Alfredo Gachus, 26, is originally from Aguascalientes and recently attended the NFL franchise Steelers’ camp. He worked hand-in-hand with greats in the sport of ovoid, such as Mike Tomlin, the current Pittsburgh head coach, and quarterback Kenny Pickett.
“Ever since I came, I integrated with the gangsters. We had our meetings, we got to know the team and the philosophy, we talked with Tomlin and some of the first team players came over to stay. Kenny Pickett contacted some of us and gave us advice. Everyone who reaches that level is good. No one can get there without excelling both as an athlete and as a person,” explained the Mexican.
Gachuz holds the record for the longest kick in the Major Leagues at 61 yards in Onefa, and was a key member for the Borregos during their time in the Mexican Collegiate League. Proof of this was placing himself as the second all-time scorer for field goals.
At the end of his stint with Borregos, he became part of the LFA with the Raptors team, a decision influenced by an agreement that existed between the Canadian Football Leagues, where the Canadians asked to keep the player on the league’s radar. . , He had to play in a professional team and show himself.
The trip to Mexico began at the first level after participating in a clinic conducted by the Steelers in Mexico. In the said event, kickers from all over the American Football League (LFA) saw action, completing various activities and drills as assigned by NFL franchise employees. Gachuz excelled and got the first position.
Steelers general manager invites Gachus to camp
Shortly afterwards, Steelers general manager Umar Khan contacted the kicker and invited him to attend the franchise’s rookie camp, to which Alfredo tearfully accepted, joined by his family’s hand.
Gachus was received warmly by team personnel and integrated with the recently drafted Pittsburgh rookies to begin with drills and physical examinations similar to those performed on NFL players.
Alfredo expressed that it was very important for him to reach those examples, as it is something he has wanted ever since he started in the sport of tackling, “It is a dream, even if it is a small camp , I lived it like that. All of us who play this game are expected to go beyond American football and not worry. To go without any worries, to do what you love most, just play football, breathe it, eat it and live it, it’s unbelievable.”
The Mexican kicker, following his experience, joined the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts team in the pre-season to prepare him for his involvement with the Raptors in the 2023 season. “The team gave me the opportunity to attend the training camp. The Steelers and I will now join a pre-season job to evaluate my performance. My commitment is with them,” he concluded.
“American football from Mexico is not on the radar of the NFL”: Alfredo Gachus
Raptors’ kicker Alfredo Gachus, who is hand-in-hand with the Steelers of the National Football League, noted that “American football in Mexico is not on the NFL’s radar.”
The Mexican realized the lack of knowledge of American football in Mexico during his time with the team. “They asked me how our college league is formed, what levels do we have, how can they compare or understand it. I explained to them and they were surprised for good that American football is so organized and However, they were surprised to find details that are usually normal or natural for them.
Gachus noted that the main difference between the professional leagues of northern countries and those existing in Mexico is that players can make a living by playing ovoid.
“Unfortunately, the LFA cannot provide this to you at the moment and it seems logical to me. It is illogical to me to compare our league with the CFL of Canada or the NFL of the USA, due to the fact that they are years apart We cannot do the show in 10 years that they did in 100”, he insisted.
In the United States, special teams are required, in Mexico they are not.
He also noted that another point that differentiates Mexican American football from other countries that have a higher standard is the importance given to that unit, in the area of special teams, practices and training preparation, the nurturing of players. , how much importance is given to exercise and the importance of a good strategy.
“It is important that those of us who have the opportunity to be in the NFL or the major leagues know our football, the talent and abilities that Mexicans can have as athletes who can compete at the first level. , regardless of the level. League where they are.” He cited lineman Isaac Alarcon from the Dallas Cowboys team and Alfredo Gutierrez of the San Francisco 49ers team as references for Mexican soccer on North American soil.
Finally, Gachus closed with some advice for American soccer players in Mexico who aspire to one day reach the highest level. “Have love and passion for what you do, because that’s the only way you’re going to find the time, the means, the resources and the way to make things work, otherwise you’ll stop enjoying it and you’ll suffer.” to start “.
