Georgia student nails $800,000 kick on ‘College GameDay’ on first attempt
Belle Sessions made a bold move during ESPN’s “College GameDay” when she called on Henry Silver to take a shot at kicking for a chance to win $150,000. Sessions, who arrived at the set at 3 a.m. along with the first 300 people, was entered into Pat McAfee’s kicking contest raffle.
When Sessions’ raffle ticket was selected, she knew she couldn’t make the kick herself. That’s when Silver stepped in and confidently declared that he could make the kick. The two decided to split the potential winnings, which prompted McAfee to increase the prize to $200,000, with $100,000 going to each student if Silver made the kick.
To add even more excitement to the challenge, McAfee pledged to donate $200,000 to hurricane relief if Silver could successfully kick a 33-yard field goal. As Silver lined up for the kick, the stakes were raised even higher, with McAfee doubling the purse to $200,000 for each student and $400,000 for hurricane relief if Silver made the kick on his first attempt.
Despite the pressure, Silver remained confident. With a background in soccer, he had the skills to make the kick. And make it he did, sending the ball soaring through the uprights with ease. The successful kick meant that both Silver and Sessions walked away with $100,000 each, while $400,000 was donated to hurricane relief.
The day was already memorable for Silver and Sessions, but they had an additional reason to celebrate if the Georgia Bulldogs could secure a win later that evening. The Bulldogs, ranked No. 12, were set to face off against No. 7 Tennessee in a crucial game with their College Football Playoff hopes on the line.
As the game unfolded, Silver and Sessions could bask in their newfound wealth and the thrill of their successful kick. It was a day they would never forget, filled with unexpected twists and turns, and a generous contribution to a worthy cause.
