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Martin Gramatica

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Martin Gramatica
refer to caption
Gramatica at a kicking camp c. 2008
No. 7, 10, 1
Position:Kicker
Personal information
Born: (1975-11-27) 27 November 1975 (age 49)
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Height:5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Weight:170 lb (77 kg)
Career information
High school:LaBelle (LaBelle, Florida, U.S.)
College:Kansas State (1994–1998)
NFL draft:1999 / round: 3 / pick: 80
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
FBS record
Career NFL statistics
Field goals attempted:203
Field goals made:155
Field goals percentage:76.4%
Longest field goal:55
Extra points attempted:230
Extra points made:228
Extra points percentage:99.1%
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Martin Gramatica (born 27 November 1975) is an Argentine former player of American football who was a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Indianapolis Colts, the Dallas Cowboys and the New Orleans Saints. He played college football for the Kansas State Wildcats winning the Lou Groza Award and twice earning All-American honors. He was selected by the Buccaneers in the third round of the 1999 NFL draft.

Gramatica is currently the head coach of the Tampa Bay Strikers in the National Indoor Soccer League (NISL).

Early life

[edit]

Gramatica was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina.[1] At the age of nine, he moved with his family to the United States.[2] The family settled in LaBelle, Florida, east of Fort Myers. He was only interested in playing soccer at LaBelle High School, but his kicking precision attracted the attention of the football coach of the school. He invited Gramatica to try out as the team's kicker.[3]

Gramatica started to play American football during his senior year. He tallied 8-of-10 field goals, 22 extra points, and hit 38 of 49 kickoffs out of the end zone for touchbacks. His longest field goal was 52 yards.

College career

[edit]

Gramatica accepted a football scholarship from Kansas State University. As a freshman in 1994, he ranked eighth in the Big Eight Conference with 57 scored points, making 6-of-9 field goals (66.7%) and 38-of-39 extra points (97.4%).[4]

As a sophomore in 1995, because of a very effective redzone offense, Gramatica saw his field goal opportunities reduced, connecting in 7-of-10 field goals (70%) and 43-of-46 extra points (93.5%).[4]

In 1996, Gramatica was granted a medical redshirt, after tearing his right anterior cruciate ligament one week before the season opener.[citation needed]

As a junior in 1997, he posted 19-of-20 field goals (95%), 37-of-38 extra points (97.4%) and 94 scored points.[4] He converted all three of his over 50-yard field goal attempts. He received the Lou Groza Award.[5]

As a senior in 1998, he registered 22-of-31 field goals (71%) and 69-of-69 extra points (100%).[4] He set the NCAA record for scoring by a kicker in a single-season with 135 points.[6] He hit a 65-yard field goal against Northern Illinois University, which was the fourth-longest field goal in NCAA history, and the longest in NCAA history without the use of a tee.[7] He finished in second place for the Lou Groza Award.

Gramática received his Bachelor of Science degree in social science from Kansas State in May 1999.

During his four seasons, he became the school's greatest placekicker. He made 54 out of 70 field goals and 187 of 192 point-after-touchdown attempts, gaining a school record of 349 points in four seasons. He set the single-season school record with 135 points and the longest field goal kicked from 65 yards.[3] Those achievements earned him the nickname Automatica because whenever he attempted a field goal, it was taken for granted that it would be good.[2]

In 2008, he was inducted into Kansas State's Ring of Honor.[8] In 2013, he was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.[9] In 2016, he was inducted into the Kansas State Athletics Hall of Fame.[10]

Professional career

[edit]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

[edit]

Gramatica was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round (80th overall) of the 1999 NFL draft.[11] As a rookie, he began the season by making 10 consecutive field goals. In the tenth game against the Atlanta Falcons, he kicked 4-of-4 field goal attempts with a long of 53 yards.[12] He was NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his game against Atlanta.[13] He was the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for November.[14] He tallied 27-of-32 field goal attempts (84.4%), 27-of-27 extra points (100%) and 106 points (franchise record).[15] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[16]

