Lacrosse and Football: Stephen Hauschka

Things turned out pretty well for Stephen Hauschka.

The NFL kicker from Needham, Mass. — who was a part of a Super Bowl team in Seattle and now enjoying a strong season with Buffalo — had many different paths unfold in his journey.

Growing up with a passion for soccer, Hauschka saw that door close when he was in college. When that opportunity ended, the chance to play football became possible.

But along the way — from Needham to Middlebury College to North Carolina State — lacrosse also was there for Hauschka.

"In high school, I fell in love with it," said Hauschka, who began playing lacrosse in the sixth grade. "I started first with soccer when I was 3, but lacrosse became my favorite, after soccer. In high school, with the run in senior year, it was a great run."