35 Facts About Will Reichard

Early Life and High School Achievements

Will Reichard's journey to football stardom began in Hoover, Alabama. His early years and high school career laid the foundation for his future success.

1. Will Reichard grew up in Hoover, Alabama, attending Hoover High School.
2. He started attending Kohl's Kicking Camps from the 6th grade, where he eventually became the number one ranked kicker and number two ranked punter.
3. At Hoover High School, Reichard made 27 out of 29 career field goal attempts and was perfect on extra points, making all 109 attempts.
4. He was named to the USA Today All-USA high school football team.
5. Reichard played in the Under Armour All-America Game.

College Commitment and Career

Reichard's decision to join the University of Alabama marked the beginning of an illustrious college career.

6. Despite receiving scholarship offers from top programs like Auburn, LSU, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Georgia, Reichard committed to the University of Alabama.
7. Reichard played for the Alabama Crimson Tide, becoming the all-time NCAA Division I FBS scoring leader with a record-breaking 547 points.
8. In his first season with Alabama in 2019, Reichard won the starting placekicker position in training camp.
9. He went perfect on 6 extra point attempts and punted twice for 81 yards in his first game against Duke.
10. Unfortunately, he missed the final half of the 2019 season due to injuries, finishing with 4-for-7 on field goals and 21-for-22 on extra points.

Stellar Performance and Accolades

Reichard's sophomore year and beyond showcased his exceptional talent and consistency.

11. As a sophomore in 2020, Reichard played in every game and achieved perfection on both field goals and extra points.
12. He was named special teams player of the week multiple times and finished fifth in the country with 126 points scored.
13. His team went 13-0 in 2020 and were named national champions.
14. Reichard was a first-team All-America selection by CBS Sports and a second-team pick by The Sporting News in 2020.
15. He was also a finalist for the Lou Groza Award, given to the best kicker in the nation.

Record-Breaking Seasons

Reichard's consistency and skill led to numerous records and accolades throughout his college career.

16. In 2022, Reichard was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award after being second in the SEC and third in the nation with 130 total points scored.
17. He converted 22 out of 26 field goal attempts and all 64 extra points in 2022.
18. Reichard earned SEC Special Teams Player of the Week honors twice in 2022.
19. He was named second-team All-SEC by Associated Press and league coaches in 2022.
20. He received honorable mention All-American by Pro Football Focus in 2022.

The Decision to Return

Reichard's decision to return for a fifth season at Alabama in 2023 was a pivotal moment in his career.

21. In 2023, Reichard initially decided to enter the NFL draft but changed his mind and opted to return for a fifth and final season at Alabama.
22. On October 14, 2023, against the Arkansas Razorbacks, Reichard set the record for most points scored in Southeastern Conference history at 486.
23. He surpassed former Auburn kicker Daniel Carlson's 480 points.
24. Reichard tied Keenan Reynolds for the NCAA's all-time scoring mark with 530 points.
25. He set the record with a field goal in Alabama's SEC Championship Game victory.

Transition to the NFL

Reichard's transition to the NFL marked the next chapter in his football journey.

26. Reichard was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round (203rd overall) of the 2024 NFL draft.
27. Over the first eight weeks of the 2024 season, he made his first 14 field goal attempts before missing his next two in Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts due to a minor injury to his oblique muscle.
28. He was placed on injured reserve on November 4 but was activated on December 7.
29. In Week 15 against the Chicago Bears, Reichard made all three of his field goal attempts and all three of his extra point attempts in a 30-12 victory.

Personal Life and Legacy

Reichard's personal life and legacy extend beyond his on-field achievements.

30. Reichard married his high school sweetheart, Amelia Auchmuty, earlier in 2023.
31. He spoke about the difficulties of balancing his new married life with his football career.
32. Reichard's father, Gary, had a significant influence on his life and career.
33. He often pointed to his father in Heaven after every successful kick.
34. Reichard's dedication to the game and his impressive statistics have made him a formidable addition to the Minnesota Vikings.
35. His legacy in college football continues to inspire future generations of kickers.

Will Reichard: A Legacy in the Making

Will Reichard's journey from Hoover, Alabama, to the NFL is nothing short of inspiring. His record-breaking college career at Alabama, where he became the all-time NCAA Division I FBS scoring leader, showcases his exceptional talent and dedication. Reichard's consistency and reliability under pressure have made him a standout kicker, earning him numerous accolades and a spot with the Minnesota Vikings. His ability to balance personal life, including his marriage to Amelia Auchmuty, with a demanding football career speaks volumes about his character. As he transitions to the NFL, Reichard's legacy in college football continues to inspire future generations. With his impressive stats and unwavering determination, he's poised to make a significant impact in professional football. Fans eagerly await his performances on the field, confident that Reichard's journey is far from over.