As the NFL world reacted to the news about Detroit Lions field goal kicker Michael Badgley’s horrific season-ending hamstring injury, it’s a reminder of how quickly an NFL season can instantly turn.
The UFL – Another Option at Kicker for the Detroit Lions
Badgley was expected to compete for the starting assignment in training camp against Jake Bates, the former Michigan Panthers kicker. His injury leaves a gap on the Detroit Lions roster for a kicker. Considering the latest changes to the NFL kickoff rules, a kicker with a strong distance leg is an advantage, and there’s no better place to find a kicker who meets that requirement than the UFL.
The UFL -A Masterclass In Field Goal Kicking
One of the things that distinguished the UFL was the high caliber of kicking talent throughout the league. The UFL gave a masterclass in long-distance kicking with multiple teams having the ability to consistently kick field goals of more than 50 yards. Bates set the standard the very first week by kicking the second-longest field goal in history at 64 yards. In the weeks that followed that historic kick, Bates went on to kick a 62-yard field goal and added another 60-yarder. Besides his booming leg strength, Bates can be relied on to deliver multiple field goals in games as he demonstrated in a game-winning performance for the Panthers against the Arlington Renegades on May 7th when he kicked five field goals. Although Bates is wonderfully talented and well-suited to be the starter, the Lions may wish to add a second kicker at some point.
The UFL -A Distance Kickers Paradise
Although Bates was a standout talent in the league, he wasn’t the only one. It should be noted that the UFL has become a field goal kickers paradise with six of the eight kickers recording field goals of more than 50 yards.
Andre Szmyt of the St. Louis Battlehawks led the UFL by converting 19/21 field goals with a 61-yard kick to his credit. Following the conclusion of the inaugural UFL season, several NFL teams expressed an interest in Szymt but he remains available.
In addition to Szymt, two other UFL kickers could have a future in the NFL. Matt McCrane of the D.C. Defenders had an excellent season converting 16/20 field goals. His longest kick went for 58 yards. Another UFL kicker with a Michigan connection is former Michigan State University kicker Matthew Coghlin who was one of the bright spots for the Memphis Showboats this season. Coghlin consistently delivered on long-range kicks (16/17) with a 57-yarder to his credit.
Given the wealth of kicking talent available from the UFL, it’s likely that one or more of these young kickers will have a future in the NFL.
Main Photo: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
