The ball twirled through the uprights, sailing into the net stretched taut behind the field goal posts. Cowboys’ fans emotions underwent a metamorphosis from sullen disappoint to elation: Suddenly, a whistle – a ref spasmodically waved the kick off, signaling that the opposition had called a timeout. Coach Jason Garrett used the abrupt call as a last-ditch effort to distract Packers’ Mason Crosby, but the “icing” strategy was in vain. Play was then initiated, and the Green Bay kicker swung his leg, the ball wobbling left and veering dangerously, before sailing over the crossbar.
It took 98 seconds for Crosby to boot in two field goals and give the Packers the edge over the NFC leading Cowboys, setting numerous records along the way: both attempts were from 50+ yards – an accomplishment that was only achieved in the history of the game three times, all during this year’s first two rounds of playoffs; the two kicks in the final 2-minutes of a regular-season or postseason game were the longest in NFL history during that time span; Crosby’s 51-yard shot was the farthest game-winning field goal in postseason history, extending his NFL-record streak of 23 consecutive postseason field goals without a miss.
The accolades received against the favorite Dallas Cowboys was ironic, considering the turning point of the game was punted by the cleat of a former Texas high school product.
Georgetown head coach Larry Moore remembered the unique sound of Crosby’s kicks, as told to Chad S. Conine in “The Republic of Football: Legends of the Texas High School Game: “When Mason kicked the ball, it sounded different,” Moore said.” It was different. He hit it with such speed and power – it was beyond a good kicker. It was explosive.”
In a recent interview with the “I.N.I.T.I.A.L. Reaction” podcast, former soccer coach Wesley Kidd related a similar observation: “You see some really good high school kickers, but when you see one special like that, the ball comes off the foot different,” Kidd said. “It sounds different. The trajectory is different.”
“The way the ball came off his foot was totally different.”
Despite the Georgetown football coaching staff recognizing his abilities immediately, Crosby started his high school career in the dredges of JV, honing his talents at placekicker and defensive back for the varsity level. An all-around athlete, Crosby competed as a varsity midfielder for the club soccer team, playing at the site of the UIL state championship games. Minor knee injuries his sophomore and junior year dissuaded him from the pitch; rehabilitation made his knee stronger his senior season, peaking at the No. 3 kicker in the country, as per Rivals.com.
During his final campaign with the Eagles, Crosby scored 7-of- 11 field goals and 23-of-25 extra point kicks; he also served as the punter and free safety, where he accounted for 26 solo and 52 assisted tackles, alongside three interceptions and three forced fumbles; his 59′ long field goal attempt against Cedar Park was the third longest in Texas high school history – the farthest in eight years at the Lone Star Gridiron up to that point.
The notoriety of his kicking abilities attracted the attention of the University of Colorado and UT; coach Gary Barnett offered Crosby a full-ride scholarship to the Rocky Mountains while coach Mack Brown low-balled the prospect with a walk-on role.
“That was the one big problem with Mack Brown,” Kidd said, as per the “I.N.I.T.I.A.L. Reaction” podcast. “He didn’t offer scholarships to kickers.”
Crosby completed four years with the Buffaloes, becoming the seventh player to earn first-team all-conference honors three times and set a school record with a 60-yard field goal against Iowa State; overall, Crosby holds 31 records with his alma mater.
The Georgetown standout was drafted by the Packers in the sixth round of the 2007 Draft; his career has been highlighted by 257 total field goals, seven points individually scored in Green Bay’s Super Bowl XLV win, and numerous achievements that rank at the all-time Packers kicking list.
After the Dallas victory, Georgetown must be a divided area: it’s obvious that the Cowboys have an unwavering imprint on the fans of Texas, but the number of green and gold jerseys in the town is telling; Crosby has exemplified the potential of succeeding as a star athlete in the Lone Star State – the high school football mecca of the world. A championship visit in his home state this February would be another full- circle move by one of the best kickers Texas has ever produced.
Brought to you by:
