Jason Hanson, the Lions kicker, decided to end his spectacular twenty-one year career in the NFL a few weeks into the free agency period. After suffering a heel injury, Hanson claims to have lost some “love” for the game. The forty-two year old Hanson could quite possibly be one of the few kickers to eventually be inducted into the NFL’s Hall of Fame.

Following Hanson’s decision to retire, the Lions made some interesting free agent moves. First, the Lions decided to sign David Akers. The ex-49ers kicker struggled last year only converting 29 of 42 field goals, which was the worst in the NFL last season. Akers, a veteran of thirteen NFL seasons, has had a wonderful career, but could his time in the NFL be up?

Akers isn’t the only kicker the Lions decided to bring in to try-out for the starting job. Havard Rugland, better known as “Kickalicious,” also signed with the Detroit Lions. Rugland is a native of Norway, with no previous football experience.

Rugland got his fame through his YouTube video (Kickalicious) where he performs impressive trick-shots. The video has over three million views. Obviously the Detroit Lions were fascinated enough to sign Rugland to the team. Yes, Rugland can kick a football to a guy on a boat with freakish accuracy, but he is completely unproven in game situations.

Rugland is still just a raw talent who is completely self-taught. However, he is already drawing bold comparisons to Raiders kicker, Sebastian Janikowski. Even being associated with one of the best kicker’s in the league is quite an achievement.

Some believe that with proper training and coaching, Rugland could be one of the best kickers in the league. Havard will have to overcome many challenges just to make the team this coming season. Regardless, Rugland is going from a YouTube sensation to the NFL spotlight.

Only time will tell if Rugland can become an elite NFL kicker. He will have large shoes to fill in Detroit, replacing the third-highest all-time scorer in NFL history. With virtually every NFL fan supporting him, there is no reason to believe Rugland can’t have a successful career as a kicker.