Buccaneers kicker nails a long FG with a soccer ball

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Patrick Murray (7) and punter Michael Koenen (9) react after he missed a field goal against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Patrick Murray (7) and punter Michael Koenen (9) react after he missed a field goal against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tampa Bay kicker splits the uprights with a soccer ball.


There are some professional athletes that are so physically gifted that they could excel at almost any sports. Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Patrick Murray may be one of them.

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The Buccaneers hosted a Special Olympics soccer team from nearby Land O’Lakes High School last Thursday in preparation for the teams’ appearance at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games. The team took the field just as the Bucs’ OTA practice was wrapping up and, as they were warming up and running drills, Bucs kicker Patrick Murray stopped by.

Murray let the kids know that he too has a pretty decent kicking leg.

Murray rightfully went wild after hitting the 50-yard shot – running around the field waving his arms in the air. That shot might even have impressed new Bucs quarterback and number one overall draft pick Jameis Winston.

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If you think about it, that was a pretty impressive display by Murray. There are a multitude of differences between a football and a soccer ball – shape, size, weight, etc. Yet he managers to not just make it through the uprights but to practically split them down the middle. It looks like he took all of the elements into account as well, resulting in the perfect curve and trajectory. Come to think of it, it looks a lot like a successful corner kick.

Only 23-years-old, Murray should have a few more seasons to work on his craft. Hopefully the Bucs are on board with their kicker practicing on a less traditional ball.

Then again, if this whole football thing doesn’t work out, maybe he can get a try out with Orlando City FC.

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