Wil Lutz Responds to Blake Grupe’s Heroics: “I Would’ve Made That Kick Too”
The New Orleans Saints’ kicking game has been a hot topic since veteran Wil Lutz was traded to the Denver Broncos in 2023, making way for rookie Blake Grupe to take over the job. On Sunday, the conversation reached new heights after Grupe nailed a clutch game-winning field goal against the Seattle Seahawks. While Saints fans celebrated, former fan-favorite Lutz chimed in with a confident statement that quickly went viral.
“I would’ve made that kick too,” Lutz said when asked about Grupe’s performance. “I believe I can make any kick. That’s the standard I’ve always held myself to.”
Grupe’s Defining Moment
The Saints’ dramatic 23-20 win over the Seahawks hinged on Grupe’s right foot. With just three seconds left on the clock, the rookie lined up for a 54-yard attempt in front of a roaring Superdome crowd. The pressure was immense, but Grupe drilled the kick straight down the middle, sending fans into a frenzy and sealing a vital early-season victory.
It was the type of moment that cements a young kicker’s reputation. Grupe, who entered the league undrafted, has faced skepticism about his size and durability. Yet with one swing of his leg, he silenced critics and solidified his place as a dependable weapon in the Saints’ arsenal.
Head coach Dennis Allen praised the rookie’s poise. “Blake showed the kind of mentality you want in a kicker,” Allen said. “It’s never about the moment being too big — it’s about rising to it. That’s what he did tonight.”
Lutz Weighs In
For longtime Saints fans, however, the game-winning kick also stirred memories of the man who held down the job for nearly seven seasons. Wil Lutz was a fixture in New Orleans, known for his accuracy and clutch performances before the trade sent him to Denver.
When reporters asked Lutz for his thoughts on Grupe’s kick, the veteran didn’t hesitate to give credit but also reminded everyone of his own track record.
“Blake did his job, and he did it well,” Lutz said. “I’ve always believed that as a kicker, you’ve got to be ready to make the big one. And honestly, I would’ve made that kick too. That’s not arrogance — that’s confidence. Every great kicker needs it.”
His comment drew mixed reactions online. Some praised Lutz for his confidence, while others felt it came across as dismissive of Grupe’s moment.
Fan Reactions
On social media, the exchange quickly became a hot topic among Saints supporters.
“Lutz was great for us, but this is Blake’s time now,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “Let the kid have his moment.”
Another defended the veteran: “Wil Lutz has every right to believe he could make that kick. He made big ones for us for years. Nothing wrong with saying that.”
For many, the debate underscores the unique pressure and spotlight that comes with the role of NFL kicker. Every successful attempt is expected, every miss magnified, and every rivalry closely watched.
The Legacy vs. the Future
Lutz’s legacy in New Orleans is undeniable. From 2016 to 2022, he was one of the most consistent kickers in the NFL, connecting on 84.6% of his field goal attempts and nearly 98% of his extra points. His leg was instrumental in several Saints playoff runs, and he remains second all-time in franchise scoring.
Grupe, meanwhile, represents the future. At just 25 years old, he has the chance to carve out his own long-term legacy in New Orleans. His clutch performance against the Seahawks was his boldest statement yet, showing that he can handle the pressure of replacing a beloved veteran.
Looking Ahead
The Saints, now sitting at 2–1, are hoping Grupe’s confidence will continue to grow as the season progresses. With several tough road games ahead, his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations could prove pivotal.
As for Lutz, he remains focused on his own journey with the Denver Broncos. Still, his words show that the competitive fire burns strong — and that the connection between him and New Orleans isn’t easily severed.
“I’ll always love the Saints and the fans there,” Lutz said. “But I’m a Bronco now, and my focus is on helping my team win. That doesn’t change the fact that I believe in myself. I always have, and I always will.”
The Final Word
Whether fans see Lutz’s comment as confidence or competitiveness, one thing is clear: the Saints’ kicking game is once again in the spotlight. Blake Grupe’s clutch kick may have been the latest chapter, but the story of New Orleans kickers continues to spark debate.
For now, Grupe owns the moment. For Lutz, the legacy remains. And for Saints fans, it’s a reminder that in a game decided by inches, the man with the golden leg often makes all the difference.
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