I’m sure the staff of the Los Angeles Chargers and Dignity Health Sports Park thought they would really stick it to the Pittsburgh Steelers and their fans on Sunday night. They had a perfect plan. First, the Chargers take a commanding lead over the Steelers. Then, late in the game, play the Steelers home fight sone, “Renegade” only to troll them all when they Rick Roll them by jumping over to “Never gonna give you up” by Rick Astley. Hilarity would ensure.
The problem came when the Chargers team failed to carry out the first part of the plan. But the people in charge of the prank decided to go ahead and carry it out despite their team losing. In a stadium more than 75 percent filled with Steelers fans, they erupted when “Renegade” came on only to follow with indifference as they turned their attention back to the Steelers beating the Chargers.
Even Chargers players didn’t appreciate the joke. Running back Melvin Gordon and offensive lineman Forrest Lamp said they were confused by the decision and didn’t appreciate hearing the Steelers theme song in their stadium, even in jest.
