Rams’ retiree kicks back


By Tom Williams

YOUNGSTOWN — Fourteen-year NFL veteran kicker Jeff Wilkins didn’t need anyone to tell him it was time to file retirement papers.

His aching back sent him the message loud and clear.

“I’ve been contemplating it for a couple of years,” said Wilkins, who took part in Tuesday’s Youngstown State University’s kickers and punters camp at Stambaugh Stadium. “It seemed like the right time.

“I’ve already had a knee surgery and the back issue is sketchy right now,” said Wilkins who retired Feb. 29. “I have a 3-year-old [and] I want to be able in two, three or five years from now to pick her up, play in the backyard.

Read more in Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.