ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Tuesday Sep 18, 2018

NFL kicker shocks football fans with rugby-style drop kick to restart play

Seattle Seahawks punter Michael Dickson has grabbed headlines with NFL fans around the world after his method of restarting play with a second-half kickoff against the Chicago Bears on Monday night.

ADVERTISEMENT

A perfectly executed drop kick pinned the Bears back inside the 20, doing exactly what was required of him and blowing fans’ minds in the process.

The 22-year-old rookie punter from Australia later attempted a drop-kick onside kick in hopes of his team regathering the ball with 14 seconds left on the clock, but it didn’t work out and the Bears won 24-17.

While rugby union might not be able to officially claim that Dickson has history with the code (he played Aussie Rules at a decent level), it’s great to see a ‘footy’ influence coming through.

USA rugby Sevens player Nate Ebner reportedly tried a drop-kick kickoff for the New England Patriots in 2015, and back in 2005 Doug Flutie famously did a drop kick for the extra point, the first of it’s kind in the NFL since 1941.

So while this wasn’t the first time the league has seen it, Dickson has certainly caused a bit of a stir, and perhaps in time more players will see it’s benefits.

ADVERTISEMENT

The drop kick was actually an important part of the sport in the 1920s and 1930s but as the shape of the football changed to become more aerodynamic, so did the kicking technique. Maybe Dickson has shown that it’s not as difficult as some might think.

Some NFL fans were naturally a bit confused when this drop kick story made headlines.

And speaking of rugby skills in the NFL, there was also this nice moment recently when 7s player and Superbowl winner Ebner passed the football to one of the officials in traditional rugby style.

ADVERTISEMENT

Here is that Doug Flutie drop kick that’s mentioned above.

credit: nfl

Comments




Related Articles

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    Crazy scenes as player deliberately kicks...

  • 88 WEEKS AGO

    Jokester has field day with Chris Latham's...

  • 89 WEEKS AGO

    Eddie Jones goes off on fan in shocking new...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    The dummy that sold the whole of Perth - including the cameraman

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Bayonne score 'one of the best tries you'll ever see' in latest match against Exeter

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Baloucoune shows Andy Farrell what he's missing as the winger tears through Harlequins defence

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 24 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    The sending off that rocked the Six Nations opener

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Wrecking ball beats 10 players to score full length of the pitch try

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 20 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Christian Wade proves he still has the X-factor with 50 metre mazy finish for Racing 92

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Magical sevens try leaves defender stuck in the mud

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    The fan reaction to Georgia calling out Wales this Autumn

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    England player ratings: England wake Twickenham up with huge victory

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible scenes as Italy shock Scotland in Rome

View All

Funnies

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Awesome scenes as Blitzbok fan throws down at the HSBC SVNS

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Mike Philips recounts crazy night Shane Williams tried to fight Warren Gatland

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Shaun Edwards leaves room silent in new Six Nations documentary with French to English transition

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

View All

Amateur

  • 63 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 64 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Danny Care to return to Twickenham for Barbarians match this summer

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Northampton Saints brothers retire a day apart

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Christian Wade proves he still has the X-factor with 50 metre mazy finish for Racing 92

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Tributes paid as World Cup referee looks to hang up boots

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Statement: Danny Care calls time on international career

View All