Detroit Lions Cut 'Kickalicious' Despite Impressive Preseason [VIDEO]
Even a name like 'Kickalicious' couldn't secure a roster spot as a kicker for the Detroit Lions. YouTube sensation Havard Rugland was cut by the Lions on Tuesday after an otherwise very impressive preseason effort.
"Rugland did surprisingly well during the preseason for someone with zero game experience, making all three of his field goal attempts from 49, 50 and 33 yards and handling most second-half kickoffs," writes the Los Angeles Times.
Rugland is a 28-year-old from Norway, who before this past May had never even put on a football helmet. He does have one heck of a leg however, and it was his unique ability to crush the ball long distances that caught the attention of NFL executives.
"A year ago, Rugland was working at a child protective services facility in Norway. The 28-year-old had tryouts with the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and Detroit. The Lions were the only team to offer him a contract," reports ESPN.
Rugland became famous for his 'Kickalicious' video on YouTube, which showed him accomplishing a wide array of impressive feats with his kicking ability. There were shots of him kicking a ball to friends in a moving car, making a kick into a basketball net from half court, and kicking balls with pinpoint accuracy to friends 40 to 50 yards away.
All of those skills translated in an opportunity to kick for the Detroit Lions, and Rugland made the most of it. Though he will not get to play for the Lions, he has certainly done enough to receive continued interest from NFL teams looking for a free agent who can be picked up at a moment's notice to become a starter.
"He had a good camp, but I think when it was all said and done (David) Akers was a clear-cut winner in that position," coach Jim Schwartz said. "What the future holds, I don't know. I do know that he had a good camp and that he improved from beginning until the end. The future is probably in his hands."