This dissertation explored the impacts of interpersonal interactions between sports fans and famous sports figures (FSFs) and how these meaningful interactions may transform fan identity. A total of 531 participants participated in a mix method survey to address elements of fame, meaningfulness of an interpersonal engagement with a FSF, and relationships between fan identity and interpersonal variables including fanship, rapport, parasocial interaction, and fan identity to navigate the impact of a serendipitous interaction. Participants conceptually define fame, and a grounded theory approach was used to analyze responses. Results indicate that fans perceived fame as one of the following nine categories - (1) name recognition and general recognizability, (2) playing at the highest level of professional or college, (3) contribution and legacy to sports, (4) marketability, (5) FSF’s individual skills, accolades and accomplishments, (6) team association and affiliation, (7) community engagement, (8) media (social and traditional), (9) role model and pro-social characteristics. Results imply that current sports communication variables used to capture fame, may not accurately represent how fans are presently defining fame, and future research utilizing fame may benefit from a recalibration of how fame is measured. Participants recalled an experience when they met a FSF in-person coincidentally, and expressed elements of the interaction that made this unique engagement memorable and meaningful. Through a grounded theory approach, interactions with FSFs were categorized as meaningful in the following seven ways - (1) Memento, (2) Nonverbal Behaviors, (3) Surrealism, (4) Authenticity, (5) Affability, (6) Aspiration, and (7) FSF Disappointment. Each category defines how fans develop these memories and how they perceive them post-interaction. Last, participants distinguish interpersonal and sports fan significance through several sports and interpersonal measures. Results indicate that the interpersonal variables along with the sports fan centered variables had numerous significant positive relationships as well as described differences between fan identity levels. Results signify that interpersonal interactions with FSFs are impactful for many fans and fan identity values, and attitudes may shift in positive and negative directions based on brief moments shared. Theoretical contributions to sports and human communication are discussed with implications for future research on fan-athlete (FSF) communication.