For years, Jalen Hurts’ face has been on TV screens and Philadelphia billboards. His unshakable cool and dashing good looks have drawn brand deals and a growing base of admirers.

But off TV and beyond the billboards, if you’ve spotted “Hurts” at a Sansom Street dive or on Drexel’s campus in recent years, chances are you ran into Drexel lacrosse midfielder Ronnie Gunter, the Minnesota native who recently went viral for his close resemblance of the two-time Pro Bowler.

In an Instagram video shared by user wooder_ice on Tuesday, Gunter, 22, is seen being approached by 16 people who mistake him for the NFC Championship-winning QB. The video, originally posted by Gunter’s girlfriend, Emma Carpenter, amassed over 160,000 views on Instagram as of Wednesday morning.

Gunter has drawn Hurts comparisons since his sophomore year at Drexel. And while the stares and photo requests can be annoying at times, he has playfully welcomed the attention.

Their shared likeness, however, does not just stop at the goatee and 6-foot-1 frame. Gunter, who played his last lacrosse game for Drexel in May, has some NFL connections too. His cousin David Boston and uncle Michael Gunter played in the league, and another uncle, Byron Boston, was an NFL referee.

We talked to Gunter about going viral, juggling Vikings and Eagles fandom, and his desire to meet Hurts in person for a Spider-Man meme moment.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

First things first, do you think you look like Jalen Hurts?

I can see where the comparison comes from, especially when I put our pictures side by side. But personally, I feel like we look different enough from each other. But some people are fully convinced I’m him. Like we’re actually twins, it’s crazy.

Since you grew up as a Minnesota Vikings fan, was it weird getting compared to the Eagles star?

When I was graduating high school, my friends and family said, “You better not be an Eagles fan.” But it grows on you, especially when your home team is losing. It’s hard not to be a part of [the Eagles fandom].

I fell in love with the Eagles the first time I stepped into the city. I get the “Nobody likes us, we don’t care.” And I think Philly will always be a part of me when I eventually move on.

Did you think the video would go as viral?

I thought about it. I was waiting for someone to repost it and say, “Oh my god, Jalen Hurts was just here,” just because so many people have come up to me and told me, “Has anyone ever said you look like Jalen Hurts?”

My girlfriend was like, “I want to make a video of this,” and I was like, “Sounds good.” She made the video and posted it, and we both thought it would go decently viral. But not as much as it did. But here we are.

How do you feel about the comparisons?

I think it’s funny. And I mean, he’s not a bad guy to be compared to. He’s one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, so I appreciate it. It’s an awesome comparison to be mistaken for that guy. I think it’s awesome.

Has anybody asked you to sign an autograph?

No, never an autograph. There’s been multiple instances where I’ve taken pictures with people. Some of them will do it just to fake out their friends, or other people actually believe that I am him. When I hang out with friends, I get it so much that by the end of the night I just play into it like, “Yep, I’m him.” It’s pretty funny because so many random people come up to me and I can finish their sentences for them.

Does it ever get annoying?

Sometimes it can get a little annoying, but other than that it’s pretty awesome. Especially being in Philly, everyone thinks Jalen Hurts is [at] wherever they’re hanging out. You can see people do double takes, then confirm with their friends and then realize, “Why would Jalen Hurts be anywhere I am right now?” I have always had a good spirit about it, and I don’t ever think it will get old. It’s still awesome because he’s such an inspirational person to get compared to.

I want to manifest you both meeting. It’ll be like the Spider-Man meme.

Me too. I’ve been getting compared to him since roughly the end of my sophomore year. I have gotten nowhere close to meeting him. I’m graduating next week and heading back to Minnesota. [So] I have like a week and a half to meet this guy, so hopefully we can get a side by side next to each other sometime soon.

You’re not going to act like the Drake look-a-likes who walk around wearing OVO hoodies, are you?

No, no, no. I’m going to obviously do me. I get some comments where people are like, “He’s trying to even dress like Jalen Hurts.” No, that’s just how I dress. I’m just out here trying to have a good time.

– The Philadelphia Inquirer

Connecticut native Jenny Meassick moved to Philly in 2017 and fell in love — she started the Instagram account “Old City Love” to highlight the history, food, and people that make up the historic neighborhood she calls home. And while she’s felt “welcomed, accepted, and celebrated” in the city, Meassick said the only link missing is her connection to the Eagles.

Earlier this week she took to the internet to speak the question most Philly transplants are too afraid to ask: How does one become an Eagles fan?

