Kickalicious had an impressive debut for the Detroit Lions last night. Havard Rugland, who earned his spot in the NFL after a soccer trick shot video went viral, went two for two last night during his first preseason game.
Kickalicious hit two field goals last night, one from 49 yards and the other from 50, and won the affection of his teammates.
Matthew Stafford said : “I think we’re all happy to have him as a teammate… The guy is a great guy. It’s refreshing to see how much fun he’s having. The guy’s having a blast here, and he’s kicking the ball great.”
Last night was the first time Rugland had ever played in an NFL game and according to the Detroit Lion’s website it was only the third game he had ever seen. The inexperience kicker had an impressive debut but Kickalicious still has an uphill battle to win a spot on the Lions roster.
Detroit already has veteran kicker David Akers on the sideline and there isn’t enough room on the roster to keep both. The internet sensation is proving to be more than a novelty but he still has a lot to learn about the game.
After his first kickoff, Kickalicious said that Lions kicker David Akers had to remind him to get back on the field for the kickoff.
Rugland said : “I almost forgot my kickoff… I was so happy. David said, ‘Hey, you’ve got to kick off.”
Here’s the video that earned Kickalicious a job with the Detroit Lions.