The Los Angeles Chargers are in the final stretch of the playoffs when they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, but a special guest could give them the motivational boost they need after a close loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last week.
Judge Judy Sheindlin will serve as honorary team captain for this week’s game, where she will join quarterback Justin Herbert and other team captains for the coin toss prior to kickoff at 4:25 PM ET.
But her performance should come as no surprise to those who know head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh responds to a question during a press conference after beating the Denver Broncos in an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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Harbaugh has openly discussed his admiration for Sheindlin during press conferences over the years and has repeatedly called himself a fan of her legendary TV courtroom drama series.
The former Michigan football coach even appeared in the audience of her show ‘Judge Judy’ in January 2015 alongside his father, Jack Harbaugh.
“Jim Harbaugh is a force of nature. His enthusiasm for the game and for life in general is infectious,” Sheindlin told Fox News Digital ahead of Sunday’s game. “I had the great pleasure of spending a day with Jim and his father, who is quite a nice guy himself. I am definitely a fan of the Harbaughs. They are a unique family.”
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh and judge Judy Sheindlin on the field at SoFi Stadium on December 15, 2024. (Fox News)
For Harbaugh, the feelings are mutual.
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“It will be an incredible honor to share our sideline with Judge Judy. She has been a television viewing appointment for my family for years,” he told Fox News Digital. “If we could get Judge Judy on the Supreme Court, the world would be a better place. Suffice it to say, I’m a big fan.”
This isn’t the first time the legendary coach has pushed Sheindlin to join the Supreme Court. In 2016, Harabaugh posted a message on social media encouraging former President Barack Obama to nominate Sheindlin.
Judge Judy Sheindlin, star of “Judy Justice” on Prime Video, pictured with former Los Angeles Chargers tight end Antonio Gates at SoFi Stadium on December 15, 2024. (Fox News)
“I urge President Obama to nominate the wise and competent Judge Judith Sheindlin to the Supreme Court.” he said at the time.
Sheindlin starred on “Judge Judy” for 25 years before moving on to “Judy Justice,” which streams weekdays on Prime Video and is the winner of two Daytime Emmys.
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Sheindlin stars in “Judy Justice,” which streams weekdays on Prime Video and is the winner of two Daytime Emmys. (Michael Becker for Prime Video)
A win on Sunday won’t secure a playoff spot for the Chargers, as they fell to the sixth seed in the AFC last week. They currently hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Denver Broncos, but a win over the Bucs will give them nine wins this season and one step closer to the playoffs.
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