How do kickers practice in the offseason? For most kickers on a team or looking for a team, you’ll find them at a practice field somewhere, launching as many kicks as possible through the uprights.
Not new Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert.
The new Washington kicker, signed last week, was busy on his first day for his new team. Seibert attempted seven field goals — making them all — in the Commanders’ 21-18 win over the New York Giants on Sunday. Seibert scored all 21 points for his team, including a game-winning 30-yard field goal as time expired to give Washington its first win.
Seibert revealed after the game that to prepare, he kicked at a pine tree next to his house as he awaited a call from an NFL team.
“In the offseason, I have a lot next to my house, and there’s a pine tree,” Seibert said. “And I go out and kick at this pine tree; I don’t go to a field anymore; I kick at this pine tree. I tell myself, ‘Hit the tree.’ Go out there and trust my technique, and it’s been working for me.”
Seibert then discussed how his preparation is a family affair.
“Well, we go three days a week,” Seibert said. “My wife will film me, and my daughter will be out there with us, too. And we’ll hit like 25-30 balls. It’s fun. It’s a family event.”
Postgame LIVE: Took the dub in the home opener! https://t.co/Vofze5hRqi
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 15, 2024
Don’t be surprised if more kickers don’t follow Seibert’s unusual approach. Like most kickers, the 27-year-old Seibert has bounced around some since entering the NFL in 2019. However, during the summer, when Seibert was kicking for the Jets, Washington general manager Adam Peters took notice, placing Seibert on the team’s emergency kicker list.
The Jets released Seibert, sticking with veteran Greg Zeurlein.
You couldn’t have scripted a better debut as Seibert broke the franchise record for field goals made in a game, kicked the game-winner, and ended the game on the shoulders of his new teammates.
Perhaps Washington has finally found its kicker of the present and future.