Jeopardy! Champ Jaime Ding Is A Huge Detroit Lions Fan

Jeopardy is one of the hardest games on TV, whether you're actually competing on the show or like the rest of us who are struggling alone at home in a judgment-free zone. But as I said, there are a few people who do manage to exceed expectations and win a game of Jeopardy, and then there is an even rarer group who win the game multiple times, going on a crazy streak.

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Until earlier this week, Jamie Ding of Grosse Pointe, MI, was on one of those streaks, winning 31 games straight between March 13th and April 27th. His performance was dominant, landing him in the top-5 Jeopardy players of all-time and walking away with $882,605 in prize money.

His style of play was highlighted by his big bets that, based on his winnings, seemed to pay off, earning as much as $56,001 in one game. Where did he get the gusto to make such bold bids? He credits another man in Detroit: Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell. 

Jamie Ding Is A Huge Lions Fan

In an interview with People Magazine, Ding commented on his bold wagering style, which saw him place large wagers, such as his $30,000 Final Jeopardy! wagered early in his win streak and his $21,200 Daily Double wager that set the record for the largest amount lost in Jeopardy! history.

He credits this ambitious wagering style to Dan Campbell, who is known for "going for it on fourth down" when most teams punt or kick a field goal. It's a bold move that, if it pays off, could lead to a touchdown or extending the drive rather than settling for field position. He has had an excellent success rate over the last three seasons, inspiring people like Jamie Ding to take big risks.

"Before I was on the show, it became clear that in my preparation and studying, big bets are the way to go. I'm a big fan of the Detroit Lions and their Coach, Dan Campbell, who is very famous for going for it on fourth down...sometimes it pulls me towards a big bet, sometimes not."

Ultimately, it paid off for Ding, who walked away with nearly a million dollars, and hopefully it will pay off for the Lions in the near future.