12th in a Series
Where Are They Now? Gopher Rhys Lloyd, K/P (2003-2004)
Rhys Lloyd was born in Dover, United Kingdom, moved to the United States at age 15 and played high school football and soccer at Eastview High in Apple Valley, MN (class of 2001). His football kicking career got started on a spring break trip to Disney World with his high school track team. The NFL had an exhibit there, including a kicking station. Rhys shed his flip flops to try the kicking, and broke a display wall with his barefoot kick. The rest, as they say, is history.
Lloyd carried a 2-star, .7667 ranking as a high school football kicker on 247Sports. Rhys came to the U of M after two outstanding years as a kicker at Rochester Community and Technical College in Minnesota. He led the entire juco ranks in kicker scoring in both 2001 (118 points) and 2002 (77 points), earning All-American status both years. Overall at RCTC, Lloyd was 129/131 in PATs, and kicked 22 field goals. Rhys served as kickoff specialist, place kicker, and punter for the Gophers in 2003 and 2004. He played in 25 games, scoring on 102/108 PATs, and 26/36 FGs, while punting 96 times for an average of 39.6 yards/punt. He also rushed the ball 4 times for 12 yards. Lloyd is probably best-known among Gopher fans for kicking a 35-yard game-winning field goal as time expired to beat the Badgers in 2003; sadly, the last time the Gophers gained custody of the Axe.
After completing his Gopher career, Lloyd signed as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens following the 2005 NFL draft. In 2006 he was signed and later released by the Green Bay Packers. In 2007 he signed with the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe and tied the league record for longest field goal at 57 yards. Following the Galaxy season, Lloyd signed again with Baltimore, kicking an impressive 55-yard field goal in an NFL preseason game. He was claimed on waivers by the Carolina Panthers, who used him as a kickoff specialist (with John Kasay handling place-kicking duties). In 2008, Lloyd broke the NFL touchback record, with 33. In 2010-2011 Lloyd made NFL rosters with Minnesota, Carolina, and the New York Giants. From 2007-2010 he played in 50 NFL games.
Rhys now lives in Florida, where he runs a soccer training facility for kids with his dad, and sells cars.
Interview Questions:
1.How is your physical health, 14 years removed from your Gopher football career? Do you have lingering effects from concussions or any other football injuries?
Hahaha, well my physical health isn’t what it used to be; however, compared to most guys, I’m doing ok. I was smart and chose a position that didn’t take a lot hits.
2. What can you tell us about your college recruitment? Who recruited you to Minnesota? How did you decide on the U of M?
My college recruiting became a little bit of a process. Coach Adamly recruited me, however I had to go to junior college first because I was (incorrectly) advised in high school that I didn’t need to take any ACT/SAT tests. Being from England I didn’t know any better so I just went along with it all. Honestly, The U felt like home the first time I stepped on campus, and it didn’t hurt either that I was just 20 minutes from my real home. My Mum and Dad would always bring me food and do my laundry hahahaha. I was living the dream!!!
3. What are some of your favorite memories of your time at Minnesota (on and/or off the field)?
So many of both, ON the field the Wisconsin game was obviously a huge highlight for everyone involved. The surprise onside kicks to open the game both years we played Penn State were great too. And of the course the bowl games against Oregon and Alabama. Off the field really was all about hanging out with my teammates - there is nothing like being in a locker room and building those relationships.
4. What is your favorite Coach Mason story?
Hahahahaha. Man, I have got loads. He and I had great banter, my first real interaction with him on the practice field was probably the best. It was my first day of practice; at the end he wanted us to do some additional fitness, but threw us a bone. He said if “Winston” (his nickname for me, after Winston Churchill) can make a 62-yarder there will be no running, but if he misses you all have to do double. As I walked out to kick there was still some discussion among my teammates as to whether they wanted to take the deal or not. I did no more than tell them all to be quiet and I stepped and hit it flush down the middle. The whole place went nuts; I told Coach Mason not to bet me again.. hahaha
5. What Gopher loss from your playing days stung/stings the worst?
Michigan at home. We had a 21 point lead going into the 4th quarter and ran the ball for over 600 yards… still stings!!
6. What was the most satisfying Gopher win of your career?
Wisconsin and Penn State my junior year. Both were different but they were equally satisfying.
