Mitch Berger had been cut 6 times by various NFL teams. I was the Special Teams Coach for the Minnesota Vikings and convinced Coach Dennis Green and VP Frank Gilliam to sign Mitch as a free agent. Mitch and I had 5 great years together in Minnesota. Mitch worked hard and accepted coaching. Together we created a punting style that was best for Mitch. He has developed himself into a 2 time Pro Bowler with the Vikings.
Last summer Mitch Berger was not in any NFL training camps. He came to Scottsdale Arizona to work with me for several months. We worked to get his punting form back! In November the Cardinals were looking to replace their punter. I heard that they were flying in a couple of punters, so I called GM Rod Graves and Special Teams Coach Kevin Spencer and asked if they would also look at Mitch. I told them Mitch had been training with me and was punting the ball really well. He got a work out and was signed by the Cardinals. Mitch punted the last five games of the 2007.
Mitch is now a Arizona Cardinal and training hard for next season! Hard work, determination and having a kicking coach paid dividends for Mitch. I ask myself, if Tiger Woods, who is the greatest golfer of all-time has a Golf or Swing Coach, why don't most NFL Punters & Kickers? See http://www.coachzauner.com/ to see the number of great punters and kickers I have coached and tutored thru my consulting and coaching career.Stay tuned to Coach Zauner's Blog!
