Video: Redbird football recruit Kobe Buffalomeat on Jimmy Kimmel Live

  • Author By Ryan Denham
  • February 3, 2017
Kobe on big video screen
Redbird football recruit Kobe Buffalomeat during his appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on Thursday, February 2, 2017.

New Illinois State University football recruit Kobe Buffalomeat, whose unique name took the Internet by storm, capped off his whirlwind week with an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Thursday.

Buffalomeat, an offensive lineman from Kansas, was one of 23 players added to the Redbirds’ 2017 roster during National Signing Day on Wednesday. Buffalomeat’s signing quickly went viral due to his name, leading to mentions in big media outlets like the Chicago Tribune and ESPN. Even comedian Jordan Peele, whose TV show famously parodied college football player names, gave Buffalomeat a shoutout on Twitter.

Buffalomeat’s last name traces back to his family’s American Indian background, as reported by Sports Illustrated. His first name was inspired by retired NBA star Kobe Bryant.

The Redbird coaching staff is quick to point out that Buffalomeat is more than just his name. He earned first-team all-conference honors and honorable mention all-area plaudits following his final high school season in Lawrence, Kansas. He is also an honors student and a standout basketball player.

Still, Buffalomeat is not shying away from his new celebrity. He appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Thursday night via videoconference. Watch the video on YouTube.

Illinois State’s Social Media Analytics Command Center in the School of Communication tracked online conversation about Buffalomeat, who was officially trending on Twitter:

See Buffalomeat in action in this highlight reel compiled by Redbird Productions:

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