Brief Introduction of Will Reichard
Will Reichard is an accomplished American professional football placekicker currently making his mark in the National Football League (NFL) with the Minnesota Vikings. Before his professional career, Reichard garnered widespread recognition and acclaim during his collegiate tenure with the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he etched his name into the history books as the NCAA Division I FBS all-time scoring leader. Known for his exceptional accuracy, powerful leg, and calm demeanor under pressure, Will Reichard’s biography is a testament to perseverance, talent, and dedication, establishing him as one of the most reliable kickers in modern football.
Will Reichard Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Will Reichard |
| Date of Birth | January 9, 2001 |
| Age | 24 |
| Birthplace | Hoover, Alabama, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Gary Reichard (Father, deceased), Dana Reichard (Mother) |
| Sibling | Taylor Reichard (Sister) |
| Spouse | Amelia Auchmuty (m. 2023) |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 187–190 lb (85–86 kg) |
| Profession | Professional Football Placekicker |
| Team | Minnesota Vikings (since 2024) |
| College | University of Alabama (2019–2023) |
| NFL Draft | 2024, Round 6, Pick 203 by Minnesota Vikings |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $1 million (as of 2024) |
Early Life and Education of Will Reichard
Will Reichard was born on January 9, 2001, and raised in Hoover, Alabama, where his journey into athletics began at a very young age. His initial foray into sports was not football, but soccer, which he started playing at just two years old. By the age of eight or nine, at the suggestion of his father who believed he needed to toughen up, Reichard transitioned to football, quickly discovering a passion for kicking that would define his future career.
Reichard attended Hoover High School in his hometown, a prestigious program known for its competitive athletic environment. During his high school career, he quickly established himself as a standout kicker. He demonstrated remarkable accuracy, successfully converting 27 of 29 career field goal attempts and maintaining a perfect record on extra points, making all 109 attempts. His exceptional talent did not go unnoticed; ESPN ranked him as the nation’s top kicker coming out of high school. He was also recognized with national honors, being named to the USA Today All-USA high school football team and participating in the prestigious Under Armour All-America Game. Recruiters from major college programs took note of his skills, leading to scholarship offers from esteemed universities such as Auburn, LSU, Oklahoma, Oregon, Georgia, and ultimately, Alabama, to which he committed.
A significant and challenging period in Will Reichard’s early life involved the passing of his father, Gary Reichard, from pancreatic cancer in 2016. Will was just 15 years old at the time. Gary Reichard was a profound influence on Will, serving as his first kicking coach and a constant source of support and encouragement, often taking time off work to train with his son. The loss was a devastating blow, amplified by a subsequent torn ACL injury just months later, which sidelined him for his sophomore football season. These profound hardships at a young age tested Reichard’s resilience, but he found solace and purpose on the football field, demonstrating an early mental toughness that would characterize his career. His mother, Dana Reichard, and sister, Taylor, were crucial support systems during these difficult times.
Will Reichard’s Career
Collegiate Career (Alabama Crimson Tide: 2019–2023)
Will Reichard’s college football career at the University of Alabama was nothing short of historic, cementing his legacy as one of the most prolific kickers in the sport’s history. He joined the Crimson Tide in 2019 and quickly earned the starting placekicker position, handling all kicking duties in his first collegiate game. However, his freshman season was cut short due to a hip flexor injury after just five games.
His sophomore season in 2020 marked a significant turnaround and a breakthrough. Reichard had a flawless season, successfully converting all 14 of his field goal attempts and all 84 extra point attempts. This perfect record contributed to Alabama’s national championship victory that year. His outstanding performance earned him first-team All-America honors from CBS Sports and second-team honors from The Sporting News, in addition to being a finalist for the prestigious Lou Groza Award, given to the nation’s best kicker.
In 2021, Reichard continued his consistent performance, making 22 of 28 field goals and 71 of 72 extra points. He led the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in total points scored and ranked fifth nationally. The 2022 season saw him further solidify his reputation, converting 22 of 26 field goal attempts and all 64 extra points. He ranked second in the SEC and third nationally in total points scored, earning second-team All-SEC honors and being named a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award.
