Former NFL punter and media personality Pat McAfee raised the stakes while at The Ohio State University during this weekend’s edition of “College GameDay.” McAfee held his kicking event where the current WWE commentator gives away money to individuals and university charities should the randomly drawn students make the kick.
However, while at Ohio State, McAfee presented a Buckeye student from Pennsylvania with the opportunity to win $500,000 — $250,000 for himself and $250,000 for the university, if he made the kick.
Did the Ohio State Student Make the Kick?
Unfortunately, the aforementioned student missed out on a large sum of money by failing to kick the ball through the uprights from 33 yards away.
However, after some impressive negotiating with McAfee, the student was allowed to have another try for the grand sum of money. In the lead-up to the kick competition, McAfee and the student exchanged a humorous interaction filled with jokes and banter. However, the kick once again did not go as planned for the student.
ONE MORE KICK
FOR $500,000 💰💰
THIS KID STINKS
I’ll still donate $100,000 #CollegeGameDay https://t.co/d0TYvDGVPW pic.twitter.com/9nRLjiOOEe
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 23, 2024
Taking to social media after the second consecutive missed kick, McAfee stated, “ONE MORE KICK – FOR $500,000 💰💰 – THIS KID STINKS – I’ll still donate $100,000 #CollegeGameDay”.
McAfee and Fan Reactions to the Two Missed Kicks
In a classy move by McAfee, he detailed how, despite the two failed field goal attempts, he would still donate $100,000 to the Buckeye’s foundation. However, he did jokingly make clear that the student would not be receiving any of it due to his hilarious and trending kicking struggles.
College football fans took to social media to express their reaction to the Pennsylvania native’s troubles.
One fan wrote, “You’d think these kids would practice more.”
You'd think these kids would practice more.
— The Fabulous 450s (@Fabulous450s) November 23, 2024
Another called out McAfee for giving him another shot. “I think we gotta be strict 1 kick for all the marbles. There’s no mulligans in kicking unless a coach randomly calls a timeout.”
I think we gotta be strict 1 kick for all the marbles
There’s no mulligans in kicking unless a coach randomly calls a timeout
— NBA Slime (@TerryFranconia) November 23, 2024
However, the general consensus around social media was disappointment for the student who missed out on the impressive amount of money.
“Awwwww man. Bummer dude,” tweeted one supporter.
Pat McAfee’s NFL Career
McAfee, a former NFL punter, enjoyed a celebrated career with the Indianapolis Colts from 2009 to 2016. Drafted in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft out of West Virginia University, McAfee quickly made a name for himself with his powerful leg and precise punting ability.
Over eight seasons, he became one of the league’s most reliable punters, averaging an impressive 46.4 yards per punt and earning two Pro Bowl selections (2014, 2016) and one first-team All-Pro honor (2014). McAfee’s ability to flip field positioning was instrumental in helping the Colts maintain competitive special teams during his tenure.
Beyond his punting prowess, McAfee brought an unmatched energy and charisma to the game, endearing himself to fans and teammates alike. He was known for his willingness to tackle returners, his on-field celebrations, and his strong connection with Colts fans.
McAfee also contributed as a kickoff specialist, demonstrating versatility with his knack for producing touchbacks and executing successful onside kicks. Notably, he played a key role in the Colts’ postseason campaigns during the early 2010s, including their run to the AFC Championship Game in the 2014 season.