Game-winning FG in Apple Cup keeps Washington unbeaten - ESPN

SEATTLE — Moments after kicking a 42-yard winning field goal as time expired in the Apple Cup on Saturday, Washington kicker Grady Gross found his mom on the field at Husky Stadium and broke down.

The 24-21 win had been an overwhelming ride of emotion for the sophomore walk-on — and it wasn't over. Addressing the team in the locker room minutes later, Washington coach Kalen DeBoer made note that it was Thanksgiving weekend, setting up the life-changing news he was about to deliver.

«I'm thankful for Grady Gross and you know what I hope Grady Gross is thankful for?» DeBoer said. «The scholarship he's earned.»

Gross' emotions took over again, but this time he was mobbed by teammates in a raucous atmosphere, celebrating him and the culmination of a 12-0 regular season. Gross missed a 43-yard field goal in the second quarter and spent the rest of the game wanting a chance at redemption.

«I was jumping up on the sideline, 'Get me in there,'» he said.

Gross didn't know it at the time, but the coaching staff had already decided before the game he was going to be put on scholarship. DeBoer was waiting for the right moment to break the news.

«I think today was the right time to make that happen,» DeBoer said. «We knew sooner or later the time was going to come where we were going to recognize him, and our team just really believed in Grady. They love him.»

The moment <a href=«https://twitter.com/gross_grady?ref_src=» https:>@gross_grady

earned a scholarship