New York Giants Kicker Rhys Lloyd Q&A

Rhys Lloyd was born in Dover before moving to the states with his parents, he went to the University of Minnesota where he kicked a field goal in the final few minutes to help his team win the 2003 Sun Bowl. After going undrafted in 2005 he was signed by the Baltimore Ravens and then after being released joined the Green Bay Packers, after the Packers also released Rhys he joined Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe. After his one season kicking in NFL Europe, he returned to America and made a return to the Ravens where he managed to make his NFL debut in the 2007 season. He was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers, in the 2008 season he led the league in touchbacks on kickoffs with 30 in the season, despite this and his multi-year contract he was signed by the Minnesota Vikings however he was released before the start of the 2009 season after which he rejoined the Carolina Panthers, overall he played the 2008, 2009 and 2010 seasons for the Panthers. He signed for the New York Giants on the 16th of August 2011.

How did you find the transition from the UK to the US?
Well it was strange but playing sports helped with the move. Easier to meet people and make friends

Do you get banter about being British?
Yes, but it's not the same or as good as English banta..

How does it feel to be a Giant?
Dunno, ask the wife. I thank u.. Haha no it feels good. I don't support a team here so I'm happy wherever

Do you think NFL Europe could have acted as another source of players for coaches?
Well it did. Unfortunately it is no longer. But it was a great feeder program for NFL

Which PR/KR do you hate kicking to the most?
Don't really pay attention to who's back there. If I do my job properly usain bolt could go back there for all I care. Haha

If you follow football? Which English football team do you support?
I'm a Chelsea man. Have been since I was born. Dad supports em and I played for them as a youth so

What do you think of how Giants fans reacted to Steve Smith's move to the Eagles?
Honestly, I have no idea.

Are you in favor of the new kickoff rule or does it detract from the return game?
Yes and no. In favor for me, but it does takeaway a big play for fans to watch.

Do you feel you will now play a bigger role as a kickoff specialist?
Umm in an ideal world I would like to be the full time guy somewhere, but I feel I can make a difference anywhere I go

How many times in practice have you kicked it out off the end zone from the 35 yard kick off?
Alot, but I scale back in practice. I want to save the leg for a game, no need bombing em in practice it doesn't prove anything

How is your training regime different to players of different positions?
Hahaha. Is golf in the other guys training plan.. Haha. I focus alot on leg speed, and flexibility.

Which is the toughest stadium in the NFL to kick in?
Well the giants is certainly up there.

How did you end up being a kicker?
Haha long story for 140 characters. Google it. I have done plenty of interviews on it. Sorry

What do you think of the International Series game?
I think it great for both sides. Hope to be a part of it one day

During the offseason NFL players hold kids football camp do you think in these could be a success outside of North America?
Possibly, I dont see why not, the sport is growing across the globe. I have considered doing one in the UK.

If an NFL kids camp was held in the UK would you want to be involved?
No question. Assuming it's not during the season.

Which American sports teams do you support and why?
Don't follow any American sports teams. I'm an English football man, tennis and golf. That's it.

If you weren't able to play American Football professionally, what would you be doing?
Swing instructor for golf I think. Or try and play.

I wish to thank Rhys for taking his time to answer these questions for us.

It's funny how some non-U.S. kickers don't really follow the sport. They just have a God-given talent and an opportunity to use it. Gives them a mercenary sort of feel. I wonder if his NFL camp would focus mainly on kicking.

Now that I think about it, we should have asked him if he's ever had to tackle a return man and if he was successful at it. Most kickers/punters seem to act like an obstruction though a few like Neil Rackers and former Aussie Rules player Darren Bennett got stuck in if the situation called for it.

Missed that opportunity! Thanks to Derby for sorting that.

Seems like quite a funny guy!