One of the most fun things about sports fandom is the ancient art of trash talking: It keeps the competitive juices flowing and often leads to funny interactions between those involved. Social media helped expand the world of talking smack beyond the bleachers and parking lots and sports bars to now also include franchises as well.
The Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings, for example, went after the Indianapolis Colts for their #coltsforged hashtag last summer (featuring a surprise appearance by Merriam-Webster). The Carolina Panthers trolled Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston for his “eating a W” pre-game speech.