Jonny inspired ‘Hammer’ Jamie

CLEVELAND Browns punter Jamie Gillan admits his great inspiration has always been England World Cupwinner Jonny Wilkinson as he prepares for the biggest game of his life, writes Nick Metcalfe. Inverness-born Gillan, known as the Scottish Hammer, and the Browns will take on the Kansas City Chiefs, last year’s Super Bowl winners, in Sunday’s NFL Divisional Round playoff. Gillan, who was a rugby flyhalf growing up, said: ‘I still get grief from my pals, everyone asks, “Who do you think is the best fly-half?” and I still say Jonny Wilkinson. All my research was Jonny highlights. I watched him, I read his book.

‘I just loved his mindset, of balls to the wall and working his nuts off. Reading how he would just be out there just kicking and kicking and kicking.

‘He wouldn’t leave until he makes ten in a row, that’s the sort of thing I would do, especially in college. You spend hours out there kicking, because you just want to be perfect. Reading about him, the level he got to was not by, “Oh shall I go out and kick today or sit on my couch”. Every time he was, “I’m getting up and doing this with a purpose”. I love that mindset.’

The Browns claimed a first playoff win since 1994 at the Pittsburgh Steelers last week and Gillan told Metro: ‘The support base is awesome. It’s crazy. When I’m walking the dog people say how happy they are.’

Follow the playoffs live this weekend on Sky Sports, NFL GamePass and 5 Live Sports Extra – highlights on BBC One and Channel 5