Alive and Kicking: The Kicker

[Matt10]

Local football kicker to be invited to 2009 NFL Draft
Christian Henderson - Sunflower State Report
April 15, 2009



Olathe, Ks -- Matthew Madden is not making a big deal of the upcoming draft day, actually, his response to the possibility of him being drafted was : "Sweet", and, "I could use the money." Some would say this could be the biggest day of the 22-year old's life, but after speaking to Madden's father, we quickly found out why no hopes are being raised just yet.

"Matthew is as stubborn as they come," starts his father, Stuart, a Sprint Nextel technical support manager in Overland Park, "He had a solid two years to get noticed, but his mindset has never been towards a future as a football - I think that is why we are all so surprised that there are talks going on about him."

Graduating from the University of Ottawa (NAIA, KCAC, REGION IV), and becoming the first ever in the school's history for having a perfect kicking record (51 field goals attempted, 51 field goals made) in two seasons, Matthew Madden is slowly topping the list for teams that are in much need of a kicker.

Along with the accuracy, Madden also possesses the incredible power that broke Ottawa's school record for longest field goal made in a game of 61-yards.

"That was my fondest memory," his father reflected, "The second I saw the ball leave his foot - I knew it was going to be good. The thing that most people don't know is the fact that we were in October weather, in the blistering cold - I couldn't feel feelings anymore because it was so cold."

Upon asking Madden what his fondest memory of his college days was, he shrugged : "The women."

After a slap on the back of the head from Stuart, Matthew sat up straight and he began another version of his response. I could tell his apathetic approach was a cover that Stuart quickly broke down.

"College was great, it was college. I had two years at Ottawa that I will never forget - I'm ready for the next step now. Do I want to play football? Well, frankly, I'm kicking - I'm not playing - but I'm a skilled player, not just anyone can kick the way I do or with the power. That's a gift."

So will Madden be the next Jason Elam? Maybe even a version of Martin Gramatica - how about Vinatieri?

Time will tell in 10 days.

[Matt10]

Detroit takes Stafford, Crabtree and Heyward-Bey controversy fills first round

[Matt10]

Chiefs cap off 2009 NFL Draft with "Mr. Irrelevant", kicker Ryan Succop of South Carolina

Article from: http://blogs.nfl.com/

And the title of Mr. Irrelevant goes to …

South Carolina kicker Ryan Succop was the last pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, going 256th overall to the Kansas City Chiefs.
“I don’t really mind it. I don’t plan on being irrelevant,” Succop told The Associated Press of being picked last. “I’ve been very blessed, and I plan on making an impact right away. I’ve been blessed with the ability to do it, and I’m looking forward to doing it.”

As Mr. Irrelevant, Succop will be honored in Newport Beach, Calif., with an opening reception on June 23. The All-Star Lowsman Trophy Banquet and Rams reunion will be held at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel on June 25. Succop will wrap up Irrelevant week with a Main Street welcome and closing ceremonies in Huntington Beach, Calif., on June 27.

For more information, visit the Mr. Irrelevant Web site.

Last year’s Mr. Irrelevant, Idaho LB David Vobora, turned out to be quite relevant to the Rams. Vobora played in eight games, including a start in a Nov. 30 game against the Dolphins, and made 15 tackles.

[Matt10]

To: Matthew.Madden@sprint.customers.com
From: A.VanDerLay@smwwagency.net
Subject: List of Teams

Matthew, I am glad you have selected myself and Sports Management World Wide to represent you as the journey to the NFL commences. Here is a list of teams, with their current starters, that are in possible need of a kicker.

Any Questions, please let me know.

Denver Broncos: Matt Prater (62 ovr, 2 yr pro)

Miami Dolphins: Dan Carpenter (63 ovr, 1 yr pro)

Philadelphia Eagles: David Akers (77 ovr, 11 yr pro)

New York Giants: Lawrence Tynes (66 ovr, 6 yr pro)

Oakland Raiders: Sebastian Janikowski (74 ovr, 9 yr pro)

Baltimore Ravens: Steven Hauschka (59 ovr, 1 yr pro)

Washington Redskins: Shaun Suisham (52 ovr, 4 yr pro)

There you go, bud. Please remember to not be picky where you try out - I know you're a Chiefs fan and the Raiders are a sworn enemy - but you have to stay focused on what your career goals are. Get on a team, give the starter a run for his money - and bam, you're the star.

Let me know which team you want to try out for - don't take too long either because Spring training will be over before you know it. Coaches like to make sure to establish their special teams, especially their kickers, first before anything.

Good Luck! Let me know!

[Matt10]

[Matt10]

SPRING

TRYOUTS

[Matt10]

To: Matthew.Madden@sprint.customers.com
From: A.VanDerLay@smwwagency.net
Subject: Denver

Matthew, the NFL is a business - so I'm going to keep this short.

Denver had no interest in pursuing you as their place kicker any longer. I am not going to go into detail, but their special teams coach and I are long time pals - he told me to tell you that you need to really work on your 45+ kicks, you aren't getting enough air and there is no explosion like you see from some of the pros.

At this rate, Matthew, it's costing you time and money - are you sure you want to continue this year's tryouts? You could always take a break and get back in form?

Think about it. Contact me ASAP when you land in Miami. I left you a message on your phone - the Dolphins do not want to pursue you either.

Remember, this is business. You are lucky to have a shot - now make them count.

[Matt10]

SPRING

TRYOUTS

[Matt10]

To: Matthew.Madden@sprint.customers.com
From: A.VanDerLay@smwwagency.net
Subject: Philadelphia Eagles (PHIcontract09.doc -- attached)

Matthew,

You can start calling me "Art" now, because you have been officially offered a contract from the Philadelphia Eagles - that means you're part of the SMWW family now as well.

If you choose to accept, please read over the attached contract document.

Congratulations, kid. Let me know your decision ASAP.

[Matt10]

Filename: PHIcontract09.doc

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