The article explores the unique and challenging journey of NFL kickers, highlighting the stories of several players including Parker Romo, Lucas Havrisik, Jake Bates, and Rodrigo Blankenship. It emphasizes the mental toughness required to succeed in a profession where kickers are often seen as expendable and face constant competition. The piece also touches on the struggles of staying in the league and the importance of perseverance and opportunity in the lives of these athletes.

• The kicker position is highly volatile, with many players facing constant competition and turnover.
• Success in the NFL requires not only physical skill but also significant mental resilience.
• Many kickers have unconventional paths to the league, often balancing other jobs while pursuing their NFL dreams.