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Former FC Dallas GoalKeeper Josh Lambo Makes NFL Roster

By John Mosho

Aug 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Diego Chargers kicker Josh Lambo (2) kicks the game winning field goal against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Chargers won 22-19. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Diego Chargers kicker Josh Lambo (2) kicks the game winning field goal against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Chargers won 22-19. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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At 17-years of age, Josh Lambo was living the life that millions of other kids his age would only dream of as he was drafted 8th overall by FC Dallas in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft. However that life was not meant for him. Today, at the age of 24, Lambo finds himself the starting kicker for the San Diego Chargers.

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Being a Generation Adidas player, Lambo was a highly touted player when he first entered the MLS. However, even though he had some experience playing for both the U17 and U20 USMNT, Lambo was never able to find a spot in the starting rotation for FC Dallas.

After two seasons of riding the bench, FC Dallas decided to loan him out to USSF Division 2 Professional League team FC Tampa Bay in 2010. It was there where he made his first professional start. Even still though, Lambo struggled to find a spot in the FC Tampa Bay starting 11, so in 2011, FC Dallas decided to cut the 19-year old.

"“I got drafted right out of high school in 2008,” said Lambo.  “I went to FC Dallas as the eighth overall pick and things were going well for me.  The preseason went well, and then in my first reserve game I broke my jaw about seven minutes in.  That set me back quite a bit, and then my head coach that drafted me got fired halfway through the season.  So that was another big hit for me my rookie year. I had to go through a lot that first year and my career never took off like I wanted it to.”"

After a brief training stint with D.C. United in the beginning of 2012, Lambo decided that soccer was not the game for him, and up and left the game for a new challenge; football.

In the fall of 2012, Lambo enrolled at Texas A&M University and earned a spot on the football team as a place kicker. The following year, he moved up the depth spot and earned a spot as the starting kicker; the spot in which he held up until the end of the 2014 season.

Sep 28, 2013; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Texas A&M Aggies kicker Josh Lambo (49) kicks an extra point during the first half as holder Drew Kaser (38) holds during the first quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2013; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Texas A&M Aggies kicker Josh Lambo (49) kicks an extra point during the first half as holder Drew Kaser (38) holds during the first quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

After going undrafted in the 2015 NFL Draft, Lambo eventually ended up signing a free agent contract with the San Diego Chargers to compete for a spot against their kicker, Nick Novak. Then, after an impressive pre-season, it was announced today that the Chargers waived Novak, freeing up the space for Lambo to make the 53-man roster.

This will be the first time in four years that Lambo finds himself on a professional roster.

The San Diego Chargers look to face the Detroit Lions on their home turf Sunday, September 13th. So for all of you fantasy football fans out there, you might want to consider picking up a former soccer play to be your star kicker.

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