For most college students, Saturday mornings are spent sleeping in or watching college football. For Carter Smith, however, a Saturday at ESPN’s “College GameDay” in Provo, Utah, turned into a life-changing experience. Dressed in a Spider-Man suit, Smith stepped onto the field with a chance to win $3 million by kicking a field goal as BYU took on Notre Dame.
When Smith’s ticket was selected, excitement quickly turned into pressure. The opportunity was unlike anything he had experienced before, and the thought of missing the kick weighed on him.
“My first reaction was, ‘Yeah, I got the ticket.’ But at the same time, it was, ‘Oh, no, I better not miss this,’” Smith said.
Smith missed his first attempt but was given a second chance to make the kick. With the pressure still present, he successfully kicked the field goal, earning a multimillion-dollar prize and a moment of sports history.
Despite his newfound wealth, Smith’s plans for the future remain largely unchanged. He continues to attend BYU, where he studies biology, and hopes to become a dentist one day. While the prize money may open new doors, Smith is still focused on completing his education and pursuing his career goals.
However, Smith is also looking forward to celebrating his achievement. He hopes to take a trip with his friends over Christmas break, possibly traveling to Hawaii or going on a cruise.
Winning millions has also brought some unexpected attention. In fact, people who had previously lost contact with him have started reaching out again.
Although Smith was confident he could make the kick, he admitted he had considered what might happen if he missed his second attempt. He joked that he would have burned his Spider-Man costume and deleted his social media accounts to disappear from the public eye.
Fortunately, Smith did not have to worry about that outcome. His successful kick made him a memorable part of “College GameDay” and gave him an opportunity most college students could only imagine.
Still, Smith will not be keeping the entire prize for himself. One million dollars of the $3 million award will go to charity, allowing his unforgettable moment on the field to benefit others as well.
For Smith, what began as a college football Saturday became an experience he will never forget. Between his Spider-Man suit, a second-chance kick and a multimillion-dollar prize, he proved that great responsibility, truly does come from great power.