His reaction said it all. With the game on the line for Tennessee football on Saturday, kicker Max Gilbert saw his 43-yard attempt go wide. The Tennessee native had the chance to be the hero for the Vols, but the team ultimately suffered a heartbreaking 44-41 defeat.
You just know Gilbert had to feel terrible about the miss. However, let's make one thing clear, the loss was not on him at all. This is something former Tennessee speedster Dont'e Thornton Jr. wanted to let him know on social media right after things went down. Yup, Thornton, now with the Raiders at the next level, had a quick three-word message for Gilbert on Saturday evening that plenty of people have now seen:
Max I love you
— BigMacc🥷🏿 (@IamDTJ11) September 13, 2025
Dont'e Thronton Jr. quickly showed Max Gilbert love after his missed GW kick vs. Georgia
This is what being a Vol for life is all about. Thornton and the Raiders will be in action for Monday Night Football, so you know he was watching the Tennessee vs. Georgia contest closely. Like so many others out there, he was hoping that Gilbert would send his kick through the uprights for a thrilling walk-off win.
It didn't happen and the Dawgs took care of business in overtime. While Thornton was no question pretty disappointed about the loss, his first thought was to make sure that his former teammate knew that this wasn't his fault and that Tennessee still backs him.
That's what being a good dude and teammate is all about. Gilbert has made some big kicks for the Vols and he'll be ready to step up again once his number is called in a pressure situation. Does the rough moment against Georgia hurt? Of course it does.
However, Josh Heupel also backed his kicker after the final whistle and he'll be counting on him for the rest of the season. One miss isn't going to define Gilbert's time with the SEC powerhouse. If anything, it will fuel him to make sure he's on the money next time he has a chance to deliver a season-changing victory for his team.