A Brigham Young University student dressed as Spider-Man wins $3 million after nailing a crucial field goal kick on live television.
A Brigham Young University student made headlines on Saturday, October 17, after securing a massive cash prize during a live broadcast of ESPN College GameDay. Dressed in a full Spider-Man costume, the student stepped up to the uprights in Provo, Utah, facing immense pressure.
The dramatic moment unfolded during the popular pregame show, which centered around the anticipated college football matchup between the BYU Cougars and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. With millions of viewers watching, the stakes could not have been higher for the anonymous student kicker.
By successfully converting a high-pressure field goal attempt, the collegiate fan walked away with an incredible payout, according to information published by dexerto.
The Pat McAfee Kicking Contest on ESPN
Each week during the college football season, analyst Pat McAfee hosts his popular 'Kicking is Easy' contest on the live pregame show. The segment typically selects a random student from the energetic crowd and challenges them to kick a 33-yard field goal.
Successfully booting the football through the posts usually rewards the lucky participant with a grand prize of $1 million. The standard payout is generously funded by a split partnership, featuring $500,000 from McAfee and a matching $500,000 contribution from Home Depot.
Business Leaders Boost Prize to Three Million Dollars
This particular episode in Provo featured an unprecedented financial escalation thanks to generous local billionaires and enthusiastic alumni. Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith and his business partner Ryan Sweeney decided to intervene.
Representing their respective alma maters, the BYU and Notre Dame graduates agreed to personally add another $1 million each to the pot. This extraordinary contribution successfully elevated the total potential cash prize to a staggering $3 million.
Overcoming Early Pressure After Missing First Shot
The iconic moment almost slipped away when the student, disguised as the famous Marvel superhero, completely missed his initial attempt at the uprights. However, television analyst Pat McAfee offered the contestant a vital second chance.
Additionally, ESPN broadcaster Kirk Herbstreit provided valuable technical advice to calm the nervous kicker. Fully utilizing this unexpected redemption, the student struck the ball perfectly on his second try.
Wild Celebration in Provo After Historic Kick
The successful field goal immediately triggered pure pandemonium across the campus, with ecstatic BYU fans rushing the field. Onlooking supporters hoisted the Spider-Man impersonator onto their shoulders to celebrate the monumental victory.
To commemorate the incredible feat, Pat McAfee initially handed the student a novelty giant check displaying $100,000. The host quickly corrected the prop by adding a '3' and several zeros using a marker to reflect the actual $3 million prize.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the BYU student win $3 million?
The student won $3 million by successfully kicking a 33-yard field goal during the 'Kicking is Easy' contest on ESPN College GameDay in Provo, Utah.
Who funded the $3 million prize on College GameDay?
The prize money was funded by Pat McAfee, Home Depot, Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith, and business partner Ryan Sweeney, who each contributed to the total.
Did the student make the field goal on his first try?
No, the student missed his first kick while dressed as Spider-Man, but Pat McAfee granted him a second chance after receiving advice from Kirk Herbstreit.
What is ESPN College GameDay?
College GameDay is a live Saturday pregame show broadcast by ESPN, focusing on college football matchups and featuring fan contests hosted by Pat McAfee.
