From Goalkeeper to Placekicker Trial
The famous Mexican custodian Guillermo ‘Memo’ Ochoa participated in a field-goal kicking challenge during Club América’s U.S. tour in late July 2022. This unusual event occurred at the Houston Texans’ practice facility in Texas. Ochoa kicked from 30 to 65 yards, making 55-yard goals and missing further ones.
Key Dates and Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 22–23, 2022 | Attempted NFL-style field goals in Texas |
| Successful Kicks | 30-55 yards |
| Near Misses | 60‑ and 65‑yard attempts hit the crossbar |
Who Witnessed It?
American football legends watched Memo’s field goals. Legendary punter Shane Lechler advised Ochoa and applauded his apparent familiarity with the challenge. Former NFL champion Raúl Allegre tweeted their support and offered coaching to improve Ochoa’s technique, noting the possibilities of this crossover attempt.
Key Figures
| Name | Role | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Shane Lechler | NFL Punter | “You’re making this look easy.” |
| Raúl Allegre | Former NFL Kicker | Offered coaching to improve technique. |
Social & Media Reactions
TikTok and Reddit were abuzz with talk about Ochoa’s leg strength and NFL kicker potential after the event. Viral videos garnered millions of views and generated disputes about football players playing American football.
Highlights Online
| Platform | Reaction | Views and Comments |
|---|---|---|
| TikTok | Viral attention | Millions of views under #OchoaKicksFieldGoal |
| Debates on role feasibility | Users impressed by Ochoa’s leg strength |
Historical Context & Comparisons
Ochoa’s trial garnered global notice, but it parallels Tony Meola’s struggles to adjust to NFL kick-offs after the 1994 World Cup. Meola’s premature end warns against cross-sport experimentation.
Past Experiment
| Name | Attempt Year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Tony Meola | After 1994 | Failed due to lack of refined technique |
Key Numbers & Dates Summary
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 22–23, 2022 | Ochoa’s NFL kicking challenge |
| Successful Kicks | 30–55 yards |
| Coaching Offer | July 22, 2022 by Raúl Allegre |
The Technique Factor
Changing from football to NFL kicking requires technical changes. NFL kickers must kick quickly in pressure circumstances. Ochoa must reduce his run-up and execute faster to avoid blocks with his soccer-style kick.
Technical Challenges
| Aspect | Soccer Goalkeeper Style | NFL Kicker Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Run-Up | Longer approach | Shorter, rapid execution |
| Timing | Less critical | Precise, split-second timing |
| Foot-Strike | Soccer-style punt | Requires cleaner connection |
What This Means for Memo
Ochoa’s display showed his raw leg strength and marketability, suggesting a post-soccer career. He could overcome technical obstacles and become an NFL kicker with specialised instruction.
Implications for Ochoa
| Strength | Marketability | Career Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Leg Strength | Viral social media clips | Potential post-soccer pathway |
Broader Implications
Ochoa’s event sparked talks on athletic crossovers, drawing attention to the adaptation and tenacity required for career changes across sports boundaries. Similar desires have been expressed by other athletes, further driving interest in such transitions.
Cross-Sport Interest
| Athlete | Interest in NFL Transition |
|---|---|
| Harry Kane | Expressed future aspirations |
The 800-Word Takeaway
Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa’s NFL kicking career began modestly but garnered global attention. Ochoa kicked 55-yard field goals at the Houston Texans’ practice facility during Club América’s July 2022 U.S. tour. Mentorship from Shane Lechler and attention from Raúl Allegre identified professional-level skills, while social media buzz emphasised crossover appeal.
Ochoa must adjust his soccer-inspired kicking method to the NFL’s precision and timing. This isn’t a contract offer, but the event raised awareness of athlete flexibility and cross-sport prospects.
Ochoa’s NFL audition was a crucial moment in his career, demonstrating his raw talent and promise. It reminds players that they can change occupations and try new things.
FAQ
A formal NFL offer for Memo Ochoa?
No offer was formal. The event offered exploration rather than a contract.
How did Ochoa do in the field-goal challenge?
Strong leg power allowed Ochoa to kick 55 yards and miss lengthier efforts.
Who provided coaching during the trial?
Ochoa received guidance from Shane Lechler and Raúl Allegre to improve his technique.
What would Ochoa confront adjusting to NFL kicking?
Ochoa needs precise timing and a shorter run-up to reach NFL standards.
Were there past attempts by soccer players to transfer to NFL roles?
Due to poor skill, Tony Meola struggled to adjust post-1994 World Cup.