Reichard’s fifth season in 2023 was record-breaking. He became the NCAA Division I FBS all-time scoring leader, accumulating an astonishing 547 career points through 84 field goals and 295 extra points. He also surpassed Daniel Carlson’s record to become the SEC’s all-time leading scorer with 486 points. For his unparalleled achievements, he was recognized as the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year, earned first-team All-SEC honors, and was once again a finalist for the Lou Groza Award. He finished his Alabama career as the program’s all-time record holder for field goals made, 50-plus yard field goals, and extra points made.
Professional Career (Minnesota Vikings: 2024–present)
Will Reichard declared for the NFL Draft and was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round as the 203rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, making him the first kicker chosen in his draft class. His rookie campaign with the Vikings demonstrated his immediate impact. Over the first eight weeks of the 2024 season, Reichard successfully made his first 14 field goal attempts, showcasing his reliability at the professional level. He concluded his rookie year having converted 24 of his 30 field goal attempts and all 38 extra point attempts.
The 2025 season saw Reichard continue to shine, further establishing his presence in the NFL. In a significant moment for his young career, he made a career-long 59-yard field goal, which also tied the Soldier Field record previously set by Matt Prater in 2016. This impressive kick highlighted his powerful leg and ability to perform in high-pressure situations, solidifying his role as a crucial asset for the Minnesota Vikings.
Will Reichard Personal Life & Family
Will Reichard’s personal life is rooted in his strong family ties and unwavering faith, factors that have profoundly shaped his character and career. His parents are Dana Reichard and the late Gary Reichard. His father, Gary, was an incredibly influential figure in his life, acting as his first kicking coach and providing relentless support for his athletic aspirations. The deep bond between father and son is evident in Will’s gesture of pointing to the sky after every successful field goal, a tribute to his father who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2016. Gary Reichard worked as a senior technical director for AT&T and was remembered as a dedicated family man who cherished time with his wife, Dana, and their two children, Will and his sister, Taylor.
Will Reichard found strength and resilience through his faith and family, particularly his mother, Dana, who helped him navigate the profound grief and challenges, including an ACL tear that occurred shortly after his father’s death.
In his personal relationships, Will Reichard is married to his high school sweetheart, Amelia Auchmuty. The couple met at Hoover High School and continued their journey together at the University of Alabama. They got engaged in January 2022 and were married on January 21, 2023. Amelia, originally from Hoover, Alabama, also graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in advertising. Reichard has openly spoken about enjoying his married life, navigating the balance between his personal commitments and demanding professional football career.
Awards and Achievements of Will Reichard
Will Reichard’s career is decorated with numerous accolades, reflecting his exceptional talent and consistency as a placekicker:
- NCAA Division I FBS All-Time Scoring Leader (547 career points)
- SEC All-Time Scoring Leader (486 career points)
- CFP National Champion (2020)
- SEC Special Teams Player of the Year (2023)
- First-team All-SEC (2023)
- Second-team All-SEC (2022)
- First-team All-American (CBS Sports, 2020)
- Second-team All-American (The Sporting News, 2020, 2023)
- Third-team All-American (Associated Press, 2023)
- Lou Groza Award Finalist (2020, 2023)
- Alabama’s Career Record Holder for Field Goals Made (84)
- Alabama’s Career Record Holder for 50-plus Yard Field Goals Made (10)
- Alabama’s Career Record Holder for Extra Points Made (295)
- First Kicker Selected in the 2024 NFL Draft (203rd overall)
- Career-long 59-yard NFL Field Goal (2025), tying Soldier Field record
- USA Today All-USA High School Football Team
- Under Armour All-America Game Participant
Will Reichard Net Worth and Income
As a professional athlete in the NFL, Will Reichard’s net worth is a subject of public interest, especially following his impressive collegiate career and entry into the professional ranks. His estimated net worth, as of 2024, is approximately $1 million. This figure is primarily derived from his NFL contract with the Minnesota Vikings, where he was drafted in the sixth round in 2024.
Incomes for professional football players like Will Reichard are typically generated through a combination of their base salary from their team contract, signing bonuses, performance incentives, and potential endorsement deals. As a kicker, his value to a team is tied to his consistent accuracy and ability to convert crucial scoring opportunities. His status as the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer and a reliable performer in the NFL positions him well for potential future increases in earnings and various marketing opportunities. The financial security provided by his professional career allows him to continue pursuing his passion while building a substantial financial foundation.
