The Detroit Lions decided to take a chance on Havard Rugland, a left-footed kicker/punter from Norway. The Lions have also signed David Akers this offseason, also left-footed, and both are tasked with trying to replace the legendary Jason Hanson. According to the Detroit Lions website:
The Lions brought Rugland in for a tryout last month but did not sign him at the time.
Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said at the NFL League Meetings last month that the team first learned about him from the internet video and through league channels.
Rugland is 6-foot-2 1/2 and 240 pounds and became familiar with the sport only a couple years ago. He has been training with former NFL kicker Michael Husted in San Diego since November of 2012 and has followed the career former NFL kicker and native Norwegian Jan Stenerud, one of only three kickers currently in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
He’s also reportedly had workouts for the Browns and Jets before signing with the Lions.
If Rugland does make the team, “Kickalicious” seems to be destined to be a fan favorite.
