From Andre the Giant to Tacko Fall: The case for using a 7-footer to block field goals
Decades ago, Washington floated the idea of bringing in Andre the Giant to block field goals. Now, the idea has been floated again, this time with 7-foot-7 Tacko Fall.
In the spring of 1975, NFL coach George Allen conceived an unusual plan to keep his team in the public eye during the off-season. The plan involved signing iconic wrestler Andre the Giant and using him to block field goals and extra points. Allen's intention was primarily to generate publicity, as Andre's fame brought him far more money than he could have earned by playing professional football.
The plan never materialized due to the lack of a tryout or contract offer. However, the idea has resurfaced recently as a novel strategy proposal. Former NFL assistant coach and football analytics director Ryan Paganetti recently suggested that teams give 7-foot-7 former NBA center Tacko Fall a chance as a field goal block specialist.
This concept emerged from a discussion during a special teams meeting where Paganetti pondered the potential of interior rushers clearing space for a long and agile 7-footer with a background in basketball. Paganetti initially resisted discussing his idea due to its seemingly absurd nature, but he eventually gained the confidence to share it publicly after realizing that technology could help quantify its potential.
Tacko Fall, standing at 7-foot-7, is a unique specimen in the world of basketball, making him a perfect candidate for this unconventional field goal blocking role.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
