Cincinnati Bengals fans were going home happy on Sunday even before the final whistle blew on the team’s big victory in the Battle of Ohio.
Their joy was due to everyone in the stadium being winners themselves, scoring free pizza thanks to one fan’s big boot.
During a break in play as the Bengals hosted the Cleveland Browns, an unnamed fan took part in the team’s “Slice the Uprights” field goal challenge.
While participants have the option to attempt a field goal either from 10 yards to win themselves free pizza for a year or from 30 yards to win a free slice for the entire stadium, this fan opted to go for both prizes and kick from 40 yards out.
After lining up the kick, the male fan gave it a good boot and sent the ball straight through the uprights with a few yards of distance to spare.
Even more appropriate, the fan was wearing the jersey of Evan McPherson, the team’s star kicker.
The fan celebrated wildly, jumping while pumping fists before busting out a Griddy – the signature touchdown dance of Bengals star receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
While the fan certainly impressed with his kicking skill, Cade York – who is standing in for the injured McPherson – likely won’t be sweating out his job. In the second quarter, York tied a franchise record by kicking a 59-yard field goal, equalling the mark that McPherson set in 2022.
Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins, on the other hand, should be looking over his shoulder. Hopkins missed his lone kick of the day, an extra point attempt.
He also has missed three PATs this season and nine of his 25 field goal attempts.
The Bengals won the game easily, triumphing 24-6 to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
Chase racked up 97 receiving yards on six receptions with a TD. He leads the NFL in all three of the Triple Crown categories. With 1,510 yards on the season, he also set the franchise record with two games to spare.