The NFL world is buzzing after a jaw-dropping moment Monday night — a moment that will haunt New York Giants fans for years. In what might go down as one of the most bizarre kicking plays in recent memory, the Giants’ kicker literally kicked the ground instead of the football — a blunder nobody saw coming.
Table of Contents
What Happened: A Kick That Never Was
Trailing 17–7 in the second quarter against the New England Patriots, the Giants sent out their field-goal unit for a 46- or 47-yard attempt. Younghoe Koo aligned and moved in, but instead of connecting with the ball, he struck the turf in front of it — missing the ball entirely. What should have been a routine field goal turned into one of the most embarrassing missed kicks in recent NFL history. The hold snapped to punter Jamie Gillan, who sprinted forward trying to salvage the play — but he was tackled for a 13-yard loss, and the Giants turned the ball over on downs.
Because Koo never actually contacted the ball, the play is not recorded as a missed field goal — it was ruled a sack.
Why It’s a Big Deal
This wasn’t just a bad kick. It defies convention. Fans, commentators, and opponents alike reacted in disbelief. On live television, even veteran analysts struggled to find words as they watched the moment unfold.
For the Giants, this adds yet another chapter to a disastrous 2025 season of kicking woes. The club has already gone through multiple kickers. Earlier this year, the team waived another kicker after missed extra points cost them a game. Their veteran kicker has battled injuries all season. Now, with this surreal mishap from Koo, the kicking unit’s reliability appears more questionable than ever.
The Fallout: Back in the Spotlight
The failure has sparked harsh criticism from analysts, fans, and former players — many calling it one of the most embarrassing moments in franchise history. Social media erupted. The term “kicking the turf” began trending among NFL fans. Some even drew comparisons to infamous NFL blunders of the past.
But beyond the laughs and memes sits a serious problem: trust. When a team can’t count on basic field-goal execution, every close game becomes a potential disaster. For the Giants, a clear overhaul of special teams might be necessary before they return to the field.
What This Means for the Giants’ Season
- This disastrous botch came during a game New York lost 33–15, extending the team’s losing streak to seven games.
- The kicking unit’s instability — including injuries and multiple roster changes — has plagued the Giants all season long.
- Unless the team addresses special teams’ reliability, questionable kicks could continue to haunt them in close games, affecting playoff hopes and fan confidence.
This kickoff nightmare will be replayed on highlight reels for years. Share what you think below, and stay tuned for how the Giants respond.