Many football fans, particularly NFL pundits, know Jamie Gillan, NFL punter currently playing with the Cleveland Browns. Universally known as the “Scottish Hammer” for his booming kicks and his Scottish heritage, Jamie is one of the league’s most celebrated punters. In this article, we’ll cover the Scot’s career and his life away from the field, including his philanthropic efforts.
Early Years in Scotland
Jamie Gillan was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1995. From a young age, Jamie showed an aptitude for football, especially for kicking. He remembers that his dad used to always buy bits of turf and practice his aim when it came to kicking the ball in his backyard.
At 11 years old, Jamie signed with a local football club and gradually moved up through different teams. After achieving success at the Scotland U18 and U19 level, he was invited to join the Scottish professional team, Ayr United. After two productive seasons in Ayr and becoming the best punter in the Scottish Professional Football League, Jamie was offered the opportunity of a lifetime.
Getting Drafted by the NFL
In 2019, the Cleveland Browns drafted Jamie in the undrafted free agent category. It was a dream come true for the young Scot. After signing on with the Browns, he was given the opportunity to prove himself in the NFL preseason behind the regular starter Britton Colquitt – and prove himself he did.
Jamie quickly made a name for himself by nailing multiple 70+ yard punts. His booming kicks earned him the nickname the “Scottish Hammer” and the reputation of being one of the league’s best punters. He was even featured in the season opener against the Tennessee Titans, where he handled all the kickoffs.
Achieving Success with the Browns
Since he was signed by the Cleveland Browns in 2019, Jamie has had an amazing run in the NFL. His kicks have posted a net average of 44.0 yards, which is tied for second best. He’s seen lots of success in three other areas: total points, punts inside the 20, and touchback percentage.
So far this year, Jamie has had 33 punts, 79% of which were inside the 20-yard line, and has a touchback percentage of 4.04%, which is good enough for 27th best in the NFL. When it comes to total points, he’s tied as the 11th best in the league.
In addition to his success on the field, Jamie is a fan favorite in Cleveland. His boom kicks, charisma, and Scottish heritage have endeared him to football fans the world over.
Big Philanthropic Effort Through the Jamie Gillan Foundation
When it comes to philanthropic efforts, Jamie Gillan and the Browns promote a number of causes. Together with his family, he recently launched the Jamie Gillan Foundation, whose mission is to “give back and make a difference.”
The foundation is aimed at helping underprivileged children and disadvantaged families. They have already raised thousands of dollars for organizations like The Boys & Girls Club of Cleveland and Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
Jamie also participates in events like the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats, where players wear custom cleats that support non-profit charities close to them. In 2019, Jamie’s cleats raised awareness for the foundation and their mission.
Jamie Gillan is a testament to what is possible with hard work and dedication. His success on the field and in his philanthropic efforts show that he’s more than just the Scottish Hammer. He’s an example of what can be achieved through perseverance and dedication. He’s also proof that, no matter your origin, when you put your heart and soul into something, amazing things can happen.
