Billy Gil ’12 works on the most popular sports radio show in the United States, the Dan LeBatard Show with Stugotz.

His face is on ESPN every weekday. In public, people stop and ask him for pictures. Fans even wear T-shirts bearing his name.

“It’s weird. I’m just a producer on a radio show,” Gil said.

Gil is a champion for FIU. He is a walking mannequin for Panther merchandise. Sometimes, he awkwardly derails segments to remind the audience that four-time Pro Bowler T.Y. Hilton went to FIU.

“People come up to me in different places, say what’s up and throw in a ‘paws up!’” Gil said.

To many, Gil is becoming a symbol for Miami as a whole. You can see it in his work.

During a broadcast last year, Gil invented a character that became an instant hit: “Pipo,” an outspoken University of Miami fan who did not actually attend the university.



In the video below, Pipo challenges Dan LeBatard, host of the show and a UM alumnus, on his commitment to the Hurricanes.