Is it as simple as attending a game at the Linc, revamping a closet with midnight or kelly green, or flipping the bird to anyone wearing a Dallas Cowboys jersey? Or is it purchasing an Eagles Christmas album, getting a tattoo dedicated to the team, or subscribing to a podcast hosted by a former player’s spouse? (We love you, Kylie).

Searching for answers, Meassick posted a Thread asking Eagles diehards for tips on how to join the crazed fan base. “I’m a transplant here in Philly. It’s been 7 years and … don’t come at me … but I have yet to realllly jump into the sports culture,” she wrote. “But I’m here, this is home. So I need some help.”

Hundreds of Eagles fans came to her rescue, creating an online syllabus for newbies to graduate to Bird Gang status. Here’s what they said:

Scream ‘Go Birds’ whenever and wherever

Whether it’s game day or a quick trip to Wawa, stop and give a fellow fan a “Go Birds.” More often than not, you will get a “Go Birds” in return. Then, make it a daily ritual, and “repeat until your last breath,” one commenter joked.

“Shout ‘Go Birds’ to anyone you see wearing Birds gear. Also: Reciprocate that greeting when given to you, another wrote.

Add Eagles gear to your closet

Once “Go Birds” has replaced your regular “hi, how are you” , it’s time to grab some team threads. Not only does it declare your fandom, it helps other fans find you. “Buy some Eagles and Phillies gear, something swaggy and let the love come to you,” one user suggested.

Another suggested getting a throwback jersey to avoid looking like a noob: “Grab yourself a good retired player jersey. [Brian Dawkins], Reggie White, [Jason Kelce] … all good choices.”

Meassick said she’s sprinkling her closet with some Eagles gear, albeit incrementally. The first item will be a kelly green crew neck. “That’s more like my style,” she said.

Find fellow Eagles fans at a tailgate or bar

No “Go Birds” is complete without a group of Eagles to return the favor. There are multiple ways to engage with the fan base, but the easiest way is to start with your local sports bar or pub.

“Go to your local bar and watch a game. Even if you don’t drink. You will immediately get caught up in the infectious enthusiasm and camaraderie,” one user suggested.

If you want to amplify the game-day experience, join the crazed crowd at a tailgate outside the Linc. If tailgating isn’t your thing, Xfinity Live! is another one-stop shop for game-day entertainment. But wherever Eagles fans flock, all are welcome.

“The Eagles fan base is going to meet you where you’re at. If you drink, cool. Go to a bar. If you don’t, cool. You can Google and YouTube the players,” Meassick said.

Do your homework on iconic Eagles plays

Admittedly, Meassick isn’t much of a football fan. She lived in Boston for 10 years and was fatigued by the sports-obsessed town.

The only Eagle she knows is former All-Pro center Jason Kelce, who retired last year. Dozens of fans recommended Googling current players, and the origin of iconic plays like the “Philly Special” and the “tush push.”

“Ask fans here for a short list of their most agonizing defeats and watch them on YouTube,” one fan said. “My suggestion is ‘The Fog Bowl.’ Then watch Brian Dawkins and [Chuck Bednarik’s] highlights. Then watch their Super Bowl victory.”

Be a hater of every other NFL team

This one is simple. If it isn’t the Eagles, then don’t mention the team. “Hate every other team in the NFL!” one fan declared.

Buckle up for the ride

While life as an Eagles fan has been great lately, true aficionados know how gut-wrenching a defeat can be, especially in the postseason. “Accept that being a Philly sports fan means oscillating forever between incredible highs and crushing disappointment,” a commenter wrote.

But like sesame seeds on a fresh-baked hoagie roll, fans stick with the Birds through thick and thin. And they expect the same commitment from fans, both new and old.

“Eventually your blood pressure will start spiking while you watch the games. You’ll also have an insatiable urge to fight anyone who talks bad about your team. That’s when you know the metamorphosis is complete and you’re a full-fledged fan,” another fan explained.

Accept your place in the cult

“We meet at our Lady of the Linc on Sundays. Many of us call it our religion … some a cult. Either way we bleed green and at the kiss of peace, we say GO BIRDS and you better say it back 🦅💚,” another fan explained.

Based on fan comments, Meassick is already on the right path. Her desire to be an Eagles fan, they say, is why there’s a place for her in the tribe.

“We’ve adopted you, you are one of us. Now walk into the closest Wawa and yell go birds 🦅,” one user wrote.