7. What important life lessons did you learn from your football experiences?
I have learned more about life by playing sports and being around my teammates than I ever have reading textbooks. That may sound bad but the reality is that life lessons are way more important. You have to grow up a lot quicker.
8. Did you get your degree from the U of M, or elsewhere? What was your field of study?
I didn’t finish my degree, I left before the spring semester of my senior year to prepare for the NFL. I am planning to go back to finish my degree at some point because it is important to me but I don’t want to get a degree from anywhere else and I live in Florida currently so that makes if a little difficult.
9. Who were your sports idols growing up? What are your early/first memories of Gopher football?
Most of my idols were from the soccer world; my biggest idol was my dad (TN53: his dad played professional soccer in England until an injury ended his career). I wanted to do everything he did.
10. Your Linkedin page indicates you are a sales associate at Orlando Infiniti as well as Director of Coaching at the Academy of Soccer in Brandon, FL. Tell us about these positions and your career aspirations.
The school is something I started with my dad. It’s an academy where the kids train with us every day and do school with us; after school they go to their club teams. Our goal is to make them better players and prepare them for their next venture, but more importantly we try to make them better people. We want them to be prepared for college or a work environment - high school doesn’t teach things like time management, and major responsibility. As for the Orlando Infiniti position, it’s something that I am testing out, really. I have always wanted to get into sales in some capacity and this was a good starting point, plus I love cars.
11. You played professionally in both the NFL and NFL Europe. How would you compare the level of play between the two? Can you share some memorable stories from your time in pro ball?
The level of play is totally different, the pro game is the best of the best. The game is faster, and more in depth. I still prefer the college game though - you can’t replicate the passion in the pros.
12. Do you have any family/relationship news you want to share?
Well, I’ve grown up a lot since college, haha. I have a beautiful wife, Tina and 3 amazing boys - Aston (8), John (6), and Bryden (4), and a dog named Guinness. I am an extremely lucky man.
13. How actively do you follow Gopher football? Do you attend any games? Are you a member of the MN Rivals site? How do you receive most of your Gopher sports news and information? Do you keep in touch with any former GG teammates?
I follow everything Gophers. I come up every year for a game and to see all my old teammates. We are all still very close; social media certainly helps with that. I get all my Gopher news from social media as well websites and apps. I am unfortunately not yet a member of MN Rivals, but I can and will correct that.
14. Has the current Gopher coaching staff made any contact with you?
He hasn’t, but I plan on meeting with him in the fall when I come up for a game. I have heard nothing but great things about him.
15. Do you have any Gopher tattoos? (Pics if possible)
I do not have any tattoos. I thought about it a few times but never pulled the trigger.
16. Are you active on social media? Which platforms?
I have a twitter page that is public, and my facebook and instagram pages are private.
17. Are you involved in any sports/fitness/physical activities and/or coaching? Please describe.
I play golf regularly and a weekly soccer game. I really should do more and plan on doing so. I will be doing a few triathlons towards the end of the year and into the next, so I should probably start training.
18. Concussions and CTE are on the minds of many sports fans and participants. If you have kids, do you think you'll encourage or allow them to play tackle football?
This is a sensitive subject for me. My best friend is Ben Utecht and he has suffered with concussions that ultimately ended his playing career. He is completely normal but does suffer memory loss which scares me, especially when he can’t remember times I have visited him for a weekend. As for my kids, I think everything revolves around whether they are being taught properly and is the equipment fit properly.
19. Outside of football have you done anything exciting/unusual/inspiring since your Gopher days? (e.g.- travel, volunteering, community activities, javelin catching, catfish noodling).
Hahaha, not really.
20. What are you most passionate about?
Family, music, sports, cars, watches, guitars
21. What might Gopher fans be surprised to learn about you?
I think that I’m extremely down to earth and I make time for everybody. It’s to a fault sometimes but it’s just how I am. If you stop to talk to me you will be the one trying to walk away from the conversation. hahaha
22. Do you have any message for Gopher fans, Coach Fleck, or the current team? What is your prediction for the 2018 season record?
To the fans, bring passion and support, and try to be patient. Good things are coming!!!
To Coach Fleck, your passion and energy is paving the way for our future - continue to be Elite.
To our team, play for each other, play for your family, play for your coach and play for your school. Success will follow if you do so.
Go Gophers!
SKIUMAH!
