3 Things to Learn from Former NFL Kicker and Leading Scorer Mike Hollis

Football kicking is a unique and challenging art form that requires a particular combination of power, accuracy, and technique. It's a discipline that requires a lot of practice and dedication and one that often goes unnoticed. 

As we ramp up to the playoffs here in 2023, I’m reminded of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ former kicker, Mike Hollis. 

Mike managed to master the science and mechanics of kicking, which made him a vital part of the Jaguars and the NFL’s leading scorer in 1997. 

While he would say he wasn’t a raw talent or high-level athlete, certain elements propelled his career. The 3 elements that led Mike to success are brilliant rules for life, and here we’ll explore them.

Strive for Perfect Mechanics, not Perfect Results

As a professional kicker, what should the focus be on? Some would say the goalpost, and some would say the ball. Mike Hollis would say the focus should be on you and your body. 

There is a science and art to kicking, and it goes past raw strength. In fact, few people know this, but Mike is only 5’8” and almost lost his chance to play for the NFL based on height alone. When the right people saw his kicks, they knew his talent surpassed his size. The secret? The focus was on technique. 

Mike Hollis said, "Don't be a result-driven kicker. If you're results-driven, you're focusing on those uprights; you're not focusing on your mechanics at all… Trust your mechanics, trust your techniques, and let all that do the work for you." 

What does this mean for you? Whatever professional or life venture you face, it’s tempting to seek results. But we forget that results are simply the by-product of execution. 

The next time you find yourself striving toward a goal, forget about the goalpost, focus on perfecting your craft and let the results speak for themselves. 

Take Ownership, Even When You're Not Wrong

Have you ever worked on a project of some sort only to be let down by someone on your team? It’s tempting to point the finger at everyone but yourself, but Mike has a different philosophy.

Mike’s most inspirational relationship was with Brian Barker, a punter, and holder for the Jaguars. As a mentor, Brian would tell him that if something were to go wrong with the kicking operation, it was the kicker’s job to own it. 

In reality, so many factors go into an operation. For every kicker, there’s also a holder and an entire team in front of them. But the job is not to blame others; it’s to take responsibility and adjust your “adjustables.”

You can’t control how someone holds, but you can control your mechanics (as we discussed previously). Blaming the results on someone else will shift your mindset from managing yourself to expecting the worst from other players the next time you approach the task.

We don’t work in a vacuum. There is usually an entire team, or at least a client, that relies on your skills to “make a goal,” so to speak. Being a team player means owning your actions and adjusting your game. 

Drown Out the Noise and Focus

What always interests me as a sports enthusiast is how players deal with hecklers. It’s so prevalent that it’s become part of the game (in most high-intensity sports, at least). 

Imagine being a kicker in the fourth quarter of a tied game! The entire team is relying on you. The opposing team is against you. Then add fans who trust you and others spitting insults from the bleachers. All of that in a single moment. 

Mike says that it’s the players' responsibility to drown out all the noise, control their emotions, and focus on (say it with me) their mechanics! 

The second the player shifts focus to the noise is the moment the result becomes more important than the execution.

When you take on projects that include investors, clients, partners, etc., the pressure is on, and you may receive different opinions and comments from each side. Sure, results are significant, but not as crucial as playing your part with 100% accuracy. 

Final Thoughts

It’s fascinating to learn from the stories of high-level achievers. Even more so from athletes who surpass normal human abilities and do seemingly impossible things. 

As you start your new year, think of it like the quarters of a football match. The game isn’t won in the fourth quarter (end of the year). It’s not even won in the first quarter. 

The game is won during practice, with the game being a showcase of your hard work. Trust the process, and let it carry you through the moments of pressure you face throughout the year.