her identity was initially a mystery until her daughter, Brooke, confirmed it was her mother .
Who is Gemi Bordelon’s husband?
Her husband is Ben Bordelon. He is a former offensive lineman for the LSU Tigers and the San Diego Chargers. Since retiring from football, he has served as the President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, a company founded by his grandfather .
Does Gemi Bordelon have children?
Yes, she has three children with her husband Ben. Their daughter is Brooke Bordelon, and they have two sons, Bo and Brett Bordelon. Bo has followed his father’s footsteps to play football at LSU .
What is Gemi Bordelon’s connection to Bollinger Shipyards?
Her connection is primarily through her husband, Ben, who runs the company. As his wife and a member of the Bordelon family, she is associated with the company’s legacy and participates in the community and social responsibilities that come with the family’s business standing in Louisiana .
Is Gemi Bordelon active on social media?
No, she maintains a very low profile online. Despite her viral fame, she does not actively pursue social media attention and prefers to keep her personal life private .
Conclusion
In the end, the story of Gemi Bordelon is a refreshing narrative in the modern digital age. It proves that you don’t have to seek fame to find it, and more importantly, that you don’t have to cling to it once it finds you. From the halls of the White House to the shipyards of Louisiana, Gemi has navigated her journey with a blend of Southern grace and unwavering authenticity. She is a wife, a mother, an entrepreneur, and an accidental icon who reminded millions of people to let loose and enjoy the music. Her legacy is not defined by the number of views she received, but by the genuine smile she wore while getting them. In a world of fleeting trends, Gemi Bordelon remains a timeless symbol of joy, proving that sometimes, the best thing you can do is just dance.
