Having spent three years playing for Arkansas, Cam Little was declared as the most accurate kicker in their history with an 82.8% field goal completion rate. This caught the attention of the Jaguars, who picked Cam Little as their 212th player in this season’s NFL draft. But how come Little ended up becoming a kicker among the other positions footballers can play?

Well, for starters, Little never had the strongest of arms needed to throw the football accurately. Therefore, it was a sensible decision for him to become a kicker because of the strength he had in his right leg. And who discovered this quality of Little’s that kick-started his journey to becoming an NFL placekicker?

Going back to those elementary school days in central Oklahoma, Little’s father Todd said, “It was kind of funny. He would always win the events with just his punts and his kickoffs. He didn’t really have to pass to win the events.” However, among all the accolades Cam had garnered in high school, he never managed to go beyond those competitions. “But we never went to national events because he couldn’t throw it that far,” Todd shared.

But Little never gave up as he continued to go face-to-face against older groups in football matches. This eventually brought Little into a position where he had to select a division where he could continue playing without limiting his capabilities. As Todd described, Division I was out of contention, but Division III and NAIA options were available for the taking.

However, Cam ended up getting a scholarship for Division I football as a reward for his determination to constantly improve. Him signing for the Razorbacks led to Todd recalling those high school days at Southmoore when he used to offer advice, “If they snap it over your head, don’t try to run it. Just fall on it.” 

While continuing in those sophomore years, Todd added, “He started kicking off his sophomore year in the last four games of the year, and punting. Then he just started really thinking. Man, I’m good at this.” Cam was indeed good at this as he went on to earn his First-Team All-SEC as a kickoff specialist. Although Little never looked back from the moment he realized his destiny as an NFL kicker, his parents have remained his biggest supporters.

Who are Todd & Ronda Little?

Little’s father, similar to his son, was a football player and kicker for his school. But after spending a few years playing football in high school. Todd gave up football entirely when his coaches asked him to play cornerback in college. Even Todd recommended that Cam watch some YouTube videos of professional kickers, thereby helping him gain some clarity about the position he would be playing moving forward. Well, papa Todd and mama Ronda, have also spoken highly about Cam’s contribution to Down Syndrome Connection of Northwest Arkansas.

“I think it just aligns with who he is. He has always been supportive of Ayden and his endeavors and making sure he’s treated no differently than other kids,” Ronda shared. Here, Ayden is Cam’s cousin, who equally supports the cause Little follows while building his football career. “He’s got a huge heart for the Down Syndrome Association and Ayden. He just has grown up with him and spent so much time advocating for him,” Ronda added.

While on the subject of their son, Todd and Ronda spoke about the countless messages people bombarded them with after recognizing his active charity work. Although we don’t have enough information about the day Todd and Ronda met or the professions they follow. It would be a huge boost if they continue to support their son as he tries to complete his first season in the NFL.

Moving on from Little and his parents, why not treat yourself with more insights on the league and college football as given by Doug Sanders on our Think Tank Exclusive.