Jon Gruden, known for his colorful personality and unfiltered storytelling, dropped a jaw-dropping anecdote during a live stream for Barstool Sports’ Thursday Night Football show. The former NFL coach recounted a story involving Sebastian Janikowski, the Raiders‘ first-round draft pick in 2000, kicking a field goal while allegedly intoxicated.
The incident took place during a Week 12 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Gruden explained that Janikowski had repeatedly missed field goals early in the season, and tensions were running high. To make matters worse, the kicker violated curfew the night before the game, returning to the team hotel at 3 AM.
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“I was furious,” Gruden said, setting the scene. “He couldn’t make field goals, and now he couldn’t even make curfew.”
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Despite the situation, Gruden called for Janikowski to attempt a 56-yard field goal in the first quarter. His special teams coach, Bob Casullo, was incredulous. “He’s drunk! He can’t make it!” Casullo reportedly protested. Gruden’s response? “Field goal!”
Legend in the making: the polish cannon delivers
To everyone’s surprise, Janikowski nailed the kick. Gruden admitted that he initially hoped the kicker would miss, but the flawless execution forced him to change his tune. “He hit it right down the middle, and I told him, ‘Great f-king kick! Loved it, brother,'” Gruden recalled.
The game ended with a Raiders victory, 31-22, and Janikowski’s performance became a small piece of NFL folklore. Known as “The Polish Cannon,” Janikowski went on to have a storied 17-season career, earning 1,913 points-12th in NFL history. However, his struggles with alcohol were well-documented throughout his career, including arrests for DUI and other incidents.
A story that lives on
While Gruden’s tale has sparked laughter and disbelief, it also serves as a reminder of the colorful personalities that make NFL history so memorable. Janikowski’s redemption story in New Orleans is just one of many legendary moments that defined his career.
As fans continue to celebrate these anecdotes, it’s clear that both Gruden and Janikowski left their mark on the league in unconventional, yet unforgettable ways.