Where Are They Now? Gopher Rhys Lloyd, K/P (2003-2004)
Rhys Lloyd was born in Dover, United Kingdom, moved to the United States at age 15 and played high school football and soccer at Eastview High in Apple Valley, MN (class of 2001). His football kicking career got started on a spring break trip to Disney World with his high school track team. The NFL had an exhibit there, including a kicking station. Rhys shed his flip flops to try the kicking, and broke a display wall with his barefoot kick. The rest, as they say, is history.
Lloyd carried a 2-star, .7667 ranking as a high school football kicker on 247Sports. Rhys came to the U of M after two outstanding years as a kicker at Rochester Community and Technical College in Minnesota. He led the entire juco ranks in kicker scoring in both 2001 (118 points) and 2002 (77 points), earning All-American status both years. Overall at RCTC, Lloyd was 129/131 in PATs, and kicked 22 field goals. Rhys served as kickoff specialist, place kicker, and punter for the Gophers in 2003 and 2004. He played in 25 games, scoring on 102/108 PATs, and 26/36 FGs, while punting 96 times for an average of 39.6 yards/punt. He also rushed the ball 4 times for 12 yards. Lloyd is probably best-known among Gopher fans for kicking a 35-yard game-winning field goal as time expired to beat the Badgers in 2003; sadly, the last time the Gophers gained custody of the Axe.
After completing his Gopher career, Lloyd signed as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens following the 2005 NFL draft. In 2006 he was signed and later released by the Green Bay Packers. In 2007 he signed with the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe and tied the league record for longest field goal at 57 yards. Following the Galaxy season, Lloyd signed again with Baltimore, kicking an impressive 55-yard field goal in an NFL preseason game. He was claimed on waivers by the Carolina Panthers, who used him as a kickoff specialist (with John Kasay handling place-kicking duties). In 2008, Lloyd broke the NFL touchback record, with 33. In 2010-2011 Lloyd made NFL rosters with Minnesota, Carolina, and the New York Giants. From 2007-2010 he played in 50 NFL games.
Rhys now lives in Florida, where he runs a soccer training facility for kids with his dad, and sells cars.
Interview Questions:
1.How is your physical health, 14 years removed from your Gopher football career? Do you have lingering effects from concussions or any other football injuries?
Hahaha, well my physical health isn’t what it used to be; however, compared to most guys, I’m doing ok. I was smart and chose a position that didn’t take a lot hits.
2. What can you tell us about your college recruitment? Who recruited you to Minnesota? How did you decide on the U of M?
My college recruiting became a little bit of a process. Coach Adamly recruited me, however I had to go to junior college first because I was (incorrectly) advised in high school that I didn’t need to take any ACT/SAT tests. Being from England I didn’t know any better so I just went along with it all. Honestly, The U felt like home the first time I stepped on campus, and it didn’t hurt either that I was just 20 minutes from my real home. My Mum and Dad would always bring me food and do my laundry hahahaha. I was living the dream!!!
3. What are some of your favorite memories of your time at Minnesota (on and/or off the field)?
So many of both, ON the field the Wisconsin game was obviously a huge highlight for everyone involved. The surprise onside kicks to open the game both years we played Penn State were great too. And of the course the bowl games against Oregon and Alabama. Off the field really was all about hanging out with my teammates - there is nothing like being in a locker room and building those relationships.
4. What is your favorite Coach Mason story?
Hahahahaha. Man, I have got loads. He and I had great banter, my first real interaction with him on the practice field was probably the best. It was my first day of practice; at the end he wanted us to do some additional fitness, but threw us a bone. He said if “Winston” (his nickname for me, after Winston Churchill) can make a 62-yarder there will be no running, but if he misses you all have to do double. As I walked out to kick there was still some discussion among my teammates as to whether they wanted to take the deal or not. I did no more than tell them all to be quiet and I stepped and hit it flush down the middle. The whole place went nuts; I told Coach Mason not to bet me again.. hahaha
5. What Gopher loss from your playing days stung/stings the worst?
Michigan at home. We had a 21 point lead going into the 4th quarter and ran the ball for over 600 yards… still stings!!
6. What was the most satisfying Gopher win of your career?
Wisconsin and Penn State my junior year. Both were different but they were equally satisfying.
