On May 22, 2005, Ball State freshman Brian Collins stepped in as the anchor for the “Newslink @ Nine” sportscast after the regular host canceled. At just 19 years old, the telecommunications major had never hosted a broadcast but thought it would be simple to read some copy, cover highlights, and share scores. However, what unfolded was far from easy.
In an event that would be dubbed “The Collins Incident,” Collins ended up making internet history. The teleprompter operator accidentally fast-forwarded the script, leaving Collins to rely on his disordered pre-printed version. Struggling to read through the chaos, he sounded stilted and confused, as if learning the language on the spot. As he approached the highlights of an NBA game between the Indiana Pacers and New Jersey Nets, he experienced prolonged silences while attempting to describe what he saw. Finally, when he reached a clip of Pacers’ guard Fred Jones sinking a three-pointer, he exclaimed, “And boom goes the dynamite.”
20 YEARS AGO TODAY: “And boom goes the dynamite.”
A first quarter 3-pointer by Fred Jones ignites a viral catchphrase, and Vince Carter scores 33 PTS (13-21 FG) to lead the New Jersey Nets to a 98-91 win over the Indiana Pacers.
March 22, 2005.
💻 https://t.co/bpMP76qP22 pic.twitter.com/kx9KDB4882— NBA Cobwebs (@NBACobwebs) March 22, 2025
“Later he gets the rebound… passes it to the man… shoots it… and boom goes the dynamite.” While Collins wished his awkward broadcast experience would fade into obscurity, it was soon uploaded online and became iconic. The monotone delivery of “Boom Goes the Dynamite” launched Collins to viral fame during an era when such fame had a different meaning, both good and bad. The clip spread rapidly, even catching the attention of SportsCenter host Scott Van Pelt, who reached out to Collins with words of encouragement. It later gained mainstream recognition through mentions on “Inside the NBA,” Brent Musberger, and even “Family Guy.”
Collins would go on to appear on numerous TV and radio shows, including The Late Show with David Letterman, a fellow Ball State alumnus. Fox Sports’ Best Damn Sports Show Period later labeled the incident as the No. 1 biggest “sports blooper” in televised sports history. Despite the rough start, Collins ultimately found success in broadcasting, working as a reporter for TV news stations across Texas, Ohio, and Minnesota. He also featured on Tosh.0, recounting his experience and coping with his newfound infamy.
In the end, Collins appears to have embraced his viral fame and discovered that life carries on, even after the dynamite goes boom.