In 2000, he posted 28-of-34 field goals (82.4%), 42-of-42 extra points and scored 126 points (new franchise record). In the seventh game against the Detroit Lions, he kicked 4-of-4 field goal attempts with a long of 55 yards.[17] He was the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for October.[14] He was NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 15 against the Miami Dolphins.[18] He was the starter for the NFC Pro Bowl team.[19]

In 2001, he scored 23-of-29 field goals (79.3%), 28-of-28 extra points (100%) and 97 points.[20] Although he was known for jumping in celebration after every successful field goal attempt, he stopped this practice after his younger brother Bill Gramática tore his right anterior cruciate ligament, while playing for the Arizona Cardinals and celebrating in a similar manner after kicking a field goal.[21] In Week 12, he won NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his game against the Cincinnati Bengals.[22] In the fifteenth game against the New Orleans Saints, he kicked 4-of-4 field goal attempts with a long of 32 yards, before suffering a right hamstring strain in the second half.[23][24] He missed the season finale against the Baltimore Ravens. In the 13–17 Wild Card Round against the Philadelphia Eagles, he kicked 3-of-3 field goal attempts.[25]

In 2002, he tallied 32-of-39 field goals (82.1%), 32-of-32 extra points (100%).[26] In the eighth game against the Carolina Panthers, he scored the 400th career point, while kicking 4-of-4 field goals with a long of 53 yards.[27] He won NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Weeks 8 and 17.[28][29] He was the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for December.[14] He was a part of the winning Super Bowl XXXVII team, making two field goals and six extra points for 12 points, while also becoming the first Argentine born player to be a part of the final game.[30] Gramatica gained popularity that allowed him to sign exclusive contracts to make advertisement campaigns for diverse companies.[3] The $14,500,000-contract signed with the Buccaneers in 2002 ranked him among the best-paid Argentine sportsmen after footballers Hernán Crespo, Juan Verón, and Gabriel Batistuta.[2]

In 2003, Gramatica had a noticeable drop in accuracy in field goals of 40 yards or longer (4-of-11 for 36%). He collected 16-of-26 field goals (61.5%), 33-of-34 extra points and 81 points.[31] In the fifth game against the Washington Redskins, he converted 5-of-5 extra points.[32]

In 2004, his accuracy problems continued, registering 11-of-19 field goal (57.9%) and 21-of-22 extra points (95.5%) attempts.[33] He did not make a field goal longer than 22 yards after the fifth game against the New Orleans Saints. In the eleventh game against the Carolina Panthers, he missed three field goal attempts (one was blocked), contributing to a 14–21 loss.[34] He only connected on two of his last nine field goal attempts (22%). He was released two days later on 30 November and replaced with Jay Taylor.[35]

Indianapolis Colts (first stint)

[edit]

On 8 December 2004, he was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as a kickoff specialist, to complement kicker Mike Vanderjagt who had a groin injury, while reuniting with his former head coach Tony Dungy.[36] He appeared in four games and averaged 61.8 yards per kickoff. He was not re-signed after the season.

In September 2005, Gramatica revealed in an interview with The News-Press of Fort Myers, that he believed the reason for his struggles the previous two seasons was because of torn muscles in his lower adductor and lower abdomen, which he had surgically repaired during the offseason. However, his rehabilitation was not completed until after the 2005 season started, and he remained out of football while rehabbing.[37]

New England Patriots

[edit]

On 6 April 2006, the New England Patriots signed him as a possible replacement for veteran Adam Vinatieri, who signed as a free agent with the Indianapolis Colts.[38] Gramática competed with rookie fourth-round draft pick Stephen Gostkowski for the position. He made his only two preseason attempts against the Atlanta Falcons. He was released on 23 August.[39]

Indianapolis Colts (second stint)

[edit]

On 22 September, Gramatica returned to the Colts for depth purposes, after Adam Vinatieri suffered a groin injury.[40] He appeared in three games, making one field goal of 20 yards and three extra points against the New York Jets. He was released on 9 October.[41]

