Garo’s life story is proof that regardless of physical stature or social situation, anyone can dare to be the best.
In early 1950s Larnaca, Cyprus, Garo Yepremian is always kicking. He kicks a worn, rag-stuffed soccer ball battered by dry, rocky playing fields. He kicks on his way to school, on his way home, and against the humble village’s church wall until dark when the priest comes out and chases him away.
Propelled by his love for soccer, Garo becomes the captain of the men’s traveling team at the age of 12. Garo and his family relocate to England when war breaks out in Cyprus, and Garo quickly takes advantage of Great Britain’s excellent soccer resources, joining the local team.
In 1966, Garo’s older brother, Krikor, is studying law at Indiana University. One weekend his friends invite him to watch a football game on television when Krikor sees someone kick the ball. "My little brother can kick much better than that," he says to his friends, who think he’s joking.
Krikor convinces Garo to join him in America, in hopes that Garo can earn a college football scholarship. When they find out that Garo is ineligible to play college sports due to NCAA rules, Krikor begins a letter writing campaign, reaching out to every NFL team. Following a sequence of unlikely and hilarious events, the 5’7″tall, 142 pound immigrant finds himself playing in the first football game he’s ever seen, as a placekicker for the Detroit Lions, against the Baltimore Colts.
Garo on a soccer field in England, early 1960s.
“You want the greatest immigrant story? For my money, it’s the little Armenian guy in my locker room. If you love America, you gotta love Garo Yepremian.”
Krikor Yepremian (left) with brother Garo (right).
Garo with his U.S. Army basic training platoon, 1969
Garo ends the longest game in NFL history, December 25, 1971.
In the 1960s, “straight on” kicking is the norm in the NFL. Players who normally play other positions line up and approach the ball in a straight line, kicking the ball with the tips of their toes. As one of the first “soccer style” kickers in the league, Garo approaches the ball from a 45 degree angle and the ball makes contact with the instep of his foot, giving him greater control and accuracy. He faces many skeptics. Players are resentful of this “specialist” whose only purpose is to kick the ball. Ray Nitschke and other opposing players take illegal cheap shots at Garo. He’s even taunted and bullied by his own Lion teammates both on the practice field and off, as he’s ridiculed for his broken English and his diminutive stature.
During the Vietnam War in 1969, Garo is drafted by the U.S. Army. When he is advised that he can avoid serving by leaving the country and returning at a later date, he quickly rejects that option. “I love this country and I want to do the right thing– I will serve,” says Garo. The Detroit Lions assure him that his job will be waiting for him. When Garo returns from active duty, the Lions release him. Head Coach Joe Schmidt tells Garo, “We don’t think that soccer style kicking will ever catch on in the NFL- it’s just a fad.”
Miami Dolphin Head Coach Don Shula hears of Garo’s availability and offers him the chance to make his team. Shula’s faith in Garo’s unorthodox kicking style pays off, as Garo proves to be a valuable part of the Dolphin dynasty, helping the team win back-to-back Super Bowls.
During the 1972 Miami Dolphins’ “Perfect Season,” his ill-fated pass attempt (resulting in a Redskin touchdown) in the spotlight of Super Bowl VII leaves him deflated. But Garo doesn’t let this keep him down for long. His self-effacing personality endears him with fans and helps to springboard the second half of his career, as he breaks many records and becomes a two time All-Pro.
Garo’s stellar 15 years in the league were recognized by the Pro Football Hall of Fame Committee, as he was named to the NFL's All Decade Team (1970s). After hanging up his kicking shoes in 1981, Garo became a motivational speaker and took the inspirational message of his life story to businesses, schools, and charities in communities across America. Garo was proof that regardless of physical stature or social situation, anyone can dare to be the best.
Garo was diagnosed with a rare form of stage 4 high grade neuroendocrine cancer in 2014. His prognosis was dire, but he never let it affect his outlook. Garo passed away in 2015, but his spirit remains undefeated, and an inspiration for all.
