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Eagles kicker Jake Elliott began kicking when he won a kicking competition during an assembly

29 September 2017 Eagles News


In Philadelphia, we love to get behind an underdog and the newest underdog to get behind is Jake Elliott.

Elliot came to fame when he hit a 61-yard field goal to win the game versus the New York Giants this past Sunday. That alone was an underdog story, but his story began way before he marched out on that field to take that kick.

Thanks to Barstool Sports, we have found out his underdog story starts off way back in high school.

In an article posted by Barstool sports by Smitty ( @SmittyBarstool ), a friend of Elliott told him through a twitter dm that Elliott began kicking after he won a competition during a school assembly. Elliott had never played football before that……talk about a story! Previously, Elliott was one of the best youth tennis players in his state and an all-state tennis player in high school.

After kicking in high school, Elliott would them go on to Memphis where he kicked his way into the record books, breaking New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski’s kicking record. From there he was drafted in the fifth round of this years’ NFL draft. He would find his way to the Eagles after Caleb Sturgis suffered an injury.

Elliott’s whole life has been a culmination of quirky moments. First, he wins a kicking competition which ignited his football journey. Then, he gets drafted by the Bengals but gets beaten out for the starting job. Then Sturgis, gets hurt giving him the opportunity to play in the NFL. Then, the 61-yard field goal happened. Elliott could retire right now and be a Philadelphia Eagles legend forever. Moments like that just do not fade or go away. What makes it even better is the story which goes along with Elliott. He really was not just an NFL long shot, he has been a long shot his whole life. Back in high school, he would never have imagined he would even be playing football, let alone playing in the NFL.

What makes this whole 61-yard field goal even better is the story which goes along with Elliott. Back in high school, he would never have imagined he would even be playing football, let alone playing in the NFL.

Stories like Elliott’s are what makes sports the best. These type of stories just do not happen every day. People do not become surgeons, lawyers and even a cook by mistake. It is an underdog story which should inspire everyone to take advantage of their natural talent. Elliott might not have thought it originally but he was destined to be a kicker. The 61-yarder was just the beginning of a long career with the Eagles.

Photo Credit: USA Today Sports Imaging


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