Cincinatti Bengals Superfan Sean Moore: the One and Only Who Dey Baby

If you’ve ever been inside Paycor Stadium and suddenly felt the energy level jump without warning, there’s a good chance Shawn “Who Dey Baby” Moore was nearby. For more than 20 years, Shawn has been one of the most recognizable Cincinnati Bengals superfans in existence — decked out head to toe in his signature game-day look featuring a massive tiger-striped hat, bold face paint, a personalized Who Dey Baby jersey, and full Bengals gear that’s become legendary among the Who Dey Nation. His presence is impossible to miss, and his enthusiasm is even harder to top.

 

That unwavering passion earned Shawn the honor of being named the Bengals Fan of the Year, a recognition that perfectly captures what he brings to the fanbase: energy, loyalty, and a deep love for the team and its community. What makes his dedication even more remarkable is geography. Shawn lives in Tampa Bay, Florida, yet he flies to Cincinnati for every single Bengals home game. Every time. Same section, same commitment, same contagious energy radiating through the stands, tailgates, and fan gatherings.

 

Shawn’s Bengals story began long before the hats, the paint, or the nickname. His very first memory of becoming a Bengals fan happened when he was just six years old, living in Florida. While watching a Bengals vs. Dolphins game on TV, he was instantly captivated — not by the score or the stars, but by the Bengals helmets. The bold tiger stripes made a lasting impression. The following year, when his family moved to Ohio, Sean had to choose a home team, and the decision was easy. Inspired by that early memory, he claimed the Bengals as his own, a choice that would shape decades of fandom.

For much of his life, Sean lived in Ohio before eventually relocating back to Florida a few years ago. But distance never diluted his loyalty. Before Who Dey Baby existed, a typical Bengals Sunday in the 1990s meant throwing on a Bengals jersey and catching the game at a local sports bar. The transformation into the larger-than-life superfan fans know today began in 1998, during the final season at Riverfront Stadium. Sean’s girlfriend — now his wife — bought him tickets to the last game of the year. While walking around the stadium, Sean spotted a vendor selling oversized lime-green cowboy hats. He bought one, took it home, and spray-painted it orange and black, officially creating his first Bengals hat.

That same game turned out to be a turning point. Sean was named the “Oscar Mayer Hot Dog of the Game,” brought down onto the field, and won prizes. From that moment on, Who Dey Baby was born. Over time, the hats evolved from DIY creations to the professionally dressed, iconic headpieces fans recognize today.

The “Who Dey” chant itself carries deep meaning for Sean and the fanbase. While there’s plenty of friendly controversy between Saints fans and Bengals fans over “Who Dat” versus “Who Dey,” Bengals fans trace their chant back to the 1981 Super Bowl run, when vendors in the stands began calling out, sparking a chant that took on a life of its own. For Sean, Who Dey isn’t just a chant — it’s identity, tradition, and belonging.

Despite living south of Tampa, Shawn continues to make the cross-country journey to Cincinnati for every home game. Getting into full Who Dey Baby mode takes about 45 minutes — unless it’s a whiteout game, which requires a whole different level of preparation. When he’s not energizing the stadium sidelines, Sean works as the Registrar of a charter school, balancing his professional life with his legendary fan persona.

Beyond the costumes and cheers, Shawn is deeply committed to giving back. One of the charities he’s been involved with the longest is Warrior Wishes, a father-and-son organization that began by taking wounded warriors to games in every NFL stadium. After accomplishing that incredible goal, the organization expanded to bring wounded warriors and Gold Star families to sporting events across the country. Shawn also supports childhood cancer charities in memory of his late niece, channeling his platform and passion into causes that truly matter.

When Super Fan Diaries host J.R. asked Shawn to describe Bengals Nation in just one word, his answer said it all: resilience. Through ups and downs, rebuilding years and playoff runs, Bengals fans show up — and no one embodies that spirit more than Who Dey Baby. Sean Moore isn’t just watching the game; he’s living it. From a childhood spark ignited by tiger-striped helmets to becoming a symbol of Bengals fandom, Who Dey Baby represents the heart, soul, and unbreakable spirit of the Who Dey Nation.

🎧 Hear Sean's full story on the SuperFan Diaries Podcast — where passion meets the game.
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