Former Buccaneer Takes On New Role As Girls Soccer Coach
Former Buccaneers Super Bowl kicker, Martin Gramatica, is now known for a new title. He is the coach of the 13U girls’ soccer team coach and he is taking them to nationals! According to ABC Action News the West Florida Flames will be playing in Los Angeles starting today. They will go head to head against other top teams from across the nation.
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Gramatica focuses on making sure the team has chemistry on and off the field. He designed his coaching style after his former coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tony Dungy. He told ABC Action News, “What I love about this team is they are super tight,” Gramatica said. “I learned that from Coach Dungy. The X’s and O’s mean nothing if you don’t have team chemistry and accountability. “Whenever we make a mistake, we just lift each other up,” 12 year old Emme Gramatica added. “We lift each other up positively, not negatively. We are there for each other. We always communicate with each other.”
According to Emme Gramatica, the team had a rocky start. But they got better and progressed to a now incredible team.
Martin Gramatica was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round in 1999. During his rookie season he was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. In 2000 after around great season he was not only selected, but named the starting kicker for the NFC Pro Bowl Team. The Bucs released him in 2004 after having some accuracy problems. He was picked up by the Indianapolis Colts, but was not re-signed at the end of the season.
In 2006 New England Patriots signed him, but released him a few months later. He then was re-signed to the Indianapolis Colts and only lasted with them a month of so before also being released. He was then picked up by the Dallas Cowboys and was with them until September of 2007. After getting released by the Cowboys Gramatica was signed to the his last team, the New Orleans Saints. 2008 was the last year he played in the NFL.
Latest 2024 NFL Power Rankings
10. Cincinnati Bengals
Experts have so many differing opinions on the Bengals. Some think they’ll go to the Super Bowl this year. Some don’t think they’ll be in play at all. I’m somewhere in between. But, Joe Burrow is strong, so he could push them to victory.
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9. Green Bay Packers
As a Detroit Lions fan, it pains me to admit that the Green Bay Packers, once again, will be strong in 2024. They were strong last year. Jordan Love is on his way to being one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Watch out for these guys.
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8. Dallas Cowboys
No offense to Dallas Cowboys fans, but they can be pretty annoying. But, I won’t let that cloud my thoughts on this year’s team. While the Cowboys haven’t spent much in the offseason, they’re still a strong team, and Dak Prescott is a strong quarterback. They’ll be a contender.
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7. Houston Texans
The Houston Texans have rebuilt faster than any team I can remember. They were surprisingly stellar last season. I mean, experts thought they would be good, but they were better than good. C.J. Stroud is a superstar.
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6. Philadelphia Eagles
What happened to the Philadelphia Eagles last season? It was a dismal end to what started out as a strong season. I’m sure Eagles fans would like to forget about it. But, the Eagles have spent a lot in this offseason, and they’re determined to fly back.
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5. Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are hot or cold. But, Josh Allen is a stellar quarterback, and he still has a lot to prove with this team. He’s great, but he hasn’t been able to lead the Bills to a Super Bowl yet. This could be his year.
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4. Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, hands down. That’s not up for debate. But, the Ravens fell in the AFC championship game last season, and it was a surprise to many. Will Jackson bring the guys back to win it all? It’s a strong possibility.
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3. San Francisco 49ers
I’ve noticed that some NFL experts have the 49ers as the best team in the league next year. I just don’t get it. Sure, Brock Purdy is a great quarterback. But, I don’t see this team really being the best in the league. They almost lost to the Lions in the NFC Championship game last season and ultimately made it to the Big Game but fell short. But, they are always solid.
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2. Detroit Lions
Full discloser: I’m a Detroit Lions fan. As a Michigan native, I’m for all the Detroit teams, especially the Lions and Pistons. But, that’s not why I have them at No. 2 on my 2024 NFL Power Rankings tally. I really think they’re that good. The Lions have spent the most money in the NFL during the offseason, both to secure current talent, such as superstar quarterback Jared Goff, and add new talent. They also came within inches of making it to the Super Bowl last season. I think this is their year.
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1. Kansas City Chiefs
Will it be three in a row for the Kansas City Chiefs? Maybe. The guys have won two Super Bowls in a row now, and they’re still strong. They could do it again, but I think one of the teams on this roster will get in the way. Still, I believe they’re the strongest, most complete team going into the 2024 NFL season.
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