Super fan Ashley Castanio-Gervasi, originally barred from a $100,000 Jets field goal challenge due to her high school coaching role, will now get a chance to compete after public outcry. She initially qualified by making a field goal at a tailgate, and the team reversed its decision ahead of the Jets vs. Patriots game.
The Jets addressed the situation, saying, "We realized there was an unfortunate misunderstanding regarding Ashley’s eligibility for the contest. In an effort to remedy the situation, we are allowing her to kick this Sunday for an opportunity to win the prize," according to New York Post. Castanio-Gervasi, who honors her late father through her fandom, will now join other finalists in the halftime competition.
Castanio-Gervasi, who spends about $3,000 on season tickets with her husband and travels to away games, planned to use her winnings to buy her first home and support the Esophageal Cancer Education Foundation in memory of her father. After being scouted at MetLife Stadium, she became the only woman to reach the final in front of 75 family and friends. "This is life-changing money for me," she told Daily Mail. The Jets initially barred her from competing but later offered to cover her family's ticket costs, donate to her foundation, and provide a custom jersey and $100 Visa gift card. Following the reversal, Castanio-Gervasi will participate in the kick.
