Gazeta Lodz - Akron fan's honorary play-calling stint ends with opening-drive fumble

Akron's opening possession against Robert Morris ended in a turnover while contest winner Marty Whims II was taking part as the team's honorary offensive coordinator. Redshirt sophomore receiver Marcel Williams fumbled on a third-and-11 play, bringing the first drive and Whims' role to an end.

Whims, 46, is an Akron alumnus and a financial officer at a Cleveland real estate company. He worked with head coach Joe Moorhead to script the opening series for the Week 2 game and wore a headset during the possession.

The university created the opportunity through an offseason promotion for season-ticket holders. Announced on social media on August 4, the contest automatically entered every season-ticket holder into a random drawing for the one-drive assignment.

The initial announcement drew more than 23 million views. According to the athletic department, the promotion encouraged additional season-ticket purchases, including packages bought by ESPN's Pat McAfee and Barstool Sports' Dan Katz.

Whims was announced as the winner in mid-August. Speaking on the team's website, he said his employer had shared the news on LinkedIn and that business contacts, friends and relatives had contacted him with support.

He described the response as exciting and said people were wishing him luck before the game.

The assignment was limited to the first offensive possession rather than an ongoing position on the coaching staff. Saturday's fumble ended that planned involvement, with the turnover occurring while Whims was helping direct the opening series.

T.Ostrowski--GL