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Beloved California Golden Bears alum Giorgio Tavecchio has waited a long time for his NFL shot. Tavecchio has bounced around the NFL, from the 49ers to the Packers to the Lions before settling in with the Oakland Raiders. Unfortunately, Sebastian Janikowski has been the incumbent for a long time.
After being released by the Raiders, Oakland resigned Tavecchio after they realized Janikowski wouldn’t play this weekend. Tavecchio got to work.
Giorgio Tavecchio story is so cool.
— Cal Football (@CalFootball) September 10, 2017
⏺️ Finished Cal career in 2011
⏺️ First #NFL point in 2017
⏺️ Then, first kickoff #Boom#perseverance pic.twitter.com/gjWJTt22nn
And he made NFL history.
52-yarder, right down the middle with room to spare. Seabass loved it.
— Only 1 Nation (@Only1Nation_) September 10, 2017
The beginning of the Giorgio Tavecchio era? pic.twitter.com/cu3lWLF1NU
He hit not just one, but TWO 52 yard field goals to help the Raiders to a comfortable victory in Tennessee.
Hail Giorgio Tavecchio! His second 52-yard FG today. pic.twitter.com/1ztvCLeMc8
— Raider Nation Boston (@RaiderNationBOS) September 10, 2017
Tavecchio is the first player in NFL history to hit two 50+ yard field goals in his NFL debut. Not too shabby for someone who didn’t get a single scout to watch him attempt his kicks at his Cal Pro Day.
Here is Giorgio Tavecchio's story. No scout watched him kick at his 2012 pro day because of rain. He kicked anyway. https://t.co/rot6OsGcT6
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) September 9, 2017
Tavecchio got the gameball after the game!
The game ball goes to Giorgio. What a debut.
— OAKLAND RAIDERS (@RAIDERS) September 10, 2017
Watch his speech: pic.twitter.com/7uKZfyY84p
With Janikowski pushing on 40, could this be a sign that Giorgio is ready for the starting job? Here’s hoping!
Forza Giorgio and Go Bears!