Saints rookie kicker Blake Grupe mistaken for fan by security, boots game-winner

Saints rookie kicker Blake Grupe both doesn’t look the half or preseason game-winning kicks don’t carry a lot weight.

The previous Notre Dame and Arkansas State product detailed on Twitter how his game-winning kick towards the Chiefs within the Saints’ preseason opener Sunday was sandwiched by him being mistaken for something however an NFL participant.

“Step 1: get questioned strolling onto the sphere pregame for not having credentials,” Grupe tweeted.

“Step 2: hit a recreation winner.

“Step 3: get stopped by safety considering I used to be a fan when attempting to stroll out the participant exit.

“Keep humble. Grateful. Nice group win! @Saints #WHODAT”

Maybe you’ll be able to forgive the Caesars Superdome safety for not instantly recognizing the 5-foot-7, 156-pound Grupe as an NFL participant.

There actually have been loads of examples of followers attempting to sneak their approach onto the sphere earlier than video games, and it’s honest to say one wouldn’t mistake Grupe for a defensive or offensive lineman.

Grupe signed with the Saints in April as an undrafted free agent.

The 24-year-old had only one alternative Sunday and he made it depend, nailing a walk-off 31-yard subject purpose within the Saints’ 26-24 win over the defending Tremendous Bowl champions.

One would assume that second would purchase you some notoriety for a sizzling second, however apparently that’s not the case on the Superdome.

The double case of mistaken identification offered a memorable preseason opener for Grupe, who’s trying to steal the beginning kicker job from incumbent Wil Lutz.

Grupe linked on 14 of 19 subject purpose makes an attempt in his lone season with Notre Dame however did convert all 49 of his additional level makes an attempt final season.

Lutz has been with the Saints since 2016 however is coming off his worst season, having transformed simply 23 of 31 subject targets for a career-low 74.2 %.

If Grupe retains making pressure-filled kicks, maybe he may give Lutz a run for his cash.

Or, at least, be acknowledged by safety as an precise member of the group.