The miracles that led BYU student Carter Smith to his $3 million ‘College GameDay’ kick

BYU freshman Carter Smith’s life changed two weeks ago when he made a field goal that turned him into a millionaire.

Smith was chosen to participate in Pat McAfee’s “Kicking is Easy” challenge, which requires making a 33-yard field goal, when BYU hosted ESPN’s “College GameDay” on Oct. 17.

He opened up about the miracles that led to his kick on this week’s episode of “Two Point Conversion,” the religious studies podcast hosted by former BYU football players Chase Roberts and Connor Pay. This week, former BYU safety Tanner Wall filled in for Pay as a guest host.

“It just seemed like this ‘Angels in the Outfield’ moment,” Roberts said.

He added that he and Wall discussed how it reminded them of last season’s game against Kansas State and “how it kind of compared to just these miracles that were happening before the game, during the game, after the game.”

“There was just so much divine intervention, it felt like, and I think it starts with you, Carter, and this kick, and being able to see Pat McAfee read the Book of Mormon and them talking about the church,” Roberts said. “It really was a special, special moment.”

Behind the $3 million ‘College GameDay’ kick

Smith admitted he hadn’t heard of “College GameDay” until that week, when his friend invited him to come with him. Smith is an NFL fan, specifically the New Orleans Saints, and didn’t watch much college football.

He ultimately agreed to go with his friend, and they camped out Friday, both dressed as Spider-Man. His friend had bought the costume on Amazon for Halloween in three sizes, and at someone else’s suggestion, they decided to wear them for “GameDay” to stand out.

“As members of the church and as a missionary, you wear a white shirt and a tie wherever you go,” Smith said. “You’ve got your badge right there, so I’ve gotten pretty used to standing out and being different compared to those around me.”

“GameDay” marked exactly a year since Smith was released as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after serving a two-year mission in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The miracles continued for Smith.

The costumes helped them keep their spots in line when they stepped out for bathroom breaks because people recognized them and let them back into line.

It was midnight Friday, and Smith and his friend were sleeping on the cold ground with just a blanket to keep them warm. Outside of the line, someone offered Smith $400 for his spot in line.

Smith was tempted by the offer and the idea of spending the rest of the night in his warm bed, but his friend said the “GameDay” experience was worth more than $400 to him. So, they stayed in line.

In the morning, the 300 students in line received their numbers, one of which would be called and chosen to participate in the challenge. When his number wasn’t called first, Smith told Roberts and Wall that he was relieved because he doesn’t like attention.

But that student didn’t have their ID with them, so another number was called. Smith had a premonition that it would be his number. He compared it to the feeling you have as a student when the teacher asks a question and you look away because you don’t know the answer but you’re called on anyway.

In those first 30 seconds, Smith said that he was scared to mess up and disappoint everyone. He had 12 minutes to stretch, during which someone in the crowd lent him their running shoes to wear instead of his Birkenstocks.

He talked to former BYU and Saints star Taysom Hill for advice — though the Saints fan admitted he didn’t recognize Hill outside of his pads and jersey.

He also took the time to say a prayer.

“‘Heavenly Father, I don’t have to make this, but thy will be done,'” he recalled praying. “I think that’s kind of the attitude you have to go into a kick like that.”

Second chances

Then the kick came, and Smith sent it wide right. He thought he blew his shot, he said. McAfee had told him he wouldn’t get a second chance because this kick was now worth $3 million, including $1 million to charity.

“When I missed, I wasn’t too upset with myself because I kind of felt like I was doing what I knew to do, and if it didn’t work out, it didn’t work out.”

But McAfee gave him a second chance.

“I don’t know what the Book of Mormon has to say about second chances,” McAfee told him. “Carter, you have a chance to live your faith right now, brother.”

ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit advised Smith to aim high and to the left.

“I really appreciated that because that’s what I did, and I take my shoes off,” Smith said. “I learned from my mistakes, and I went barefoot and I aimed up and to the left, adjusting to the miss.”

Smith made it, and BYU students swarmed around him.

He said he hasn’t been paid yet. He had to fill out paperwork and is now in the waiting stage.

The day before the podcast episode was recorded, he attended BYU football’s practice, where he met former defensive end Bronson Kaufusi, who gave him financial management tips, such as what to look for in a financial adviser.

Of the $3 million, $1 million will go to charity, and Smith anticipates paying about $750,000 in taxes. He said he’ll also be paying tithing on his earnings.