Bill Gramatica facts for kids

Guillermo C. "Bill" Gramatica (born on July 10, 1978) is a former professional American football player. He was a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL). He played for teams like the Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins. Bill also played in the Arena Football League (AFL) for the Tampa Bay Storm.

He was chosen by the Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL draft. Before that, he played college football at the University of South Florida. Bill Gramatica is widely remembered for a moment in 2001. He tore a knee ligament while celebrating a successful kick.

Early Life and High School Football

Bill Gramatica was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His parents were Laura and William Gramática. Bill has two brothers, Martin Gramatica and Santiago Gramatica, who also became kickers.

In 1983, his family moved from Argentina to LaBelle, Florida. Bill and his brothers all graduated from LaBelle High School.

During his senior year in 1995, Bill was a star kicker. He made 15 out of 20 field goals. He also made 44 out of 45 extra points. He even tied a school record with a 52-yard field goal. He earned top honors, including first-team Class 3A All-State.

College Football Journey

Bill Gramatica received a football scholarship to Florida State University. He spent his first year as a redshirt, meaning he practiced but did not play in games. This allowed him to gain experience.

In 1997, as a redshirt freshman, he competed for the starting kicker position. He started the first four games but struggled a bit. He made 2 of 4 field goals and 10 of 12 extra points. He then decided to leave Florida State.

On October 7, 1997, Bill announced he was moving to the University of South Florida. This school was in Division I-AA at the time.

Success at South Florida

As a sophomore in 1998, Bill set new school records. He made 16 of 24 field goals (66%). He also made 46 of 47 extra points (97%). He scored a total of 94 points that season. His great performance earned him second-team Division I-AA All-American honors.

In 1999, during his junior year, a groin injury limited his playing time. He still managed to make 4 of 5 field goals (80%).

His senior year in 2000 was very successful. He made 16 of 24 field goal attempts (66.7%). He also made 29 of 30 extra points (96.7%). In the final game against Austin Peay State University, he kicked a 63-yard field goal. This set a school record and tied a Division I-AA record. After Bill graduated, his younger brother Santiago took over as the team's kicker.

Bill Gramatica finished his college career with many kicking records at the University of South Florida. He had 36 career field goals and 85 career extra points. He also held the record for the longest field goal at 63 yards. In 2016, he was named to the school's all-time team.

Professional Football Career

Arizona Cardinals (2001–2003)

The Arizona Cardinals selected Bill Gramatica in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL draft. He was the 98th player chosen overall. As a rookie, he quickly became the team's starting kicker.

On December 15, 2001, during a game against the New York Giants, Bill made a 42-yard field goal. He jumped in celebration but landed badly. He tore a ligament in his right knee. Even with the serious injury, he continued to kick one more field goal and two extra points. He was placed on the injured list a few days later. He finished his rookie season making 16 of 20 field goals (80%) and all 25 of his extra points (100%). He set a team rookie record with 73 points scored.

In 2002, Bill returned as the Cardinals' starting kicker. He made 15 of 21 field goals (71.4%) and all 29 of his extra points (100%).

In 2003, he made 3 of 4 field goals (75%) and all 6 of his extra points (100%). In November, he was placed on the injured list again due to a back injury. He was not re-signed by the Cardinals after the season.

New York Giants (2004)

On May 14, 2004, Bill signed with the New York Giants. He competed for the starting kicker job but was released before the season began.

Miami Dolphins (2004)

On November 6, 2004, the Miami Dolphins signed Bill. He played in one game for them. He made all 3 of his field goals. However, he missed his first career extra point kick in that game. The Dolphins lost by one point to his former team, the Arizona Cardinals. He was released from the team a few days later.

Bill Gramatica ended his NFL career with impressive stats. He made 37 of 48 field goal attempts (77.1%). He also made 60 of 61 extra point attempts (98.4%).

Tampa Bay Storm (2006)

After being out of football for a year, Bill signed with the Tampa Bay Storm in the Arena Football League on October 19, 2005. In 2006, he made 12 of 30 field goal attempts. He also made 94 of 108 extra point attempts. He was released by the team in March 2007.

Life After Football

Bill Gramatica and his brothers, Martin and Santiago, started a company called SIPS International in 2009. They build houses using special panels called Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPS). These panels are good for the environment. They also protect homes from extreme weather like hurricanes and earthquakes.

The Gramatica family has helped build strong, affordable houses. They have worked in cities like New Orleans and Tampa. They have also helped in countries like Israel, Argentina, and Haiti. Bill has said that helping others is very rewarding.

The Gramatica brothers also created the Gramatica Family Foundation. This non-profit organization helps people in need. They focus on providing energy-efficient housing. They especially help military veterans who were injured in combat. They also support underprivileged families and those who are ill.

Bill Gramatica is also a successful realtor in the Tampa area. He helps people find homes, including well-known individuals.

See also

In Spanish: Bill Gramática para niños