In a dramatic turn of events during the Minnesota Vikings’ Week 5 clash against the Cleveland Browns in London, England, rookie kicker Will Reichard’s perfect season came to an abrupt and controversial end. Heading into the game, Reichard had been flawless, converting all eight of his field-goal attempts and all 11 extra-point tries this season. However, a missed 51-yard field-goal attempt in the fourth quarter left fans and analysts stunned—not just because of the miss, but because of what happened next.
A Perfect Season Derailed
Reichard, a second-year kicker for the Vikings, had been a beacon of reliability in the 2025 NFL season. His standout performance included a jaw-dropping 62-yard field goal in Week 3, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s most promising young kickers. Fans were already drawing comparisons to the legendary Gary Anderson, who in 1998 became the only Vikings kicker to achieve a perfect regular season, making every field-goal and extra-point attempt.
But in Sunday’s game, Reichard’s streak came crashing down—or so it seemed. With the Vikings holding a lead, Reichard lined up for a 51-yard field-goal attempt midway through the fourth quarter. The kick sailed wide right, uncharacteristically off-target for the normally precise kicker. The miss was recorded as his first of the season, tarnishing his perfect record. But post-game revelations have sparked outrage among fans and analysts alike, suggesting that Reichard was robbed of a fair chance to keep his streak alive.
The Shocking Truth: A TV Wire Interference?
After the Vikings secured the victory, KFAN’s Zach Halverson shared a bombshell video on X that has since gone viral. The footage appears to show Reichard’s 51-yard attempt striking a TV production wire suspended above the field at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. These wires, used to support overhead camera angles, are not supposed to interfere with play. According to NFL rules, if a kick hits such an obstruction, the attempt should be nullified, and the kicker should be granted a re-kick.
Yet, the officials on the field missed the call entirely. Instead of wiping the attempt and allowing Reichard another shot, the play was ruled a miss, leaving the young kicker with an 8-for-9 field-goal record and a blemish that many now argue was unjust.
Fans and Analysts Cry Foul
The reaction from Vikings fans and the broader NFL community has been swift and passionate. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been flooded with posts expressing disbelief and frustration over the officiating error. “How do you miss that call in a game with so much on the line?” one fan posted. Another wrote, “Reichard was on track for a historic season, and a TV wire of all things ruins it? Unacceptable.”
Embed X: https://twitter.com/ZachHalverson/status/1974901585961509364
Analysts have echoed the sentiment, pointing out that the NFL’s use of overhead wires has been a point of contention before. While rare, incidents of kicks or punts striking these wires have occurred in the past, and the rules are clear: the play should not count. The failure to enforce this rule has left many questioning the preparation and attentiveness of the officiating crew in London.
Reichard’s Response and What’s Next
While Reichard has not publicly commented on the incident, those close to the team suggest he’s disappointed but focused on moving forward. The Vikings’ victory over the Browns likely softened the blow, but for a kicker who was chasing perfection, the missed opportunity stings. “He’s a competitor,” said one teammate anonymously. “You can bet he’s not happy about losing his perfect streak, especially like that.”
Despite the setback, Reichard’s numbers remain impressive. With an 8-for-9 field-goal record and a perfect 11-for-11 on extra points, he’s still in contention for a stellar season. However, the shadow of Gary Anderson’s 1998 perfection looms large, and Sunday’s controversial miss ensures that Reichard won’t join that exclusive club—at least not this year.
A Call for Change
The incident has reignited discussions about the NFL’s use of overhead production equipment in stadiums. Fans and analysts are calling for better oversight to ensure such errors don’t happen again. Some have even suggested moving camera systems entirely to avoid future interference. “If the technology is going to affect the game, it needs to be addressed,” one commentator noted on X.
For now, Vikings fans can take solace in their team’s win and Reichard’s continued promise. But the sting of a missed call—and a missed chance at history—will linger. As the NFL season progresses, all eyes will be on Reichard to see how he bounces back from this controversy and whether he can reclaim his near-perfect form.