A fan's turn as an honorary offensive coordinator for the University of Akron football team concluded on the very first play of the game Saturday. Marty Whims II, a season-ticket holder, was granted play-calling duties for the Zips' initial offensive possession against Robert Morris.
However, the possession, and Whims's stint as coordinator, ended quickly when redshirt sophomore wide receiver Marcel Williams fumbled the ball on a third-and-11 play. Whims, a 46-year-old financial officer and Akron alumnus, had assisted head coach Joe Moorhead in scripting plays for the opening drive.
Akron announced the contest in mid-August on social media, with the initial post garnering over 23 million views. According to the athletic department, all season-ticket holders were automatically entered into a drawing for the opportunity. The promotion reportedly spurred new ticket package purchases, attracting attention from personalities like ESPN's Pat McAfee and Barstool Sports' Dan Katz.