The New Orleans Saints just secured a magnificent win over the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday’s preseason game. One of the key players to be credited for the last-minute victory is New Orleans’ kicker Blake Grupe, ironically the franchise’s own security guards still don’t seem to be very aware of the game-changing star.
After spending the fifth season at Notre Dame, Grupe went undrafted in the following NFL Draft. He later signed with the Saints as an undrafted free agent after the 2023 NFL draft only to be involved in an intense battle with Pro Bowler Wil Lutz for the starting kicker spot on the team’s roster.
Kicker Blake Grupe faces disrespect from security at the Saints-Chiefs game
Blake was questioned by the Superdome security staff prior to pregame warmups as he didn’t possess credentials to be on the sidelines, albeit players usually don’t wear such things on them. To make the situation worse, the 5-foot-7, 156-pounder was also stopped following the game as he was mistaken for a fan trying to use the player exit to leave the Superdome.
The footballer couldn’t halt back from sharing the unpleasant experience with the netizens and took to Twitter to vent his anger following the incident.
Step 1: get questioned walking onto the field pregame for not having credentials
Step 2: hit a game winner
Step 3: get stopped by security thinking I was a fan when trying to walk out the player exit
Stay humble. Thankful. Great team win! @Saints #WHODAT
— Blake Grupe (@blakegrupe) August 13, 2023
The Sedalia, Mo. native began his college football career with the Arkansas State Red Wolves before getting transferred to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in his final season and finished his career there with an average of 97.2 percent. He broke out in 2019 after successfully drilling 86.4% of his field goals and having a career-long of 50 yards.
Watch: Saints K Blake Grupe scores the game-winning field goal vs Chiefs
Blake moonlighted as a hero against Patrick Mahomes‘ Champion squad on Sunday’s match by showing his composure under huge pressure at the last moment and eventually leading the Saints to a phenomenal victory by kicking a 31-yard game-winning field goal to secure the 26-24 win over Kansas City.
SAINTS WIN!!!
Blake Grupe kicks a 31-yd FG to give the #Saints a 26-24 win vs the Chiefs pic.twitter.com/D4wmjQC8ix
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 13, 2023
Though the security guards failed to recognize the Arkansas State graduate even after such an incredible performance on the field, New Orleans coach Dennis Allen raved about him following the match.
“Glad we got the win because this league is all about winning and winning in the preseason is important. I was glad that our guys were able to do that. I was glad to see Grupe get a chance to get to kick in that situation and be able to knock it through.”
The Saints are set to play their next preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers on 20 August before ending their preseason journey against the Houston Texans on 27 August.
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