Tynes to become first Scot to start in the NFL Regular Season
FORMER Scottish Claymores kicker LAWRENCE TYNES will become the first Scot to start in the National Football League when he kicks off the season for the Kansas City Chiefs ... and he booted out an NFL legend to do so.  |
| Lawrence Tynes has unseated Morton Anderson in Kansas City |
Anderson, the second-leading scorer in NFL history, was told he has lost his job to Tynes who is 18 years his junior.
"This was a tough decision. A risky decision," Kansas City Chiefs head coach Dick Vermeil said. The 44-year-old Andersen had scored 2,259 points since breaking into the NFL with New Orleans in 1982. Only Gary Anderson has scored more.
"Morten Andersen, I think, will kick in the league," Vermeil said. "If he's not kicking in the league and our decision ends up not being a good decision, we'll bring him back."
Vermeil said the Chiefs would contact other teams to help Andersen get another opportunity. Taking Anderson's place is the 26-year-old Tynes who is coming off two successful seasons with the Ottawa Renegades of the Canadian Football League following his season with the Claymores. Tynes failed to unseat Andersen two years ago in the Chiefs' camp.
Andersen made his only field-goal attempt in the preseason, a 28-yarder, but his range was clearly not as great as Tynes' who made a 48-yarder.
Claymores recently retired wide receiver SCOTT COUPER is the only other Scots born gridiron player to line up for an NFL team after suiting up for the Chicago Bears in a 1997 pre-season match in Dublin against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Claymores General Manager STEVE LIVINGSTONE said: "We're thrilled for Lawrence. He's a great competitor and I know all of his extended family in Greenock and the Claymores fans will be delighted for him. We'll be watching his progress closely and wish him the best of luck."
06 Sep, 04 | 10:36 am