Kicking Negativity - Andrew Gantz's Road to the NFL

The road to the NFL is one that few travel on, but for former Northern Illinois University kicker Andrew Gantz he is living his dream. Gantz started his career as a Cincinnati Bearcat, and eventually made his way to the Huskies as a grad transfer. Gantz has had great success, but his kicking days started long before he stepped on the gridiron.

“I started kicking footballs sophomore year of highschool, but I played soccer from age three until I was 13.” Gantz said.

Major Success

Gantz has had major college success. He made well over 70 percent of his field goal attempts including a career long 51 yarder. He also only missed four extra points in his entire career. His preparation and training helps him succeed when he takes the field.

Courtesy Mateo Avila

“I used to put us in situations where we were down two points with three seconds left, we have to run up there and get a snap off and hit a game winner. Just putting yourself through those mental situations when your on the field helps.” Gantz said.

Giving Back

Gantz knows that his preparation helps put him in spots to shine on the field, but he also makes sure to show his skills off the field. During the offseason, Gantz partakes in a lot of different camps, and even shares his knowledge with some younger talent.

“I travel the country throughout the year, I work camps to help high schoolers” Gantz said.

Mental Toughness

Since his time at Cincinnati, Gantz has had the opportunity to compete against some of the best kickers in the nation. Competing against those players not only brought the best out of him, but gave him an extra edge when it comes to competition.

“I compete against those guys on a yearly basis, I’m great friends with a bunch across the country. I even have two friends currently in the league that are starters and I’ve kicked with them since I was in highschool. I always treat it as, well I’m not the nicest guy on the field, but I want to win.” Gantz said.

Gantz competed at NIU’s pro day which featured 20 NFL teams. He was the only kicker in attendance. After the pro day Gantz returned to his home state of Ohio to train for upcoming workouts. During this time Gantz not only prepared himself physically, but mentally as well.

“I really just focused on myself for a month. Cut out a lot of negative distractions and influences in my life and really just focused on what I need to do to get the job done.” Gantz said.