HAMMER TIME
Scot determined to make a name for himself in NFL
HE’S a self-confessed rugby nut but Jamie Gillan, aka the Scottish Hammer, is on the verge of kicking his way to potential fame and fortune in the NFL with Cleveland Browns.
A promising fly-half at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, he gave up his dream of professional rugby to relocate to Maryland on America’s east coast with his family in 2013.
And it was while watching his high school take on a local rival at American football that he spied an opportunity which changed his life.
‘I saw one of the kickers kick the field goal and it didn’t go over,’ says Gillan, now 21. ‘I knew I could kick it over the posts. So I went up to the coach and told him I could kick and punt. I kicked a few field goals and he said: “You’re on the team”.’
The young Scot soon found doors opening after a breathtakingly short high-school football career
‘I started kicking and punting for Leonardtown High School and a whole bunch of colleges asked me to join their team,’ says Gillan.
‘One of my mates had seen a Facebook post saying Arkansas Pine Bluff needed a kicker and, even though I’d been offered a scholarship to a Division II school, he thought he’d put in my highlights.’
They were immediately sold on Gillan, who quickly accepted the Division I school’s offer of a fully-funded scholarship.
‘The next week I got on a flight and got ready for pre-season,’ he says. ‘That was four years ago.’
Gillan broke every school record for kicking and punting, establishing himself as one of the best punters in college football, and catching the eye of NFL scouts along the way.
‘Two months ago, no one in the NFL even knew my name and now everybody’s calling me the Scottish Hammer,’ he says. ‘It’s just spreading like wildfire.
‘Punters don’t usually get chosen but I got taken to the Cleveland Browns for a visit. I told them exactly what I’m about and who I am, and I think they liked it.’
Gillan owes his nickname to his powerful left foot, one responsible for an incredible, NFL worthy, 80-yard punt, his longest to date.
And many leading NFL commentators have been singing his praises for the athletic, dynamic and versatile skillset he brings to the position.
The league’s annual draft took place in Nashville last weekend, with over 250 of the best college players selected by the 32 NFL franchises.
‘Cleveland Browns called me in the seventh round saying they really wanted to bring me in as an undrafted free agent,’ says Gillan. ‘I really liked every coach. It seems like a really good family, so it’s going to be fun to work with them.
‘I’m only 21. I don’t have to worry about school anymore. I’m going to be around the best of the best, the best facilities, the best coaches, so I’m just going to get better.
‘With my mindset and how much I love working hard, I’m going to keep improving.
‘I’ve got rookie camp this weekend for four days and I have to keep impressing and ticking the right boxes, so I can try to make the team.
‘I’ve got to give it my all because I know there are guys out there who’d kill to be in my position.’
Gillan hopes to one day share a locker room with some of the biggest stars in the game. The Browns are led by charismatic quarterback Baker Mayfield and recently secured the signature of flamboyant wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
The Scot has a big summer ahead of him and a position on the Browns roster to compete for.
Also somewhere on his wishlist, however, is a trip back home.
‘My dad’s side of the family are from Musselburgh and mum’s are up around Tain and Inverness,’ added Gillan.
‘I haven’t seen my extended family in four years, so I’m overdue a trip home to see my mates and my family.’