Having world of success
FRANKFURT, Germany – Former Washington State University punter Kyle Basler has become a victim of his team’s success in NFL Europa.
Called into action on the rare occasion the Frankfurt Galaxy’s top-ranked offense has faltered, Basler punted only 26 times during the 10-game season, the fewest in the league.
The upside for Basler is a 42-yard average and an opportunity to win a championship ring when the Galaxy take on the Hamburg Sea Devils in World Bowl XV today.
“I feel like I’ve accomplished everything that I planned to since I’ve been over here,” said Basler, who amassed 1,091 yards and landed seven punts inside the 20-yard line. “I’ve not punted as much as some of the guys in the league, which is a good thing because we’re in the World Bowl. It is definitely very exciting to be a part of a team of this caliber.
“I really had an open mind-set coming over here.
“I wanted to get a lot of game film and some experience, so this gave me a great opportunity to better myself and be more comfortable at the professional game level.”
Basler will compete for a roster spot with the Cleveland Browns when he returns from his overseas venture.
He was with Cleveland in 2006, but the Browns waived him prior to the start of the NFL regular season.
“I’m a lot more confident going into Cleveland’s camp this year because I have the game experience,” he said. “I’ll just do the best I can to get a spot in the NFL. I’m not only trying out for the Browns while I’m over here, I’m trying out for the 31 other teams also.
“I’ve talked to numerous punters and they say it is all about timing and finding your fit. Some guys get lucky and find a team right away, but others bounce around until they find their place.”
One aspect of the game that Basler will be prepared for should he land an NFL roster spot is crowd noise. Frankfurt’s Commerzbank Arena is notoriously loud and the atmosphere will be electric when an anticipated 50,000 passionate fans cheer on the hometown Galaxy in the World Bowl.
“I can’t even imagine what it is going to be like,” Basler said. “Just from playing here during the regular season, I know that we have the most fan support in the league and they’re crazy. With the World Bowl on the line, it will be an incredible atmosphere. The fans over here are intense.
“It is distracting, but for me, when I go out there to punt, everything goes silent. I don’t really hear anything. When a kick is over, all the sounds come back. In pressure situations, I can block out that noise, which is a good quality to have.”
Of course, Basler might not be called upon to punt in the World Bowl.