Dallas Cowboys

[edit]

On 27 November 2006, Gramatica was signed by the Dallas Cowboys, after the team released veteran Mike Vanderjagt.[42] On 3 December, in his debut with the team, he kicked the game-winning 46-yard field goal against the New York Giants.[43]

In the 20–21 Wild Card Round loss against the Seattle Seahawks, he made 2-of-2 field goals and 2-of-2 extra points. He also became part of Cowboys lore on fourth-and-one with 1:19 left in the game, Gramatica was going to attempt a 19-yard field goal for the go ahead score, when starting quarterback Tony Romo the holder for the kick, fumbled the snap, recovered the ball and attempted to run it for either a touchdown or a first down, but fumbled the ball while being tackled short of the first down marker, and turned the ball over on the Seattle 2-yard line.[44]

On 5 March 2007, Gramática signed a two-year extension with the Cowboys. He was passed on the depth chart by rookie Nick Folk during the preseason. After being placed on injured reserve with a strained right hamstring on 1 September, he was released on 25 September.[45][46]

New Orleans Saints

[edit]

On 12 December 2007, Gramatica was signed by the New Orleans Saints to handle the kicking duties for the final three games, after kicker Olindo Mare was injured.[47] On 23 December, he matched his personal long field goal mark of 55 yards just before halftime in a pivotal game against the Philadelphia Eagles.[48] He made 5-of-5 field goal (100%) and 8-of-8 extra points (100%) attempts.[49]

In the 2008 preseason, he was challenged by sixth-round draft pick Taylor Mehlhaff for the team's placekicking job. Gramatica remained the starter as Mehlhaff was waived by the Saints on 30 August during the final roster cuts. Gramatica was perfect until 21 September, when he missed two critical field goals in a loss to the Denver Broncos. On 6 October, he had a field goal blocked that was returned for a touchdown and a missed 46-yard field goal just before the two-minute warning in a loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Just two days after the game against Minnesota, Gramática was placed on season-ending injured reserve with a groin injury on 8 October and the team re-signed Mehlhaff.[50] He finished with 6-of-10 field goals (60%) and 16-of-16 extra points (100%).[51]

Personal life

[edit]

