Apple TV’s beloved comedy Ted Lasso paused for an emotional moment in Season 4, Episode 5, “Riches of Embarrassment,” honoring the late Joel Stevens with a heartfelt tribute.
In Ted Lasso Season 4, Episode 5, AFC Richmond’s women’s team went head-to-head with Chelsea as Ted (Jason Sudeikis), Beard (Brendan Hunt), Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham), and Keeley (Juno Temple) each dealt with complications in their love lives. As the episode drew to a close, Wilson Phillips’ “Hold On” started playing, followed by an on-screen dedication that read, “In memory of Joel Stevens.”
The tribute likely left many viewers asking the same questions: Who was Joel Stevens, and what connection did he have to Ted Lasso? Decider contacted Ted Lasso representatives at Apple TV for additional details.
While awaiting a response, Decider looked into the dedication to better understand why Joel Stevens was honored at the end of Ted Lasso Season 4, Episode 5. Here’s what has been uncovered so far.
Who Is Joel Stevens On Ted Lasso? Season 4, Episode 5’s Tribute Card Explained
Though it has not yet been officially confirmed, the Joel Stevens recognized by Ted Lasso at the end of Episode 405 appears to have been a cherished family member, friend, and football coach and fan who died on August 15, 2025, following a battle with cancer.
Back in 2025, Burgess Hill Town Junior FC posted a touching tribute to the English football team’s coach, Stevens, and late team manager, Graham George, on its Facebook and Instagram pages, writing, “It is with immense sadness that we share the news that one of our U14s pathway boys; teams has recently suffered the devastating loss of not one, but two hugely loved and inspirational figures of our club family.”
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The posts went on to call Joel “a larger-than-life character who wore his heart on his sleeve. His cheeky grin, quick wit, and banter with the boys made him truly special. He was a mentor, a mate, and a coach who instilled a style of fast, fearless football that will always remain part of the team’s DNA.”
“Both Graham and Joel gave so much of themselves to our club, and their legacies will live on through the players, coaches, and families they inspired. Their passion, humour, and love for the game will remain at the core of everything this team does,” the posts continues.
The in memoriam to Stevens comes just beyond the one-year anniversary of his death. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched, the football players he coached, and now through Ted Lasso‘s thoughtful tribute.
Decider reached out to Apple TV for more info and will update this article as soon as we receive a response.
Stay tuned for more Ted Lasso Season 4 coverage from Decider.