NFL’s Unsung Heroes: The Holders

In the world of the National Football League, there are certain roles that fans often overlook—until something goes awry, that is.

One of those roles is the holder for place kicks.

It’s typically seen as a straightforward job—almost like an instinctual action you might think you could do while lounging on your couch. Yet, as it turns out, it’s far more complex than it appears. There are numerous elements to manage: ensuring the field goal unit is prepped, catching the snap cleanly, positioning the ball just right, spinning the laces away from the kicker, and angling the ball according to the kicker’s preference.

Having performed this role myself for four years in college, I understand what it looks like when it all comes together … and when chaos reigns.

This brings us to Logan Cooke, the punter and holder for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who played a crucial part in their unexpected 19-17 victory on Sunday.

During the game against the Philadelphia Eagles in London, the Jaguars lost their long snapper, Ross Matiscik, due to a shoulder injury early on. This led Liam Coen and the coaching staff to call upon defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton to take over snapping duties.

While Hamilton managed a perfect first long snap during a punt, the accuracy faltered after that.

Before delving into specific plays, let’s break down the holding process. Cooke, who holds for right-footed kicker Cam Little, sets up about seven yards behind the ball. He assumes his stance, positions his left hand to mark where the ball goes, and braces his left elbow against his leg to guide the placement. This allows him to smoothly catch the snap, retrieve the ball with both hands, and maneuver it to Little’s expected spot.

In the ideal scenario, Cooke catches the snap, pulls the ball back effectively, guides it down with his elbow, and spins it with his right hand to align the laces correctly.

That is how it should unfold.

However, when things go off script, the holder must work some magic.

After a Jacksonville touchdown, Cooke and the Jaguars’ field goal unit were called to attempt the extra point. Hamilton’s snap turned out to be high, but Cooke successfully caught it, placed the ball, and managed to move his left foot out of the way just in time for Little to kick it.

Even though Cooke adjusted to catch the high snap, which slightly moved his left foot closer to Little’s kicking path, he quickly lifted it, providing a clear line for the kick.

A similar situation arose during a later field goal attempt, where again, a high snap required Cooke to make a crucial adjustment and ensure his foot wasn’t in the way for Little.

After an incredible touchdown reception from Parker Washington Jr., Hamilton had another high snap, but Cooke still managed to put the ball down. Unfortunately, the timing seemed a bit off, and Little pulled his kick to the left.

This scare seemed like it could be a decisive moment, especially when the Eagles followed up with a field goal to take a 17-16 lead. Yet, on the ensuing kickoff, Jaguars returner Ameer Abdullah made a spectacular 53-yard return, putting Jacksonville back into field goal range.

This set Cooke up for yet another chance to shine.

Once more, Hamilton’s snap was high, but Cooke handled it well, getting the hold down perfectly. Little then kicked it through the uprights, sealing a stunning victory for the Jaguars at 19-17.

When it comes to Cooke, holding is often that behind-the-scenes skill that goes unnoticed—until things spiral out of control.

But sometimes, it’s simply because a holder has done something quite remarkable.

Just like Cooke did on Sunday in London.