Legacy and Influence
Will Reichard’s legacy in college football is firmly established through his record-breaking achievements, most notably becoming the NCAA Division I FBS all-time scoring leader. His consistent performance, even in high-pressure situations, demonstrated a level of reliability that earned him the trust and admiration of coaches, teammates, and fans. He redefined the expectations for kickers in the modern era, showcasing that the position is vital for a team’s success.
Beyond the statistics and accolades, Reichard’s influence extends to his remarkable story of perseverance. Overcoming the profound loss of his father at a young age, coupled with significant injuries, he found solace and strength through football and his faith. This narrative serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating that resilience and dedication can triumph over adversity. His unwavering commitment to his craft and his ability to perform at an elite level despite personal challenges have cemented his public image as a mentally strong and focused athlete. As he continues his professional career with the Minnesota Vikings, Will Reichard has the potential to leave a lasting impact on the NFL, proving that kickers from the storied Alabama program can achieve significant success at the highest level. His journey will undoubtedly inspire many for years to come.
Interesting Facts about Will Reichard
- Will Reichard initially started playing soccer at the tender age of two before transitioning to football around the age of eight or nine.
- His late father, Gary Reichard, was not only his biggest supporter but also his first kicking coach, personally training him on weekends.
- After every field goal he scores, Reichard points to the sky in a heartfelt tribute to his father.
- He endured an ACL tear in the summer following his father’s passing, sidelining him for his sophomore high school football season and testing his early resilience.
- Reichard committed to the University of Alabama, fulfilling a childhood dream to play for his home state college.
- His consistency and mechanical precision are highly lauded by scouts and coaches. He was noted for never having a field goal blocked in college, a testament to his clean operation.
- Beyond his on-field performance, Reichard is known for his calm and consistent personality, both mechanically and personally.
- His wife, Amelia Auchmuty, whom he married in 2023, was his high school sweetheart from Hoover High School and also attended the University of Alabama.
- Will Reichard maintains a notepad where he diligently records every single goal he has ever scored throughout his career.
- In 2025, his 59-yard field goal for the Vikings not only marked a career-long but also tied the record for the longest field goal in Soldier Field history.
Controversies
Will Reichard’s public and professional career has been remarkably free of significant controversies. His journey has been characterized by consistent performance, dedication, and a quiet determination to excel. Any challenges he has faced have been personal, such as the profound loss of his father and subsequent injuries during his formative years, which he has publicly discussed and openly attributed to shaping his resilience and faith. These experiences, rather than generating controversy, have instead highlighted his strength of character and have been a source of inspiration for many. His public image remains largely positive, focused on his athletic achievements and his personal story of overcoming adversity.
Social Media Presence
Will Reichard maintains an active presence on various social media platforms, allowing fans to connect with him and follow his career.
- Instagram: @will_reichard (Verified, approximately 50,000-60,000 followers)
- X (formerly Twitter): @WillReichard (Verified, approximately 15,000-20,000 followers)
Through these platforms, he shares insights into his training, game-day experiences, and personal life, including moments with his family and reflections on his journey in football.
Final Words about Will Reichard
Will Reichard stands as an exemplary figure in American football, whose journey from a promising high school kicker to the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer and now a burgeoning NFL talent embodies the spirit of dedication and perseverance. His transition to the Minnesota Vikings in 2024 has showcased his ability to adapt and perform at the highest level, consistently demonstrating the accuracy and power that made him a legend at Alabama. The early success in his professional career, highlighted by record-tying field goals, suggests a long and impactful future in the NFL.
Beyond his on-field prowess, Will Reichard’s legacy is also defined by his strength of character. His ability to navigate profound personal loss and significant injuries while maintaining an unwavering commitment to his sport and his faith offers a powerful narrative of resilience. As he continues to build upon his achievements, Will Reichard’s influence as an athlete who overcomes adversity and excels through sheer will and talent will undoubtedly inspire future generations of football players and fans alike. His ongoing career with the Vikings promises more records, more clutch kicks, and a continued testament to what can be achieved through unwavering determination.