It’s safe to say that prior to 2003, no one in Dover, England, had ever heard of the Paul Bunyon Axe. At least, not in reference to American football.

That all changed thanks to one of their own: Rhys Lloyd.

The date: November 8, 2003.  The venue: The Metrodome in Minneapolis. The event: NCAA Division I football game between the University of Wisconsin and the University of Minnesota. Time remaining: One second. The prize: The Paul Bunyon Axe, given to the winning team in this annual rivalry.

The call as seen and heard on ESPN: “From 35 yards out. For the win. Rhys Lloyd. Minnesota. It is up and it is good. One of the great trophies in all of college football – Paul Bunyon’s axe - goes to Minnesota, courtesy of Rhys Lloyd, who hit a 35-yarder to win the ball game.“

Minnesota has not won since. 

“Minnesota football fans still talk about my soccer celebration straight to the Paul Bunyon Axe,” Lloyd said from his Brandon, Fla., home.  “Coming over to the United States and playing American football has been a great part of my life.”

It’s not surprising Lloyd knew how to celebrate like he just scored a game-winning goal. Lloyd trained at the internationally renowned Chelsea Academy from age nine to 14, before moving to the United States.

“My dad was hired by Simon Whitehead (licensee for Coerver Coaching in Minnesota and Wisconsin since 1993) so we came to Minnesota when I was 14,” Lloyd said in his discernible English accent. “He would work for years with Coach Whitehead as well as (NSCAA Director of Coaching) Ian Barker, who was a fixture with the Minnesota youth soccer program.

“Yet, as we all know, American football is big in the United States and it is big in Minnesota…so I joined the football team. I kicked my junior and senior years and earned a scholarship to the University of Minnesota, coached by Glen Mason.”

Lloyd said it was never an easy decision to pick American football over soccer.

“There were times when I felt like I sold my soul a little bit by playing American football,” Lloyd said with a chuckle. “But, it’s all worked out.”

Lloyd would go on to play in NFL Europe and have three successful years as the primary kick-off specialist for the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. With the Panthers in 2008, Lloyd led the NFL in touchbacks on kickoffs with 30 on the season.

While Lloyd has not completely hung up his American football cleats (he says he would still entertain an offer from an NFL team), he has started the process of becoming a full-time soccer coach.

“For sure, I love the game (of soccer). My dad is now down in Florida helping run the VSI Brandon FC Flames. He asked me to help with the U11, U12 and U14 boys programs.  It’s been great to get out of the house, write up lesson plans, and help these young players get better.”

Lloyd knew all along that in order to progress as a coach, he also needed to get more education.

“I did a lot of research on where to go for training,” Lloyd said. “Everyone I asked said that I should go through the NSCAA courses. I can tell you that they were absolutely spot on.”

Lloyd recently completed his NSCAA National Diploma course and is set to take the NSCAA Advanced National course this July 19-28 in Brandon, Fla.

“It’s been incredible,” Lloyd said. “I have learned so much. Really, the best part of the NSCAA process is being able to have the ball at your feet and play. When you are a coach that actually plays with the players, it really helps the progress you make with your team. The NSCAA does it right…they roll the ball out there...and you learn and play with the ball…it’s a great way to learn how to become a better coach.”

For sure, the NSCAA is proud to welcome a former National Football League record-holder to its rapidly growing membership.

Let's just hope Lloyd will be coaching without the Paul Bunyon axe.

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