7. What important life lessons did you learn from your football experiences?
I have learned more about life by playing sports and being around my teammates than I ever have reading textbooks. That may sound bad but the reality is that life lessons are way more important. You have to grow up a lot quicker.
8. Did you get your degree from the U of M, or elsewhere? What was your field of study?
I didn’t finish my degree, I left before the spring semester of my senior year to prepare for the NFL. I am planning to go back to finish my degree at some point because it is important to me but I don’t want to get a degree from anywhere else and I live in Florida currently so that makes if a little difficult.
9. Who were your sports idols growing up? What are your early/first memories of Gopher football?
Most of my idols were from the soccer world; my biggest idol was my dad (TN53: his dad played professional soccer in England until an injury ended his career). I wanted to do everything he did.
10. Your Linkedin page indicates you are a sales associate at Orlando Infiniti as well as Director of Coaching at the Academy of Soccer in Brandon, FL. Tell us about these positions and your career aspirations.
The school is something I started with my dad. It’s an academy where the kids train with us every day and do school with us; after school they go to their club teams. Our goal is to make them better players and prepare them for their next venture, but more importantly we try to make them better people. We want them to be prepared for college or a work environment - high school doesn’t teach things like time management, and major responsibility. As for the Orlando Infiniti position, it’s something that I am testing out, really. I have always wanted to get into sales in some capacity and this was a good starting point, plus I love cars.
11. You played professionally in both the NFL and NFL Europe. How would you compare the level of play between the two? Can you share some memorable stories from your time in pro ball?
The level of play is totally different, the pro game is the best of the best. The game is faster, and more in depth. I still prefer the college game though - you can’t replicate the passion in the pros.
12. Do you have any family/relationship news you want to share?
Well, I’ve grown up a lot since college, haha. I have a beautiful wife, Tina and 3 amazing boys - Aston (8), John (6), and Bryden (4), and a dog named Guinness. I am an extremely lucky man.
13. How actively do you follow Gopher football? Do you attend any games? Are you a member of the MN Rivals site? How do you receive most of your Gopher sports news and information? Do you keep in touch with any former GG teammates?
I follow everything Gophers. I come up every year for a game and to see all my old teammates. We are all still very close; social media certainly helps with that. I get all my Gopher news from social media as well websites and apps. I am unfortunately not yet a member of MN Rivals, but I can and will correct that.
14. Has the current Gopher coaching staff made any contact with you?
He hasn’t, but I plan on meeting with him in the fall when I come up for a game. I have heard nothing but great things about him.
15. Do you have any Gopher tattoos? (Pics if possible)
I do not have any tattoos. I thought about it a few times but never pulled the trigger.
16. Are you active on social media? Which platforms?
I have a twitter page that is public, and my facebook and instagram pages are private.
17. Are you involved in any sports/fitness/physical activities and/or coaching? Please describe.
I play golf regularly and a weekly soccer game. I really should do more and plan on doing so. I will be doing a few triathlons towards the end of the year and into the next, so I should probably start training.
18. Concussions and CTE are on the minds of many sports fans and participants. If you have kids, do you think you'll encourage or allow them to play tackle football?
This is a sensitive subject for me. My best friend is Ben Utecht and he has suffered with concussions that ultimately ended his playing career. He is completely normal but does suffer memory loss which scares me, especially when he can’t remember times I have visited him for a weekend. As for my kids, I think everything revolves around whether they are being taught properly and is the equipment fit properly.
19. Outside of football have you done anything exciting/unusual/inspiring since your Gopher days? (e.g.- travel, volunteering, community activities, javelin catching, catfish noodling).
Hahaha, not really.
20. What are you most passionate about?
Family, music, sports, cars, watches, guitars
21. What might Gopher fans be surprised to learn about you?
I think that I’m extremely down to earth and I make time for everybody. It’s to a fault sometimes but it’s just how I am. If you stop to talk to me you will be the one trying to walk away from the conversation. hahaha
22. Do you have any message for Gopher fans, Coach Fleck, or the current team? What is your prediction for the 2018 season record?
To the fans, bring passion and support, and try to be patient. Good things are coming!!!
To Coach Fleck, your passion and energy is paving the way for our future - continue to be Elite.
To our team, play for each other, play for your family, play for your coach and play for your school. Success will follow if you do so.
Go Gophers!
SKIUMAH!
