It was the highlight of Josh Lambo's collegiate career, and a memory he'll never forget.
In only his second start and fifth career attempt at Texas A&M, Lambo lined up to boot a 33-yard game-winning field goal against Ole Miss.
As it crossed the uprights, he jumped into the arms of his good friend and teammate, punter Drew Kaser.
"There's a great picture of us jumping midair," Lambo laughs. "We're both like two feet off the ground!"
As luck would have it, the pair will get the chance to add more memories together in the NFL. The San Diego Chargers selected Kaser in the sixth round of the NFL Draft on Saturday, reuniting the former Aggies specialists in America's Finest City.
"I'm obviously really excited to be back with Kaser," Lambo said. "We've stayed in touch and texted probably every week since I left A&M. He's a great football player and an even better person. I'm excited to get one of my closest friends back, and I'm excited to beat him in ping pong because that's kind of our thing! We still can't come to grips with it just yet. I texted him Sunday morning and said, 'Dude, do you realize we're about to become teammates again in the NFL?' It's crazy. It's going to be cool."
It's one thing to have one of your closest friends on the same team, but what Lambo is most excited for is to add a talented, powerful punter onto the roster.
Kaser boasts a booming right leg, breaking Shane Lechler's SEC record as he averaged 47.47 yards per punt last season to capture first team All-SEC honors. He also threatened the SEC career record with a 46.2 career gross average. Moreover, Kaser worked hard to develop into a direction punter as 21 of his 60 attempts landed inside the 20-yard line in 2015.
"He works his tail end off," Lambo said. "He works hard on his craft and doesn't settle for anything less than excellence. You can tell from his record at A&M, but also breaking Shane Lechler's records who has been a Pro Bowler and in this league forever. He's going to make some noise in this league."
Kaser's arrival is a bittersweet moment for Lambo as it coincides with the release of longtime punter Mike Scifres. During their lone season together, Scifres served as Lambo's mentor on and off the field as the kicker believes he wouldn't be the player he is today without Scifres' tutelage.
"Mike meant everything to me in terms of my career. I learned so much from him, and I will definitely stay in contact with him because I have a lot still to learn from him. He's a big reason why I have my job right now. He helped me on the field, and mentally, helped me off the field. He introduced me to not only the job and kicking, but to also being in the NFL. He's a mentor to me and someone I will always look up to and be thankful for."
While the Bolts are getting a talented punter in Kaser, Lambo wants his new teammate and old friend to not get caught up in having to replace the legend that is Mike Scifres.
"Drew certainly has big shoes to fill, but the biggest thing he has to do is just be the best version of Drew Kaser. Few will ever be Mike Scifres. No one will ever be Mike Scifres. So all Drew needs to focus on is himself doing what Drew does, and not trying to follow after Mike. I'll tell him just be yourself, and you'll be great."
