Jay Feely knows an opportunity when he sees one.
Feely, 38, was released by the Arizona Cardinals in August after a 13-year NFL career. So instead of suiting up on Sundays this fall, Feely has been watching his former colleagues on television.
Feely has paid special attention to the Lions, and not only because he played his college ball at Michigan. Detroit has struggled mightily on special teams, and kicker Alex Henery missed all three of his field goal attempts Sunday in a three-point loss to the Buffalo Bills. This had Lions fans wondering about Feely:
Waiting for @Lions to call
RT @mtaz23 My only question is.. What the hell is @jayfeely up to these days?
— Jay Feely (@jayfeely) October 5, 2014
While it wasn't clear if Feely was joking, the Lions took him up on the offer.
Jay Feely is on his way to Detroit to work out for the Lions tomorrow, source says.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 6, 2014
Feely spent the last four seasons with the Cardinals, where he made 98 of 115 field goals attempted (85.2 percent). His stiffest competition for the Detroit job will likely be from former Denver Broncos kicker Matt Prater.
While it's unlikely the Lions decided to call Feely after seeing his tweet, Detroit has gone to unusual lengths in the recent past to find kickers. This is the team that gave two tryouts to Norwegian Internet sensation Havard Rugland.
The fan who tweeted at Feely, Mike Tanzini, got a kick out of the proceedings:
I will take responsibility if the lions Call @jayfeely and give him a tryout hahaha @Lions give the man a call!!
— Mike Tanzini (@mtaz23) October 5, 2014
Best of luck to @jayfeely tomorrow at his workout!! All I'm asking for is a few free tickets if you get the call. #MichiganMan #GoodLuck !
— Mike Tanzini (@mtaz23) October 6, 2014
The Lions' next kicker will be their third this season. The team opened the year with seventh-round pick Nate Freese as the starter. Freese went 3-for-7 before getting cut after three games.
"It's one of those things we'll look at it closely and we've got to find a performer," Lions coach Jim Caldwell said. "That's basically what we have to get done. In that area you've got to get a guy who is consistent under pressure and will be able to get us some points on the board."
