Coach Joe Gardener spent years as a professional rugby player with the Portugal National Team and pro clubs in Japan, France, and Portugal, earning top-scorer accolades for multiple rugby clubs. He came to the US with the goal of becoming an NFL punter. Joe played one season at UW-Whitewater and then had multiple NFL tryouts in the following years. He joined the Kohl's staff in 2015 and now provides an in-depth knowledge and experience on how Australian punting techniques translate to American football. He has coached numerous kickers and punters to the next level.
Coach Gardener currently runs the Kohl's Chicago Training Division and frequently travels, leading camps nationwide.
Coach Gardener gives Oakland Raiders' Marquette King tips on the Australian-style punt
Coach Gardener playing for the Portugal National Rugby Team
On National Signing Day, our entire staff wants to congratulate the Kohl's Class of 2025 kickers, punters, and long snappers on their college commitments and signings.
Whether it be a scholarship offer or walk-on opportunity, we are happy you have found a college football program to call home!
With an unmatched lineage of underclassmen athletes from this event going on to play at top college football programs as well as the NFL, this invite-only event has featured the top up-and-coming kicking, punting, and long snapping prospects across the nation every year.
