Younghoe Koo’s Missed Kick Leads to Life-Saving Moment

Last season, one of Younghoe Koo’s more embarrassing moments on the field may have actually saved a life.

Mark Tootaker recounts a surreal incident from December while watching a Monday Night Football game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots with his wife. During the second quarter, Koo, kicking for the Giants, opted not to attempt a field goal, resulting in a chaotic and somewhat comical moment on national television.

Like many viewers, Tootaker found himself laughing at Koo’s misfortune. However, that laughter quickly took a dangerous turn as it escalated into a medical crisis.

Tootaker feels that this sequence of events was pivotal—almost miraculous. “That kicker saved my life,” he remarked. “It could have happened at any moment. I think I was exactly where I needed to be.” He likened the emergency to a sudden shock when his wife called for help.

A CT scan revealed a tennis ball-sized tumor on the left side of Tootaker’s brain, underscoring the gravity of the situation following the laughter.

“Nobody wants to hear the words, ‘You have a brain tumor,'” said Mallory Tootaker, his wife, who works with brain-injured patients.

After undergoing surgery at the University of Kentucky Hospital, the tumor was found to be benign, which was a relief.

Tootaker returned home just days later, free of complications, and continues his work at Spendthrift Farm, where a thoroughbred he’s involved with is slated to run in the Kentucky Derby.

At 59, Tootaker had felt no symptoms before his diagnosis. He was startled to learn that the tumor had shifted his brain by 6mm. His career as a stallion season manager requires extensive travel, making it all the more crucial that his seizure didn’t happen while he was driving or flying.

“It could have gone so differently,” he reflected. “If it had happened while I was on the plane or behind the wheel… I don’t want to think about that.” He added, “Luckily, nothing tragic occurred; I didn’t hurt anyone else.” This stroke of luck makes the whole experience feel surreal to him.

Interestingly, Koo was released from the Giants after missing two field goals in a Week 15 loss, and he is aware of the missed kick against the Patriots still lingering in the team’s memory.

Despite the circumstances, Tootaker has a mix of humor and gratitude about the whole situation. “It was crazy,” he said. “I was laughing so hard at him, which I now think was a bit harsh, but ironically, it turned out to save my life.”