is a catchphrase coined by Ball State University student Brian Collins, popularized after a video of him delivering an ill-fated sports broadcast that included the phrase was shared on YouTube in 2005.
[4] A trademark application on the phrase was filed but ultimately abandoned by a San Diego–based speculator who offered it on t-shirts, saying that part of the proceeds would go to a scholarship fund at Ball State for journalism students.
[5] ESPN SportsCenter anchor Scott Van Pelt sent Collins words of encouragement and paid homage to him using the "boom" catchphrase on the air several times.
[citation needed] Collins' sportscast was featured on television and radio throughout the country and earned him an appearance on The Late Show (hosted by Ball State alumnus David Letterman) on June 9, 2005.
The phrase has also been used in video games to indicate some notable accomplishment, including the games Orcs Must Die, Heroes of Newerth, Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse, Saints Row: The Third, Saints Row IV, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, APB:Reloaded, Borderlands, NBA Jam,[9] Tomb Raider, and Overwatch Will Smith used the line after a mispronunciation during the 81st Academy Awards in 2009.