TAMPA, Fla. — Thanks to the power of social media, “Frank” has been found!

What You Need To Know

  • Pictures of “Frank” went viral after a fan at the Super Bowl tweeted about his new friend

  • “Frank” was a cardboard cutout fan

  • He’s really a man named Clayton Whipple who lives in Iowa

The internet helped tracked down the mystery man, pictured in a cardboard cutout, who sat next to Big Storm Brewing’s co-owner L.J. Govoni. 

Govoni sent out a string of tweets from the Super Bowl with photos of the two enjoying the game “together.” Govoni even shared a beer with his new cardboard cutout friend.

Less than 48 hours later, “Frank” identified himself on Twitter. His real name is Clayton Whipple, and he lives with his wife and two young boys in Iowa. 

Whipple and Govoni met for the first time on Tuesday afternoon during a Zoom call. There, Govoni offered Whipple and his family a trip to Tampa to come enjoy the city and finally hang out in person.

“It would be so nice for two people who don’t know each other from opposite ends of the country essentially and opposite teams to just getting together and be communal. Sports and beer just have a way of bringing communities together,” Govoni said to his new friend. 

“You won’t believe how much I appreciate that and share those same thoughts,” Whipple said. “Sports have always been a big part of my life, and I’m trying to teach my boys the value of what sportsmanship is.”

They haven’t made a date yet for their trip but say it will definitely involve a beer or two.