UCF Football Responds to Viral Video
A viral video from Disney’s Epcot has prompted a swift response from UCF and raised broader discussions on social behavior, online accountability, and brand reputation management in the digital age.
A recent video recorded at Disney’s Epcot theme park has sparked widespread attention after a man falsely claimed to be a member of the University of Central Florida’s football team. The viral moment triggered both institutional clarification and public reflection on behavior in high-traffic public spaces.
The Incident: Line-Cutting and a False Claim
The clip, filmed in line for the “Soarin’ Around the World” attraction, features a group of young adults involved in a heated exchange with another family. During the interaction, a man later identified as Kwadwo Brathwaite, 23, asserted that he played football for UCF. This false claim quickly circulated online, prompting confusion among viewers and media outlets.
Speculation had briefly pointed to Preston Foreman, a running back for UCF, prompting him to respond with a TikTok video confirming he was not the person in the footage:
“As you can clearly see, I’m not the guy in that Epcot TikTok video. I don’t have dreads, I don’t have tattoos, and I’m currently in a sling.”
UCF Issues Statement on the Viral Clip
Within hours, UCF Athletics issued a statement denying any connection between the individual in the video and the university’s football program:
Brathwaite Responds and Apologizes
Later, Brathwaite posted his own statement, clarifying that he is not affiliated with UCF and that he acted emotionally during a moment of stress. He also alleged that slurs had been directed at him, which contributed to his reaction. Brathwaite offered a public apology to the families and children nearby at the time.
The UCF Knights football team, representing the University of Central Florida (UCF), competes in NCAA Division I FBS football. They’re a member of the Big 12 Conference, with Gus Malzahn leading as head coach. Their home turf is the 45,000-seat FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
UCF began its football journey in 1979, rising through NCAA divisions to FBS status in 1996. They’ve made a mark with 293 victories, six division titles, and six conference championships. Notable achievements include two New Year’s Six bowl victories and producing NFL stars like Blake Bortles, Daunte Culpepper, and McKenzie Milton.
The UCF Knights football team has a rich history. They started playing in 1979 and have climbed to compete in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Over the years, they’ve won many games, earning six division titles and six conference championships.
They’ve also made 15 postseason appearances, including big wins in New Year’s Six bowls. The team has produced star players like Kevin Smith, Daunte Culpepper, and McKenzie Milton, who’ve excelled in college and the NFL. With a strong legacy and dedicated fan base, the UCF Knights continue to make their mark on the football world.
Reputation and Responsibility in the Viral Age
This episode underscores the importance of online identity verification and the rapid response protocols organizations must deploy to maintain brand integrity. With the increasing frequency of viral incidents, institutions and individuals are learning the value of transparency and digital responsibility.
Platforms like TikTok and X have become key players in modern-day public discourse, but they also pose challenges when false claims go unchecked. The situation also highlights how quickly reputations can be impacted—even when the person involved is misidentified.
Theme Park Conduct and Family-Friendly Expectations
Incidents like this also call attention to theme park etiquette and the importance of maintaining respectful behavior in crowded, family-oriented spaces. Disney parks emphasize a safe and welcoming environment for all guests, and staff are trained to manage escalating tensions when necessary.