His younger brother, Bill, was also a kicker in the NFL. His son, Nico, is a kicker for the USF Bulls football team. On 25 July 2022, it was announced the Gramatica would serve as the head coach for the newly announced Tampa Bay Strikers of the National Indoor Soccer League (NISL).[52]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Kent, Andy (17 November 2000). "Gramatica stands out". The Ledger. Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  2. ^ a b c "Una historia bien argentina". Clarín. 25 January 2003.
  3. ^ a b c "The end". Olé. 11 February 2009.
  4. ^ a b c d "Martin Gramatica College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on 6 March 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  5. ^ "Lou Groza Award Winners". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on 3 April 2016. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  6. ^ "Michael Bishop, Martin Gramatica, Kendra Wecker, Steve Anson included in latest K-State athletics hall of fame class". The Topeka Capital-Journal. 29 July 2015. Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  7. ^ Fritchen, D. Scott (2 May 2020). "Impressive feats: Remembering Martin Gramatica's 65 yarder". GoPowercat.com. Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  8. ^ "Ring of Honor Feature: Martin Gramatica". Kansas State Wildcats Athletics. 22 August 2008. Archived from the original on 6 March 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  9. ^ Markham, Shelbi (10 July 2013). "Kansas Sports Hall of Fame to induct award-winning former K-State kicker". The Collegian. Archived from the original on 6 March 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  10. ^ "Martin Gramatica Hall of Fame bio". Kansas State Wildcats Athletics. Archived from the original on 15 August 2020. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
  11. ^ "1999 NFL Draft Listing". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on 3 November 2018. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  12. ^ "Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – November 21st, 1999". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  13. ^ "1999 NFL Week 11 Leaders & Scores". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  14. ^ a b c "NFL Players of the Month". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on 29 September 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  15. ^ "Martín Gramática 1999 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on 6 March 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  16. ^ "1999 NFL All-Rookie Team". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on 6 March 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  17. ^ "Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – October 19th, 2000". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  18. ^ "2000 NFL Week 15 Leaders & Scores". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  19. ^ "2000 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on 25 September 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  20. ^ "Martin Gramática 2001 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  21. ^ "Brief history of strange moments for kickers, punters". ESPN.com. 29 June 2015. Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
  22. ^ "2001 NFL Week 12 Leaders & Scores". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  23. ^ "New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – December 23rd, 2001". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  24. ^ "Gramática injures hamstring kicking extra point". SEC Sports. 23 December 2001. Archived from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  25. ^ "Wild Card – Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Philadelphia Eagles – January 12th, 2002". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  26. ^ "Martin Gramática 2002 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  27. ^ "Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers – October 27th, 2002". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  28. ^ "2002 NFL Week 8 Leaders & Scores". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on 19 November 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  29. ^ "2002 NFL Week 17 Leaders & Scores". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on 9 December 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  30. ^ "Super Bowl XXXVII – Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Oakland Raiders – January 26th, 2003". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on 13 October 2018. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  31. ^ "Martín Gramática 2003 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on 6 March 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  32. ^ "Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Washington Redskins – October 12th, 2003". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  33. ^ "Martín Gramática 2004 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on 6 March 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  34. ^ "Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers – November 28th, 2004". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  35. ^ "Buccaneers release kicker Gramática". Chicago Tribune. 1 December 2004. Archived from the original on 4 February 2019. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  36. ^ "Colts sign Gramatica for kickoffs". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. 9 December 2004. Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  37. ^ "There Is Always Something". Dallas Cowboys. 28 November 2006. Archived from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  38. ^ Pasquarelli, Len (6 April 2006). "Still automatica? Gramatica signs with Patriots". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on 6 March 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  39. ^ Reiss, Mike (24 August 2006). "Gramatica has both feet out door as he is released by Patriots". The Boston Globe. Archived from the original on 30 July 2017. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  40. ^ Pasquarelli, Len (22 September 2006). "Colts pick up veteran kicker Gramatica as insurance". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  41. ^ James, Tom (11 October 2006). "Critics not impressed by Colts' 5–0 start". Tribune Star. Archived from the original on 17 November 2020. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  42. ^ "Cowboys kick Vanderjagt to curb, sign Gramatica". ESPN.com. Associated Press. 27 November 2006. Archived from the original on 6 March 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  43. ^ "Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants – December 3rd, 2006". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on 30 August 2019. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  44. ^ Archer, Todd (4 January 2019). "Tony Romo's bobbled hold reminds Cowboys of what's at stake vs. Seahawks". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on 10 February 2019. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  45. ^ "Cowboys cut CB Glenn, put Gramatica on IR". NFL.com. Associated Press. 1 September 2007. Archived from the original on 17 April 2021. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  46. ^ "Cowboys drop Gramatica from injured reserve". NFL.com. Associated Press. 25 September 2007. Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  47. ^ Martel, Brett (12 December 2007). "Saints sign K Gramatica, place Mare on injured reserve". USA Today. Archived from the original on 30 July 2017. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  48. ^ "Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints – December 23rd, 2007". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on 30 July 2017. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  49. ^ "Martín Gramática 2007 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on 6 March 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  50. ^ "Saints put kicker Gramatica on IR, re-sign rookie Mehlhaff". NFL.com. 8 October 2008. Archived from the original on 6 March 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  51. ^ "Martín Gramática 2008 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on 6 March 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  52. ^ "News: Tampa Bay Strikers Announce Martin Gramatica as Head Coach". Tampa Bay Strikers. 25 July 2022. Archived from the original on 30 November 2022. Retrieved 6 March 2023.

Notes

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  1. ^ Kicked without tee
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