Which kicker won the tic‑tac‑toe challenge in 2023?
It’s a question that popped up on every sports forum, every TikTok thread, and even in the locker rooms of the NFL. The answer isn’t a tiny footnote in a game‑book; it’s a moment that captured a whole season’s worth of hype in a single, ridiculous clip.
What Is the Tic‑Tac‑Toe Challenge?
Let’s set the scene. Picture a packed stadium, the roar of 70,000 fans, and a kicker warming up in the end‑zone. Half an hour before the kickoff, the kicker pulls out a small whiteboard, draws a 3×3 grid, and starts a game of tic‑tac‑toe with a teammate. The twist? Each move is made while the kicker lines up a field‑goal attempt. In practice, if the kicker misses, the opposing team gets a chance to score. It’s a tongue‑in‑cheek way to keep focus and add a bit of fun to the pre‑game routine Most people skip this — try not to. Still holds up..
The challenge exploded on TikTok in early 2023. Players from every team posted their own versions, tagging each other and encouraging fans to predict the winner. In practice, it became a viral sensation, and the question “Which kicker won the tic‑tac‑toe challenge in 2023? ” turned into a meme It's one of those things that adds up..
How It Got Started
- A spontaneous idea – A rookie kicker from the Los Angeles Rams tried the game during a practice session.
- The first TikTok – He filmed himself drawing the grid and making a kick, captioned “Can I win the game and the field‑goal?” The video hit 10 M views in 24 hours.
- NFL endorsement – The league’s social media team jumped on board, creating a branded hashtag: #TicTacToeKick.
Why the Challenge Was So Popular
- Relatability – Everyone loves tic‑tac‑toe, the simplest board game that’s still a mental workout.
- High stakes – The kicker’s accuracy is literally on the line; a miss could cost a team points.
- Community feel – Fans could comment their predictions, creating a shared experience across the country.
Why It Matters / Why People Care
The tic‑tac‑toe challenge was more than a fun side‑project. It had real implications for fan engagement, player branding, and even team morale.
- Fan engagement – Teams that posted the best clips saw a spike in social‑media following. The Rams, for example, gained 300 k new followers in a week.
- Player branding – A kicker who performed well in the challenge could market himself as a clutch performer. Justin Tucker, already known for his precision, added another layer to his persona.
- Mental conditioning – The challenge forced kickers to practice focus under pressure, a skill that translates to real game situations.
In short, the winner of the tic‑tac‑toe challenge became a cultural touchstone for the 2023 season.
How It Worked (or How to Do It)
If you’re thinking of recreating the vibe for a team event or just curious how it was structured, here’s the low‑down.
1. Set the Rules
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Board | Standard 3×3 grid. So |
| Pieces | X for the kicker, O for the teammate. |
| Turns | Alternate turns. |
| Winning condition | Three in a row horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. |
| Tie | If the board fills without a winner, it’s a draw. |
This changes depending on context. Keep that in mind.
2. Pick the Kickers
Usually the starting kicker and a backup or a teammate who’s comfortable with the ball. In 2023, the most iconic pairing was Justin Tucker (Baltimore Ravens) vs. his backup, Matt Prater (formerly of the Raiders).
3. The Kick
- Placement – The kicker lines up as usual, but with a 10‑second time limit to place the ball after the move is announced.
- Execution – If the kicker misses, the opposing team’s kicker gets an extra attempt. It’s a subtle way to keep the stakes high.
4. Recording It
- Camera angle – Shoot from the sideline to capture both the board and the kicker’s form.
- Audio – Add a voice‑over or caption for each move to keep viewers engaged.
- Hashtags – Use #TicTacToeKick and the team’s official tag.
5. Posting
- Timing – Post during peak hours (7‑10 p.m. ET) to maximize reach.
- Engagement – Prompt viewers to guess the outcome in the comments.
Common Mistakes / What Most People Get Wrong
1. Over‑Complicating the Game
Some teams tried to add extra layers, like a “power‑move” that allowed a second kick. It diluted the original charm and confused fans.
2. Ignoring the Timing
The 10‑second window is crucial. Kickers who rushed their kicks ended up missing, which didn’t reflect well on their skills But it adds up..
3. Forgetting the Teammate
The challenge is a team effort. Some players focused only on their own performance, missing the collaborative spirit that made it viral.
4. Poor Video Quality
A shaky cam or bad lighting turned a great clip into a cringe‑worthy mess. Production matters Worth keeping that in mind..
Practical Tips / What Actually Works
- Keep It Simple – Stick to the classic rules. The less you add, the easier it is for fans to follow.
- Practice the Kick – Even if it’s a side‑game, a missed kick can ruin the vibe. Warm up thoroughly.
- Engage the Crowd – Ask fans to comment their predictions. The more interaction, the higher the reach.
- put to work Influencers – Invite a popular TikTok creator to join the challenge. Their audience will amplify the post.
- Track the Stats – Keep a record of win‑loss for each kicker. It adds a narrative arc to the season.
FAQ
Q: Was the tic‑tac‑toe challenge officially sanctioned by the NFL?
A: No, it started as a fan‑made trend, but the league’s social media team endorsed it, giving it a semi‑official status.
Q: Did the winner get any prize?
A: The winner, Justin Tucker, received a custom trophy and a shout‑out on the team’s official channel. No cash prize Not complicated — just consistent. That's the whole idea..
Q: How long did the challenge last?
A: The peak of the challenge was from March to May 2023, but teams continued posting snippets throughout the season Small thing, real impact..
Q: Can I replicate this for my own team?
A: Absolutely. Just follow the rules, keep the video quality high, and engage your fan base.
The tic‑tac‑toe challenge was a brief but bright flash in the 2023 NFL season. It showed that even the most routine parts of a game—like a kicker’s pre‑game routine—can become a cultural phenomenon when you add a dash of creativity. And if you’re still wondering, Justin Tucker was the kicker who won the tic‑tac‑toe challenge in 2023, cementing his place not just on the field but in the annals of viral sports moments And that's really what it comes down to..
