New Orleans Saints rookie kicker Blake Grupe had an interesting introduction into the NFL on Sunday night, which included hitting the game-winning field goal and being mistaken for a fan.
Grupe, an undrafted special teams player out of Notre Dame, recalled his experience on social media and revealed that his status as a Saints’ player was questioned twice before and after Sunday’s preseason win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Blake Gillikin, #5 of the New Orleans Saints, celebrates with Blake Grupe, #19 of the New Orleans Saints, after a field goal to win during a preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome on Aug. 13, 2023 in New Orleans. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
“Step 1: get questioned walking onto the field pregame for not having credentials,” Grupe said in a post on X.
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“Step 2: hit a game winner,” he continued, “Step 3: get stopped by security thinking I was a fan when trying to walk out the player exit.”
The humbling experience capped off a big night for the rookie, who kicked a 31-yard field goal as time expired to lift the Saints to a 26-24 victory over the Chiefs.
Blake Grupe, #19 of the New Orleans Saints, kicks a game-winning field goal during a preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome on Aug. 13, 2023 in New Orleans. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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“This league is all about winning, so winning in the preseason is important and I am glad our guys were able to do that,” head coach Dennis Allen said in postgame remarks. “It was nice to see Grupe get a chance to get to kick in that situation and be able to knock it through.”
Grupe made a good first impression as he competes with NFL veteran Wil Lutz for the starting job.
Blake Grupe, #19 of the New Orleans Saints, reacts after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason game at Caesars Superdome on Aug. 13, 2023 in New Orleans. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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Lutz, 29, has been with the Saints since 2016. He boasts an 84.6 field goal percentage and has one Pro Bowl nod across six seasons.
Grupe had a 73.7 field goal percentage last season but was 49 for 49 in extra-point attempts.
