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One thing you can count on with the Detroit Lions is that they are never, ever boring. Follow the latest news including injuries, roster moves and more here daily from Oakland Press beat writer Paula Pasche. Plus you'll find regular commentary about the team.

8/27/2013

Detroit Lions: Havard 'Kickalicious' Rugland cut


ALLEN PARK — Havard Rugland, the Norwegian kicker better known as Kickalicious, has been cut by the Detroit Lions.
It’s not a surprise.
Rugland, who was signed by the Lions as a free agent, had never played in a football game at any level. He had never worn a football helmet until the first day of rookie camp in May.
Yet according to coach Jim Schwartz he passed each test along the way.
In his first game — a preseason win over the New York Jets — Rugland kicked field goals of 49 and 50 yards. His excitement and enthusiasm was contagious, the whole team was behind him.
Rugland gained worldwide attention with a four-minute YouTube video showing him kicking a football into a garbage can, through a basketball hoop, into a moving boat and more.
He spent months in the United States working with retired kicker Michael Husted.
His release does not necessarily mean his NFL dream is dead. Other teams will probably take a look and if a kicker goes down, he could get the call. 
David Akers was the kicker signed to replace Jason Hanson. Rugland was signed in part because he too was a left-footed kicker.  
The Lions also released cornerback DeQuan Menzie.
They have three more cuts to make before 4 p.m. today (Tuesday) to get the roster down to 75.
(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Order her book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here. It’s also available at bookstores.)

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