The Detroit Lions cut YouTube sensation Havard “kickalicious” Rugland today, ending a tryout for the spectacular kicking trick shot artist from Norway.
The Lions decided to stick with the oft-traveled and erratic David Akers rather than risk their season on the unlikely rookie, who made all three of his kicks in preseason, from 49, 50, and 33 yards.
No look, no holder, no hands, no problem: if the old basketball game of H-O-R-S-E was turned into a football kicking contest, Havard Rugland would be Olympic Champion.
Rugland won a free agent contract with the team after his YouTube video went viral and caught attention from pro scouts. It boasts no-look kicks into garbage cans, missles from one sand dune to another, 60-yarders that split the uprights, and a perfect field goal from the corner of the end zone. Rugland quickly became an internet superstar, sparking features in GQ, Norwegian television and Sports Illustrated.
Alas, the kicking savant has no NCAA eligibility left after his pro tryout, despite having played no previous organized football. But maybe the Ducks could invite him out as a guest kicking lecturer, inspire some swagger, boldness and confidence in Matt Wogan and Alejandro Maldonado.
Hat tip to reader Drake Mallard, who sent along a link to Dave Birkett’s story in the USA Today.
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