The New York Jets reversed a decision that barred a longtime fan from participating in a $100,000 halftime field goal contest, announcing Friday that she will be allowed to take part in Sunday's game against the New England Patriots.
New York Post first reported that Ashley Castanio-Gervasi, a Long Island high school soccer coach and lifelong Jets supporter, was informed earlier this week that she was no longer eligible to participate in the team's “Kick for Cash” promotion due to her coaching status.
This decision drew widespread criticism from public figures, including former Jets star Damien Woody And California Congressman Eric Swalwell how is this became a popular topic on social networkswhich caused the Jets to reconsider their decision.
“We understand that there has been an unfortunate misunderstanding regarding Ashley's eligibility to compete,” the team said in a statement. “To remedy the situation, we are allowing her to perform this Sunday for a chance to win a prize.”
Castanio-Gervasi, 33, earned her spot in the competition after making a successful 20-yard field goal at a Jets-sponsored event in October. She said team officials initially identified her early in the season after attempting to kick her in a September home game.
The Jets said the original suspension was due to rules that prohibit current or former football, soccer or rugby coaches from participating in the promotion for insurance reasons. Castanio-Gervasi said she disclosed both her college soccer background and her coaching role during the qualifying process and was not made aware of any issues until days before the scheduled competition.
“It’s a bad look at an organization that should be looking for any kind of positive PR,” Woody said on X.
The $100,000 prize, sponsored by Hellmann's, will be “life-changing,” Castanio-Gervasi said, noting that she plans to use any winnings to buy a home and support cancer charities.
She said the opportunity is especially meaningful as she tries to honor the memory of her father, Frank, a devoted Jets fan who died of esophageal cancer in 2011. The family continues to attend games together in his honor and has raised tens of thousands of dollars for cancer awareness.
After learning of the suspension, Castanio-Gervasi said she planned to miss Sunday's game, although the Jets offered alternative compensation, including team merchandise and a gift card. With the team changing, she and several family members now plan to attend the game at MetLife Stadium.
The distance of the final strike is not reported. Castanio-Gervasi is currently recovering from knee surgery on her non-functional leg, but said she intends to participate as planned.
The team's decision restores its chance to compete alongside the other three finalists at halftime of Sunday's home final. The Jets enter the contest with a 3-12 record, which is the best record in the AFC East division.
