Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Jets Invite Norwegian Viral Video Star To Tryout As Kicker
By
Ben Yakas
Published Dec 26, 2012
Modified Dec 26, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Ben Yakas
Published Dec 26, 2012
Modified Dec 26, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Yes, things are so bad for the Jets that they are now outsourcing to Norway. But on the other hand, this kicker is really good! Watch his audition tape below.
Football punting extraordinaire Havard Rugland visited the Jets this past week to tryout after the video above garnered over a million clicks. “It went well,” Rugland told Norwegian broadcaster NRK about the tryout. “They tested me on field goals and kickoffs. Obviously you feel a little more pressure here, but I stayed pretty calm.” The 27-year-old admitted he has no prior American football experience, but told Reuters he'd been working with former NFL kicker Michael Husted.
"Havard has incredible talent as a kicker," Husted, who played nine seasons as an NFL kicker, said. "He has a cannon for a leg. As he continues to refine his technique, he could be one of the strongest kickers in the NFL." Rugland is hopeful he'll end up in the NFL next year: "On this trip things have evolved rapidly, from just training alone to training to try out for a team. From where I am now, playing in the NFL is a long way to go, but my goal is to get a contract before the preparations begin for next season."
Unfortunately for the Jets, they have a whole lot of problems beyond kicker that can't be solved by trolling the Norway leagues. You certainly can't find a Bill Parcells or a new owner via YouTube.
Tagged
football
Havard Rugland
jets
norway
sports
viral video
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Mamdani says Trump will 'immediately' grant visa to Ghanaian mom of slain Bronx teen
Javits Frimpong, whose family is from Ghana, was walking to school Thursday morning when he was shot and killed.
By
Christian Santana
and
Giulia Heyward
Published Oct 31, 2026
Modified Oct 31, 2026
Overflowing school in downtown Jersey City is hitting a crisis point, parents say
There aren't great options for relieving overcrowding at P.S. 16 in Paulus Hook. It's a consequence of a economic boom — and huge influx of residents.
By
Michael Sol Warren
News
Overflowing school in downtown Jersey City is hitting a crisis point, parents say
There aren't great options for relieving overcrowding at P.S. 16 in Paulus Hook. It's a consequence of a economic boom — and huge influx of residents.
By
Michael Sol Warren
Bronx e-bike fire that killed a boy has claimed 3 more lives, NYPD says
By
Amanda Rozon
Donald Trump looms over New York attorney general’s race
By
Jon Campbell
and
Walter Wuthmann
How formerly homeless New Yorkers are helping others get off the streets
By
Karen Yi
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .