Why Vegas, Reason Number…..

Why Vegas, Reason Number…..

The Lou Groza Award was established in 1992 to recognize the top place kicker in college football each year.  In 1997, I was myself fortunate enough to be a part of the festivities.  As one of the three finalists I was invited to West Palm Beach, FL.  I witnessed first hand the professionalism surrounding the prestigious award.  I made it a goal, even then, to one day help other athletes experience what I was able to.  Fast forward six years and Vegas was created.

Vegas was created in 2003 to establish credible rating standards for high school kickers/punters. Vegas provided the ultimate exposure, which in turn created opportunity for thousands to follow.  Some of the goals/objectives that I had written down then were: exposure, national rankings, college opportunity, scholarships, Lou Groza Award winners, NFL Draftees, larger NFL contracts, etc.  Fast forward to 2016 and …… mission accomplished.  There is still a ways to go, but progress has been made each and every year thanks to Vegas.

Since 2003, six Vegas participants have gone on to win the Lou Groza Award.  Even more impressive, six of the past nine Lou Groza Award Winners were Vegas participants.  Take a look:

Dan Bailey

2007 – Thomas Weber (Arizona State)
2009 – Kai Forbath (UCLA)
2010 – Dan Bailey (Oklahoma State)
2011 – Randy Bullock (Texas A&M)
2014 – Brad Craddock (Maryland)
2015 – Ka’imi Fairbairn (UCLA)

Of course, the hard work doesn’t stop upon graduation from High School.  Chris Sailer Kicking continues to work with these and all athletes throughout college and on the NFL.  Just one more reason to attend Vegas XXIX January 14-15!  Register Here

 

 Ka'imi Fairbairn, 2015 Lou Groza Award Winner

Ka’imi Fairbairn, 2015 Lou Groza Award Winner

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2016 Chris Sailer Kicking NFL Season Is Here!

Tonight the 2016 NFL Football Season begins.  This is always a very exciting time of the year.  After 16 years of running Chris Sailer Kicking, I am honored to watch 19 Kickers/Punters start this weekend that have attended Chris Sailer Kicking training and/or camps.  Many are also current Chris Sailer Kicking staff members.  We wish the following players the best in their quest to reach the Super Bowl and earn All-Pro Honors.

Kickers (in alphabetical order):

Dan Bailey
(Dallas Cowboys) – The former “TOP 12” Member enters the season as the most accurate kicker in NFL history.  He has been selected to play in the Pro Bowl.

Randy Bullock (New York Giants) – The former “Event Elite” Member is entering his 5th year in the NFL. He was drafted by the Houston Texans and has also spent time with the New York Jets.  Randy is a former Lou Groza Award Winner.

Chandler Catanzaro (Arizona Cardinals) – He enters his 3rd season as one of the most consistent kickers in the NFL.  He tied the NFL record of connecting on his first 17 field goals attempts as a rookie in 2014 (tied fellow Chris Sailer Kicking Kicker Kai Forbath).

Ka’imi Fairbairn (Houston Texans) – The former “Event Elite” Member enters the season on Injured Reserve.  He is a former Lou Groza Award Winner.

Nick Folk (New York Jets) – Chris Sailer Kicking’s very first student enters his 10th season in the NFL.  He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboy in 2007 and has been selected to play in a Pro Bowl.

Andrew Franks – (Miami Dolphins) – Andrew was an underdog to make the Miami Dolphins roster last season.  He won the job and is now entering his second season in the NFL.

Dustin Hopkins (Washington Redskins) – The former #1 Chris Sailer Kicking Kicker and 2-Time “TOP 12” Member enters his second season as the starter for the Redskins.  The Buffalo Bills draft pick is primed for his best season yet.

Ryan Succop (Tennessee Titans) – The former “TOP 12” Member enters his 8th season in the NFL.  He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs as “Mr. Irrelevant” in 2009.  He has been a steady performer and looks to have another dominating season.

Justin Tucker (Baltimore Ravens) – The former 2-Time “TOP 12” Member is one of the most entertaining kickers in the NFL.  The Ravens used the franchise tag on him this year and secured his services for a few more years.  The Super Bowl champion is one of the best in the league.

Blair Walsh (Minnesota Vikings) – The former 2-Time “TOP 12” Member enters his 5th season in the NFL, all with the Vikings.  The 6th round draft pick was selected to play in the Pro Bowl in 2013.  Blair is one of Chris Sailer Kicking’s most popular staff members.

Punters (in alphabetical order):

Ryan Allen (New England Patriots) – The former “TOP 12” Member enters his 4th season in the NFL.  He is a former Vegas champion and 2-Time Ray Guy Award Winner.  He has won a Super Bowl enjoyed great success in the NFL.

Bryan Anger (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – The former “TOP 12” Member and #1 ranked Chris Sailer Kicking Punter in the nation is one of the NFL’s best.  He was a 3rd Round Draft Pick in 2013 Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Bryan is a fan favorite at Chris Sailer Kicking Camps.

Matt Darr (Miami Dolphins) – The former “TOP 12” Member and #1 ranked Chris Sailer Kicking Punter enters his second season with the Dolphins.  He looks to build on last years success with an even stronger 2016.

Drew Kaser (San Diego Chargers) – The former “Event Elite” Member enters the 2016 season after being drafted in the 6th round.  He is ready to dominate in San Diego.

Jeff Locke (Minnesota Vikings) – The former 2-Time “TOP 12” Member enters his fourth year in the NFL, all with the Vikings.  The UCLA standout has been excellent for Minnesota.  Jeff is one of the most popular Chris Sailer Kicking staff members.

Brad Nortman (Jacksonville Jaguars) – The former “TOP 12” Member and #1 Chris Sailer Kicking Punter in the nation enters his first year with the Jaguars.  He has spent the past 4 season with the Carolina Panthers, including last year’s Super Bowl team. The 6th round draft pick is one of the league’s best.

Bradley Pinion (San Francisco 49ers) – The former 2-Time “TOP 12” Member enters his second season with the 49ers.  He was drafted in the 5th round of the 2015 NFL Draft after declaring for the draft as a junior.

Colton Schmidt (Buffalo Bills) – The former “TOP 12” Member enters his 3rd season with the Bills.  He spent time with the 49ers and Browns prior to landing with the Bills.  He is one of the very best in the league.

Tress Way (Washington Redskins) – The former 2-Time “TOP 12” Member enters his third season with the Redskins.  He was voted the team’s special team captain.  Tress is one of the best punters in the NFL.

Also look for NFL Veterans and current Free Agents Kai Forbath, Cody ParkeyTravis Coons to land with an NFL team this year sooner than later.  Drew Basil (Ohio State) is also a kicker to be considered.

Make sure to tune in and support Chris Sailer Kicking’s best starting tonight.  It is time!  Let’s get the 2016 season started.

Blair Walsh & Jeff Locke of the Vikings in a 2016 preseason game.

Blair Walsh & Jeff Locke of the Vikings in a 2016 preseason game.

 

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