Adam Crossett won a roster spot and eventually a starting position on the Missouri football team after he walked on in 2003. Now he’ll try to win a job in a similar way in the NFL.
Crossett, previously an undrafted free agent, signed a contract for the league minimum with the Indianapolis Colts Saturday. He will only make money from the contract if he makes the final roster.
Crossett got the offer after participating in the Colts’ three-day rookie mini-camp on a tryout basis last weekend. He said his ability to handle kickoffs, kicking and punting was one of the reasons the Colts decided to sign him.
“You’re not guaranteed playing time, you’re not really guaranteed anything,” Crossett said of his status. “You really have to earn your spot. I think it’s very similar to when I walked on.”
Crossett will have to beat out several veterans for playing time. The Colts have veterans Adam Vinatieri and Hunter Smith starting at kicker and punter and already have a veteran backup at each position. Crossett said there is no chance for him to take Vinatieri’s starting kicking slot, but he may have a chance to catch on as a punter.
“They would want me to back up kicking and punting both throughout training camp,” Crossett said. “I got the impression that I would have a chance to compete at the punting position...It’s definitely a big challenge but one that, hopefully, I’m up for.”