Martín Gramática, an Argentine-born placekicker, made a name for himself in the National Football League (NFL) with his precise kicking abilities. Born on November 27, 1975, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Gramática moved to the United States with his family, where he eventually pursued a career in American football. He attended Kansas State University, where he became a standout kicker, earning the Lou Groza Award in 1997, which is given to the nation's top collegiate placekicker.
Gramática entered the NFL when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected him in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. His rookie season was impressive, as he quickly established himself as a reliable kicker. During his time with the Buccaneers, Gramática became known for his accuracy and strong leg, which contributed to the team's overall success. One of the highlights of his career came in the 2002 season when he played a vital role in helping the Buccaneers secure their first Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl XXXVII against the Oakland Raiders.
Throughout his tenure with Tampa Bay, Gramática was recognized for his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2000, further solidifying his reputation as one of the league's top kickers. However, his career with the Buccaneers faced challenges as he struggled with injuries and inconsistency in the following years, leading to his release from the team in 2004.
After leaving Tampa Bay, Gramática had brief stints with several other NFL teams. He signed with the Indianapolis Colts in 2004 but was released after a short period. In 2006, he joined the New England Patriots, although his time there was also limited. Gramática found a more stable position with the Dallas Cowboys in 2006, where he played for part of the season and demonstrated flashes of his former prowess.
In 2007, Gramática signed with the New Orleans Saints, where he served as a backup and occasional starter. His tenure with the Saints provided him with an opportunity to showcase his skills once again, although he faced competition for the starting kicker position. Despite the challenges, Gramática continued to demonstrate his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Throughout his NFL career, Martín Gramática was known for his enthusiastic celebrations after successful field goals, which endeared him to fans and teammates alike. His career statistics include a field goal percentage of 76.4% and a long field goal of 55 yards. Gramática's journey in the NFL concluded after the 2008 season, marking the end of a career that spanned nearly a decade.
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