Jets Reverse Course, Allow Long Island Fan to Compete for $100,000 Kick-Off Prize
The New York Jets have reinstated a diehard Long Island fan to compete in a $100,000 kick-off contest at Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots, reversing an earlier decision that sparked widespread outrage and support for the fan. Ashley Castanio-Gervasi, a soccer coach who initially was barred from the competition due to a technicality regarding her coaching status, will now have the opportunity to vie for the prize, sponsored by a partnership between the Jets and Hellmann’s Mayo.
The dramatic U-turn followed a report by The New York Post detailing Castanio-Gervasi’s disqualification, which quickly ignited an outpouring of support from the sports world and beyond. “We realized there was an unfortunate misunderstanding regarding Ashley’s eligibility for the contest,” the Jets stated in a release on Friday. “In an effort to remedy the situation, we are allowing her to kick this Sunday for an opportunity to win the prize. We value the passion and loyalty of our fans and are committed to creating memorable experiences.”
Castanio-Gervasi, who also assists with basketball and badminton at Long Beach High School, was initially deemed ineligible because of her active coaching role. This decision, reported exclusively by The Post on Thursday, drew swift criticism from sports media personalities, including former Jet Damien Woody, Jake Asman, and numerous other “Gang Green” enthusiasts, who amplified her story on social media platform X. Even California congressman Eric Swalwell publicly questioned the benching, calling it “bulls–t.”
“They really rallied behind the purpose of why I wanted to kick, which was in honor of my dad,” Castanio-Gervasi, 33, told The Post on Friday, noting her phone had been inundated with messages since her story became public on Christmas Day. The opportunity holds deep personal significance for Castanio-Gervasi, who fell in love with football through her late father, Frank.
Castanio-Gervasi first caught the Jets’ attention in September, impressively kicking a field goal during a game against the Buffalo Bills. She then qualified for the “Kick for Cash” contest with a successful 20-yard attempt at a tailgate event during the Jets vs. Panthers game in October. However, on Monday, she received notification that she was no longer eligible due to the insurance technicality related to her coaching position.
The financial reward of $100,000 would be “life-changing,” Castanio-Gervasi acknowledged, potentially going towards a house and a donation to a cancer charity. However, she emphasized that the chance to honor her father’s memory was paramount. Frank, a lifelong Jets season ticket holder dating back to the team’s Shea Stadium days in the 1960s, passed away from esophageal cancer in 2011.
The Castanio family’s devotion to the Jets is legendary. Approximately 75 family members attend a group game each year in Frank’s honor, and they have collectively raised over $50,000 for the Esophageal Cancer Education Foundation. Initially, the family considered boycotting games after Castanio-Gervasi was disqualified, but now at least 15 relatives will be in attendance at MetLife Stadium to support her during the Jets vs. Patriots showdown.
Prior to the reinstatement, Castanio-Gervasi said her father would have been devastated by the initial decision. Now, she believes he would be relieved and delighted to see his favorite team correct its course – and thrilled to be featured on the front page of The New York Post.
Despite the initial setback, Castanio-Gervasi remains focused on the opportunity ahead. “Just because a part of the organization kind of fumbled this one a little bit, doesn’t mean we can take it out on all the players and coaches,” she said, adding that she would still rather see the Jets win a Super Bowl than successfully make the kick.
Castanio-Gervasi’s connection to athletics extends beyond coaching and fandom. She played wide receiver at Jets training camp as a young girl and was a goalie for Stony Brook University from 2010-2014. She is currently recovering from knee surgery on her non-kicking leg and undergoing physical therapy twice a week, including a session on Friday afternoon. Inclement weather, with snow forecast for Friday into Saturday, may also impact her ability to practice.
However, Castanio-Gervasi insists the story is no longer solely about the kick itself. “I’m just going to kind of leave it to faith and hope that my, whatever athletic ability I have right now, will get me through it,” she said, planning to wear her favorite Darrelle Revis jersey, sharing his number 24. “And if it doesn’t, I’m still happy. I know my dad is looking down and is happy that I’m a part of it.”
The Castanio family’s investment in the Jets is substantial, with Ashley and her FDNY husband, Matthew, having recently purchased their own pair of seats two rows behind their family’s long-held section 223 seats. The family estimates they have spent over a million dollars supporting the team throughout their decades-long fandom.
