A Moment of Opportunity
During a thrilling episode of ESPN’s “College GameDay,” a Texas fan, Corbin Cessna, had the chance to dramatically change his life with a single kick. The excitement was palpable as Cessna stood ready to attempt a field goal that could potentially earn him a staggering $1.2 million.
Background of the Kicker
Corbin Cessna, a proud graduate of the University of Texas with a degree in civil engineering, now works as a lawyer. Despite his professional success, he still grapples with student debt from law school, making this opportunity all the more significant for him.
Kick Strategy: Keeping It Simple
When asked about his strategy for the big kick, Cessna shared his approach: “Keep it easy, keep it smooth, it’s like a nice little 9-iron, you know, don’t over-kick it, that’s it.” His calm and collected demeanor suggested he was ready to handle the pressure of the moment.
A Generous Stake Increases the Stakes
Initially, the kick was set for a reward of $200,000. However, in a surprising turn of events, Pat McAfee, one of the show’s popular hosts, stepped in to match the amount with his co-host Kirk Herbstreit, doubling the potential prize to $400,000.
The First Attempt: A Disappointing Result
Unfortunately, Cessna’s first kick fell short of expectations. The ball barely made it halfway to the uprights, which were 33 yards away. McAfee did not hold back his disappointment, exclaiming, “This guy sucks,” immediately after the kick. His humorous critique continued, labeling Cessna as “the worst of all-time.”
A Second Chance and Rising Stakes
After a wave of encouragement from the audience, McAfee decided to give Cessna another shot at redemption. This time, the stakes were significantly raised. McAfee offered an additional $200,000, bringing the total to $800,000. The excitement reached new heights when special guest picker Timothée Chalamet joined in, matching the offer and pushing the potential winnings to an eye-popping $1.2 million.
The Realization of High Stakes
With the stakes now at $1.2 million, McAfee felt the weight of the moment. “Holy hell, everything just got very real all of a sudden,” he remarked, acknowledging the gravity of the situation after Cessna’s lackluster first attempt.
The Second Attempt: A Heart-Wrenching Near-Miss
Cessna’s second attempt was significantly better—he managed to strike the ball with the necessary power and distance. However, in a cruel twist of fate, the ball hooked left and narrowly missed the uprights. Cessna doubled over in disbelief, realizing he had missed out on a life-changing sum by mere feet.
Looking Ahead
While Cessna’s kick may not have secured him the jackpot, the excitement continued for the Texas Longhorns, who were set to face off against the Georgia Bulldogs in an important SEC Championship game later that day. With so much at stake for the team, the spirit of competition remained alive and well.
For more updates and sports coverage, stay tuned to the latest from the world of college football and beyond.
