What started as a graduation stunt for one University of Houston student turned into an unforgettable viral moment after his celebratory backflip didn’t land as expected.
Kenneth Cofer III, the student at the center of it all, is taking the attention in stride.
The incident happened during the university’s graduation ceremony last Friday when Cofer, aiming to create a memorable moment, attempted a backflip after walking across the stage.
For a moment, time seemed to stop as classmates and onlookers held their breath in awkward silence. However, cheers broke out soon after, and administrators rushed to check on Cofer, who thankfully emerged unscathed.
Cofer said his goal was to bring joy to the ceremony.
“I wanted to do it because I wanted to remember my graduation,” he explained. “I thought it would bring some laughter.”
Despite the misstep, Cofer remains upbeat.
“In my head, I thought I landed the backflip—I felt like a WWE wrestler,” he joked. “Then I realized I was just lying on the ground.”
Now a viral sensation, Cofer appreciates the classmates who cheered him on, especially the two students he asked to clap and cheer ahead of time.
As for his plans post-graduation? He says he might skip backflips in the future but will always embrace his daring spirit.