Rams Confirm Harrison Mevis, ‘The Thiccer Kicker,’ Will Start Against 49ers

McVay Taps Harrison Mevis for NFL Debut in Critical Week 10 Showdown

The Los Angeles Rams are making a significant change to their special teams unit ahead of a crucial NFC West rivalry game. Head Coach Sean McVay confirmed on Friday that rookie kicker Harrison Mevis, widely known by his viral moniker, ‘The Thiccer Kicker,’ will be elevated to the starting role for Sunday’s Week 10 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

This decision marks the official NFL debut for Mevis, who replaces the previous incumbent, Karty. The move underscores the Rams’ ongoing efforts to stabilize a kicking position that has been a source of inconsistency and frustration throughout the current season.

For any team, a mid-season change at kicker is a high-stakes gamble. For the Rams, facing their fiercest divisional rival in a game with major playoff implications, the pressure on the young specialist is immense. McVay’s confirmation signals a clear commitment to Mevis, betting on his powerful leg and collegiate track record to deliver reliability when it matters most.

The Rationale Behind the Kicking Change

Instability at the Position

The Rams organization has struggled to find consistent, long-term stability at the kicker position since the departure of veteran specialists. In the high-leverage environment of the NFL, especially within the fiercely competitive NFC West, missed field goals and extra points can—and often do—determine the outcome of tight contests. The decision to bench Karty and promote Mevis was not made lightly, reflecting a necessity to address reliability issues immediately.

While Coach McVay did not delve into specific details regarding Karty’s performance metrics, the timing of the switch—just before a pivotal road game against the 49ers—suggests a need for a fresh approach and perhaps a stronger leg for longer attempts. The 49ers rivalry often results in low-scoring, defensive battles where every point is critical.

“We felt this was the right time to make a change and give Harrison the opportunity,” Coach McVay stated. “He has demonstrated tremendous power and consistency in practice, and we believe his confidence and demeanor are ready for this stage. We need execution in all three phases, and this move is aimed at ensuring that in special teams.”

The Pressure of the Debut

Making an NFL debut is challenging enough, but doing so in a Week 10 rivalry game against a top-tier defense like the 49ers adds layers of complexity. The atmosphere at Levi’s Stadium is notoriously hostile, and the margin for error will be razor-thin. Mevis will not only be expected to handle routine extra points but also potentially attempt game-winning or game-tying field goals under extreme duress.

This scenario highlights the importance of a kicker’s mental fortitude. Mevis’s collegiate reputation suggests he thrives under pressure, a trait the Rams desperately need to leverage.

Introducing Harrison Mevis: ‘The Thiccer Kicker’

Harrison Mevis arrives in the NFL with a significant profile, largely built during his standout career at the University of Missouri. He is not just known for his powerful leg, but for his memorable nickname and robust physique, which quickly made him a fan favorite and a viral sensation.

Collegiate Highlights and Nickname Origin

Mevis earned the moniker ‘The Thiccer Kicker’ due to his build, which deviates from the typical slender profile of an NFL specialist. This nickname, embraced by Mevis himself, helped raise his visibility nationally, but his performance is what truly defined his college tenure.

At Missouri, Mevis established himself as one of the most reliable and powerful kickers in the SEC, a conference renowned for its high-pressure environments. Key aspects of his college career include:

• Range and Power: Mevis consistently demonstrated the ability to connect from 50+ yards, a crucial asset in the NFL where scoring opportunities can stall outside the red zone.
• Accuracy: While possessing immense power, Mevis maintained a high field goal percentage, proving he was not just a long-distance specialist but a consistent scorer.
• Clutch Performance: He successfully converted several high-stakes kicks late in games, demonstrating the mental toughness required for the professional level.

His transition to the NFL requires adapting to tighter hash marks and faster snaps, but his proven ability to handle pressure from the SEC provides a strong foundation.

The Kicker Profile Comparison

While the Rams have cycled through several kickers recently, the move to Mevis suggests they are prioritizing raw power and proven clutch ability over the consistency issues that plagued the previous specialists. The ability to hit a 55-yard field goal changes offensive strategy, allowing the Rams to be more aggressive on third downs near midfield.

Week 10: The High Stakes of the 49ers Rivalry

The timing of Mevis’s debut could not be more dramatic. The Los Angeles Rams versus the San Francisco 49ers is always a physical, emotional contest, often determining the trajectory of the NFC West standings. For Mevis, this game is the ultimate litmus test.

Divisional Implications

This Week 10 clash is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. A win for the Rams keeps them firmly in the hunt, while a loss could create a significant gap in the division race. In games of this magnitude, special teams often play an outsized role. A single missed kick could swing the momentum and the final score.

The 49ers’ defense is notorious for limiting red-zone opportunities, forcing opposing offenses to settle for field goals. This means Mevis will likely be called upon multiple times, and potentially from challenging distances, making his performance a central focus of the game plan.

Coaching Confidence

McVay’s decision to trust a rookie in this environment speaks volumes about the confidence the coaching staff has in Mevis’s preparation and temperament. It is a calculated risk, but one necessitated by the team’s need for immediate, reliable scoring outside of touchdowns.

If Mevis performs well, it not only secures the position for the remainder of the season but also provides a massive psychological boost to the entire team, knowing they have a dependable scoring option in tight situations.

Key Takeaways for Rams Fans and Analysts

This special teams shake-up is one of the most significant personnel moves the Rams have made leading into the second half of the season. Here are the essential points:

• Official Debut: Harrison Mevis will make his NFL debut as the Rams’ starting kicker in Week 10.
• Coaching Mandate: Head Coach Sean McVay confirmed the move, signaling a commitment to addressing recent kicking inconsistencies.
• High-Pressure Start: Mevis’s first professional game is against the divisional rival San Francisco 49ers, increasing the scrutiny on his performance.
• The Nickname: Mevis, known as ‘The Thiccer Kicker,’ brings a powerful leg and a reputation for clutch kicking from his time at Missouri.
• Immediate Impact: The Rams need Mevis to be accurate and reliable immediately, particularly on long field goals, given the difficulty of scoring touchdowns against the 49ers’ defense.

Conclusion: A Calculated Risk for the Playoff Push

The insertion of Harrison Mevis into the starting lineup represents a calculated, yet necessary, risk taken by the Rams’ leadership. Kicking stability is often the silent difference-maker between a playoff contender and a team watching from home. By tapping Mevis, the Rams are hoping to inject new energy and, more importantly, consistency into a crucial phase of the game.

If Mevis can translate his collegiate power and composure to the professional level, the Rams gain a major advantage in their quest for the NFC West title. All eyes will be on ‘The Thiccer Kicker’ this Sunday to see if he can handle the pressure of an NFL debut in one of the league’s most intense rivalries.

What’s Next

The immediate focus is on the Week 10 performance. Should Mevis deliver a flawless performance against the 49ers, he will solidify his role as the long-term solution for the Rams’ kicking woes. If struggles persist, the Rams may be forced back into the challenging cycle of searching for reliable special teams talent. The outcome of Sunday’s game will heavily influence the team’s strategy moving forward into the crucial stretch run of the 2025 NFL season.