New York Giants kicker Younghoe Koo has pointed to the frigid conditions as the cause of an extraordinary and embarrassing field goal attempt that went viral across the NFL this week.
A Costly Slip in the Cold
During Monday night's game against the New England Patriots, which the Giants lost 33-15, Koo's attempt at a 47-yard field goal ended in humiliation. With the score at 17-7, the experienced kicker pulled up short on his approach, his foot striking the turf as the ball tumbled awkwardly away. Holder Jamie Gillan, who earlier had a 94-yard kick returned for a touchdown, scooped up the loose ball and tried to run before being swarmed by Patriots defenders.
The 31-year-old Younghoe Koo later explained to the New York Post that he believed the ball was moving as he began his run-up. "I was approaching the ball and, cold weather, the ball kind of slipped out at the bottom so it was moving," Koo stated. "I wasn't able to kick through the ball. The ball was moving when I was driving to it, so I just pulled up on it."
He praised Gillan's quick reaction but conceded it was too late to salvage the play. "Jamie did a good job of catching it and putting it back but at that point, it was too late."
Social Media Storm and Stunned Reactions
The bizarre incident instantly made Koo, a usually reliable veteran, a trending topic on social media for all the wrong reasons. The moment left commentators and fans alike in disbelief.
On ESPN's 'ManningCast', featuring Peyton and Eli Manning alongside guest Danny DeVito, Peyton exclaimed, "The kicker tripped trying to kick the field goal... I have not seen that, ever." Eli Manning quipped, "It’s like one of your fat nine-irons you hit! It's all grass!"
ESPN commentator Troy Aikman simply said, "I don't think I've ever seen that!" Former NFL punter Pat McAfee wrote on X, "That was a TOUGH situation for Younghoe Koo. The bottom of the football slipping is a NIGHTMARE."
Cameras captured Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart on the sidelines, turning away in apparent disgust and mouthing 'oh my god' as his team missed a chance to close the gap.
Fallout for the Struggling Giants
The failed field goal was another low point in a dismal season for the New York franchise. The defeat leaves them with a record of 2-11 with just four games remaining. They now enter a bye week before returning to action on December 14 against the Washington Commanders.
While Koo has cited the weather as a critical factor, the viral blunder will undoubtedly be a moment he and the Giants will want to quickly forget as they look to salvage pride from their remaining fixtures.
