Simple Kicking
Simple Kicking
James Hairston
Thomas Morstead, New Orleans Saints Punter: Gratitude, Mental Preparation, Emotions, Children's Book
36 minutes Posted Oct 26, 2020 at 7:59 pm.
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Humans like Thomas Morstead are rare. He is the current Punter for the New Orleans Saints. He has many roles on the team; team captain, holder for Wil Lutz' extra points and field goals, onside kick specialist, and a "big brother" to many of his teammates because he is the second oldest player on the roster behind Drew Brees!
Morstead was a 5th round draft choice for the New Orleans Saints in 2009 from Southern Methodist University (SMU). This is rare for two reasons: 1) punters aren't typically drafted, and 2) punters aren't typically drafted early! Finding out in the Podcast, Morstead received an academic scholarship for mechanical engineering at the Lyle School of Engineering.
The consistency of his career is another rare attribute of Morstead. He has missed 2 games (injury during 2015 season) over the last 12 seasons. Staying healthy, maintaining form, and constantly performing, Morstead has had an illustrious stint as one of the best NFL punters to ever play the game.
Put it this way, there have been 108 teams who have played in the Super Bowl, and 54 of them are Champions. Historically, in the history of the Super Bowl game have punter also kicked an onside kick, an onside kick that was successful? I believe there is only one, and that is Thomas Morstead.
You can hear the story of the Super Bowl XLIV "Ambush" onside kick from John Carney here:
Youtube: https://youtu.be/IpdNN5FAXOc
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7vqUZ2o0qylla5J7sV7TTw?si=F0bVu-JAQiOyK4JUjcmV0w
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simple-kicking/id1521447540?i=1000487772542
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/simplekicking/episode-7-john-carney-nfl-kicker-san-diego-chargers-super-bowl-xliv-kicker-training-pro-bowl
Morstead’s punting statistics are remarkable. 71.5% of his punts (63 punts) from the plus area of the field (Scoring side of the field) have been downed inside the 20. Also, 176 of his career punts from the 21-50 yardline have also been downed inside the 20 yardline representing a 39.8% IN20 percentage. That means his defense takes over with a lot of green grass behind it.
Continuing with his rarity, Morstead is an author.
A Pearland, TX native, Morstead co-authored a children's sports book called "The Middle School Rules of Thomas Morstead" with Sean Jensen. The book can be purchased online or in a Target store.
Thomas and his wife, Lauren, have a foundation named, What You Give Will Grow (WYGWG), which according to the foundation's website: "The mission of What You Give Will Grow is to improve the lives of those in need through support of local causes and organizations in the New Orleans and Gulf South communities, with a strong focus on children’s charities and cancer initiatives." Please order the book as proceeds from the sales of the book benefit WYGWG.
Finally, Thomas Morstead has given of his time and energy helping other kickers and punters to grow in their craft. Currently the New Orleans Saints have a practice squad punter named Blake Gillikin from Penn State. Also, he attends Kohl's Kicking Camps annually coaching up campers.
Over a four-decade career as an NFL agent, Mr. Steinberg has negotiated over $4 billion in contracts. He has an NFL Record 8-time 1st Overall Draft Picks, and 64 total First Round Draft Picks.
He shares the similar mindsets that all of the elite athletes have: a quiet mind.
Check out the podcast! Youtube Link Below, but can be found anywhere Podcasts are heard.
https://youtu.be/y-UmbBuu7DU