The Detroit Lions have assembled some of the NFL’s top offensive weapons in Matthew Stafford, Reggie Bush, and, most notably Calvin “Megatron” Johnson. Now, they have added Havard Rugland, the internet kicking sensation known as “Kickalicious.”
Rugland, a Norwegian, became interested in football a few years ago and has been training to use his kicking skills to get into the NFL. An internet video of “trick kicks” made him a sensation and caught the attention of several teams including the Lions, Browns, and Jets.
Although his contract does not include any guaranteed money, Rugland has a 3 year deal worth $1.485 million, and he will compete with David Akers for the kicking job left vacant by Jason Hanson’s retirement.
If Rugland can translate the skills seen on the video, he could quickly become a stellar kicker. However, given the fact that he has never seen live action nor does he have any experience, beating out a veteran like Akers could prove too steep a hill to climb.
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