‘Blue Bloods’ Star Donnie Wahlberg Doubles as a Boston Celtics Superfan
Boston Celtics superfan Donnie Wahlberg might not get the same attention as other celebrities of their fields, but his passion for the team runs deep.
Every team in sports seems to have at least one or two famous fans who live and die with the team. Some, such as Spike Lee in New York and Jack Nicholson in Los Angeles, grow intertwined with the teams they root for and always become a part of the narrative.
The Wahlberg family bond
Those who know Wahlberg’s brother, Mark, know that a passion for New England sports runs deep into their veins. Both have been outspoken, lending their voices to a variety of sports media throughout the year to declare their love. For Donnie, however, the love for the Celtics runs far deeper than cheering them on, he has an active relationship with the franchise.
When basketball finally tips off in front of Boston sports fans again, don’t be surprised if you see Donnie, Mark, and other members of their famous family sitting courtside. It is part of who they are. Their passion for the Celtics and the other Boston teams directly correlates with their passion for the city as a whole.
This love of the Celtics has extended to the next generation, as well. Right after the NBA suspended its season due to the COVID-19 scare, Donnie got emotional on Instagram. He posted a picture of him sitting next to his son as they both watched a Celtics game on his phone. Underneath, he included a message.
“Watching a [Celtics] game, outside our home, in a public place, less than six feet apart, the day before everything changed,” Donnie told Pop Culture. “Appreciate the little things and cherish each moment. Every day is a gift.”
He also uses Celtics games as date nights with his famous wife, Jenny McCarthy. The Celtics mean a lot to Donnie and his family, so it should come to no surprise that a bond has formed between the two.
Donnie Wahlberg and the Celtics
Donnie has become a celebrity fixture for Celtics content across all mediums. Not only does he represent the team with his clothes and words, but he has also helped bring about several Celtics-related projects in the past. When the Celtics needed a voice
When ESPN created a documentary about the 2010-11 Celtics called The Association: Boston Celtics, they knew they had to get Wahlberg involved. He not only narrated that project, but another ESPN documentary called Celtics/Lakers: Best of Enemies. This second documentary highlighted the biggest rivalry in the NBA.
When one thinks of a sports fanatic, it’s hard to think of a celebrity who is as invested in their favorite team as much as Donnie Wahlberg. It’s amazing, then, that he makes time for his day job between all of his Celtics-related jobs and activities.
This year on ‘Blue Bloods’
From pop star to actor, Donnie has shown a versatile resume when it comes to his day jobs. For the last 10 years, however, he might best be known for his work on the hit CBS drama Blue Bloods.
The show, which is currently in its tenth season, follows a family filled with law enforcement officers both young and old. Donnie plays Detective Danny Reagan. Danny is constantly on the front lines of danger as he tries to uphold the law.
This season has thrown Danny into the lion’s den, too. From chasing down purveyors of dangerous street drugs to tracking down a hitman who is taking out people across New York City, Detective Reagan has his hands full. Reagan has found himself torn between his job and the realities of the civilian world outside, which plays a major part in his growth as a character.
Donnie has a full plate with a television show, performing gigs, and representing his beloved Celtics. Whether basketball comes back soon or later, too, you can expect to see Donnie sitting courtside while cheering on his team with pride.
