A punter is regarded as an underrated role in American football since their attempts don’t directly score points but for Wisconsin Badgers football’s Atticus Bertrams, he knows how much the team relies on him.
Wisconsin Badgers, Atticus Bertrams
Wisconsin punter Atticus Bertrams reviews a play sheet while helping the scout team during practice on Tuesday April 9, 2024 at the McClain Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Badgers come to the new season with lesser expectations coming from analysts. This is following their failed 2024 season where they did not reach a Bowl game for first time since 2001.
The rankings are not hoping for the Badgers to break through and return to football glory. Bertrams feel totally different about himself entering his third year. He thinks he is an important player head coach Luke Fickell now.
“I see myself as a really important part of the team. Field position can mean a great deal in the later stages when it gets harder to move the ball explosively,” Bertrams said in an exclusive with Badger Notes.
“There’s obviously plenty that goes into a win, and my role may not create or set up points directly, but this staff knows how crucial field position is when trying to wear a team down over four quarters.”
Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell is shown during spring football practice Wednesday, April 23, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.
Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Bertrams had his own moment last season when he went on a 15-yard run in team’s loss to Penn State in October. It was the longest run for UW that season for a long while.
Atticus Bertrams has to outsource punter advice
A dedicated punter coach is not seen that much in football but they are part of the special teams coaches to help players in such role.
Great thing for the Badgers, Bertrams was born in Australia and played rugby there where punting is just one of the many special skills.
USATSI 24595448
Oct 26, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers punter Atticus Bertrams (49) earns a first down during a fake punt as Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Dominic DeLuca (0) makes the tackle during the first quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
He may not have a dedicated coach but he has the Land Down Under to go back to elevate his game.
“Coach Fickell has a large impact on punt, mostly formational work, but it’s a unique position where we don’t have anyone on staff that’s punted, kicked, or snapped, which presents its own challenges,” Bertrams shared.
“Honestly, I lean on my network of other players from Australia that I trained with back home, as well as the specialists’ room at Wisconsin.
For more great Wisconsin sports content
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for the latest and trending news about Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Marquette, and the rest of Wisconsin Sports. Stay updated by reading more of our Wisconsin Sports articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!