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Former Illini K Chase McLaughlin has flawless outing, including one from long range, in 2020 debut

Mark Schipper

By Mark Schipper

Published:

Chase McLaughlin was a record-setting placekicker for the Illinois Fighting Illini before moving on to the NFL to kick for cash.

McLaughlin was signed last week by the Jacksonville Jaguars off of the Minnesota Viking’s practice squad and made his debut Sunday at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. McLaughlin commenced thumping ’em through the uprights for his new team.

The Illini’s official Twitter account published a video of McLaughlin crushing a 52-yarder in the first quarter to put Jacksonville ahead 3-0:

While the video was narrated in Spanish, the Illini’s Twitter account correctly noted that some things just need to be seen to be understood: “Could only find the video in Spanish,” they wrote, but “Chase is money in any language.”

McLaughlin was 2 of 2 on extra points and 2 of 2 on field goals Sunday despite the 24-20 loss to Green Bay. It was a promising start to the season for the former All-Big Ten kicker and Lou Groza Award finalist. 

Despite hitting on 18 of 23 field-goal attempts in 2019, McLaughlin was unable to stick with any of the three teams he kicked for. He had a long of 50 yards and went 26-for-26 on extra-point tries. Hopefully he sticks and continues to shine with Jacksonville.

Mark Schipper

Mark Schipper is a reporter, sportswriter, and aspiring novelist living in Chicago, Illinois.