A chat over the fence.

[WinstonKodogo]

So what do I do?
By Stephen Harris.
550 words

Well I recently started renting a place in Baltimore so that I could be close to the team training facilities. The neighbourhood that I moved into is really friendly and close knit but kind of old, not exactly football fan terrority, which is what I wanted. I don't need my neighbours making a fuss over the team or giving me abuse after a bad game.

I got talking to one of my neighbours over the fence while doing some gardening, he asked me what I did for a living. I told him that I work for the Baltimore Hawks. He looked perplexed and then started the toughest interview I've had. He asked me what my role is and tried to guess; team doctor, trainer, equipment manager? No, nope, nada. I play for them, I'm the punter.

"What does a Punter do?" He asked.
I tried to explain as best I could. Well when we go to 4th down, I go out there and try and get the opponents in a bad position for the start of their go by kicking the ball as far as I can. Though some times they want me to do other things as well like throw the ball to some one or run with it in what's called a trick play, and it's a trick play because I normally go out there and kick it.

He then asked me if I took the field goals as well.
Well no. That's another guy on the team. Turk Turkleton. I would only take the field goals if he was hurt or playing really badly. I attempted to explain with the aide of some charades the difference in the kicking action for field goals and punting and how it affects the hip.

"So when you train you just kick the ball?"
Not always, like the rest of the guys I watch game tapes to improve my game and scout out opponent, I lift weights in the gym, sure I might not be lifting like some of the line backers but I'm pretty strong, I throw balls with the quarterbacks some times for trick plays, I run with the fullbacks and running backs for trick plays and I take part in tackling drills. However the majority of my time is kicking based.

"Can punting win games."
Absolutely, if you can punt to inside their twenty and the defence can keep them there, then it's highly likely a touchdown will come. Though your never going to get the glory as a punter. No one goes to work hangs out at the water cooler and says 'Did you see Harris's punt into coffin corner last night?' They are going to say 'Did you see Kyubee's pass?'.

He asked me me if I got recognised in the street.
Well sometimes by die hard fans*, punting isn't glamorous and the majority of people who go games actually leave their seats when I'm going on field to get food or go to the toilet, plus I wear I helmet which obviously obscures my face.
*I absolutely love getting recognised, so come say hi if you spot me, except if I'm eating.

"So does it help you get the ladies?"
No. No it does not. I rely on my charm, good looks and my accent.

[PoloPro]

This great! Kicker ??

[theFlock]

Punters are people too!

[princekyle]

Love the concept, and love that you're embracing the punter role so well. Best punter in the league hands down.

[dropbear]

Graded

Word Count: 550 words

Payout: $550,000