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Youtube video wins Norwegian kicker Havard Rugland tryout with New York Jet
STOCKHOLM - A Norwegian whose Youtube clip of spectacular trick shots has been watched over half a million times could be on the verge of a NFL contract as a kicker.
The video caught the attention of professional teams in the United States, and Norwegian state broadcaster NRK has reported that its star, Havard Rugland, had a tryout for the New York Jets this week.
"It went well," Rugland told NRK. "They tested me on field goals and kickoffs. Obviously you feel a little more pressure here, but I stayed pretty calm."
The video shows the 27-year-old performing some outrageous tricks and kicks, from nailing 60-yard field goals to soccer-style scissor kicks and volleys with American footballs.
Made by Rugland, his brother and some friends, the video has spread rapidly on the Internet, clocking up over half a million hits and garnering interest from three U.S. colleges and the Jets.
Rugland has no prior American football experience but kicking coach Michael Husted says that if he continues to develop, he could reach the NFL.
"Havard has incredible talent as a kicker," Husted, who played nine seasons as an NFL kicker, told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer newspaper. "He has a cannon for a leg. As he continues to refine his technique, he could be one of the strongest kickers in the NFL."
Husted says he became aware of Rugland via the Youtube video, and that he was asked to bring the kicker to San Diego to prepare him for a trial with an NFL team.
"A GM (general manager) from an NFL team contacted me about Havard. He wanted Havard to come to train with me in San Diego before they were going to fly him in for a workout."
"He reminds me a lot of (Sebastian) Janikowski in terms of stature and strength," coach Husted said, drawing a parallel between Rugland and the Oakland Raiders' Polish placekicker.
Harvard has quickly gone from practicing on his own in his hometown of Aalgaard in southern Norway to being prepared for tryouts with teams in the game's biggest league.
"On this trip things have evolved rapidly, from just training alone to training to try out for a team. From where I am now, playing in the NFL is a long way to go, but my goal is to get a contract before the preparations begin for next season," says Rugland.
But even if he does get a pro contract, Rugland will have a long way to go before he matches the achievements of fellow Norwegian Jan Stenerud.
Stenerud, one of only three kickers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, played 19 seasons in the NFL and is one of the highest scorers in the game's history. He also kicked three field goals in the 1970 Super Bowl, scoring the first nine points in the Kansas City Chiefs' 23-7 victory.
I found that pretty funny. Perhaps the Packers scout are interested in him aswell?
http://www.torontosun.com/2012/12/20/youtube-video-wins-norwegian-kicker-havard-rugland-tryout-with-new-york-jets
Last edited by ZifanQ; 12-21-2012 at 08:53 AM.
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what the video does not show you, are the countless times these trick shots were missed. And quite possibly some good video editing.
Last edited by The Benjamin; 12-21-2012 at 09:00 AM.
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Originally Posted by
The Benjamin
what the video does not show you, are the countless times these trick shots were missed. And quite possibly some good video editing.
Well that's one way to put it. Ofcause there have been some misses and editing but I still find it entertaining and pretty neat.
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High Fives / Like - 1 High Fives, 0 Dislikes
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Originally Posted by
ZifanQ
Well that's one way to put it. Ofcause there have been some misses and editing but I still find it entertaining and pretty neat.
very entertaining. I wish him luck
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Awesome, good luck to him.
Do you guys have an QBs over there who can try out for them as well? I think they might be looking for one of those, too.
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Originally Posted by
Rakk
Awesome, good luck to him.
Do you guys have an QBs over there who can try out for them as well? I think they might be looking for one of those, too.
Not any that I know off. I havn't been following the Jets but what the hell happened to Tebow? I know that he is injuried but is he out for the rest of the season?
Seriously even tho it's look bad right now in Chicago I'm glad I'm a Bears fan and not Jets/Eagles.
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Originally Posted by
ZifanQ
Not any that I know off. I havn't been following the Jets but what the hell happened to Tebow? I know that he is injuried but is he out for the rest of the season?
Seriously even tho it's look bad right now in Chicago I'm glad I'm a Bears fan and not Jets/Eagles.
What happened to Tebow? No one on that team likes him (other than the owner). He is a great guy, but as a QB he is hot garbage.
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Originally Posted by
The Benjamin
What happened to Tebow? No one on that team likes him (other than the owner). He is a great guy, but as a QB he is hot garbage.
I totally agree with you, he does not belong as a QB in the NFL. But you gotta wonder why they don't use him if he isn't injuried after all they bought him from the Broncos. I bet they are laughing their ass' off in Denver going from Tebow to Manning..
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Originally Posted by
ZifanQ
I totally agree with you, he does not belong as a QB in the NFL. But you gotta wonder why they don't use him if he isn't injuried after all they bought him from the Broncos. I bet they are laughing their ass' off in Denver going from Tebow to Manning..
I would consider signing him if the Jets cut him. But as a FB. The dude can run, and break through lines. Just cant pass to save his life
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At least this kicker is actually doing a football skill like kicking not just jumping out of a pool or anything. I hope he makes it on a PS somewhere. As for video editing there's probably some but most all players pack a highlight reel even in HS.
Arguing on the internet is like winning the special olympics, even if you win your still messed up.
Restore the roar!