It seems a bit of an isolated job, being an NFL kicker. Are you loners and individualists?

You can be, but the more you are, the more isolated you can become. Then, if you miss, no one has your back. I was appointed a team captain and I teared up because it's unusual for a team to respect a kicker that much.

The platinum hair certainly helps you to stand out ...

I said I would dye my hair if we reached the play-offs because no one gave us a chance. The guys all said, “I bet you won't”, but when I walked in, they were, like, “Oh, man.” I like to have a good time and keep the team on their toes. If you get too serious, you can go flat.

Presumably a record of making 30 from 34 field goals this season, including the play-offs, is about more than a haircut ...

I always take the same number of steps before kicking the ball, but that is technique, not superstition. But then I also retie my shoe before every kick so it's extra tight. And I change the sock on my kicking foot every quarter. It sounds kind of stupid, but mentally it helps me.

You change one sock?

Just the sock. I always wear the same shoe on my kicking foot, but I change the one on my planting foot - moulded for FieldTurf, spikes on our field, which is usually soft. The grass field in Tampa for the Super Bowl is firm, so it will be spikes, but not as long.

How did you end up a kicker?

I was a soccer player, but found a hidden talent. My favourite team? I'll say Chelsea - but only because they used our practice facility once.

What if it all comes down to you to save or win the Super Bowl?

I'd more than love to, although I'd rather win by 20 points and coast the fourth quarter. I really enjoy the pressure. I think I'd have more will to make that kick than any other. If you're not strong enough to do that, you'd never make it anyway.

They are on the field for only a few seconds at a time, but kickers win games. That is why they are paid $2.5million (about £1.7million) a year. Adam Vinatieri has four Super Bowl rings and kicked last-minute title-winning field goals for the New England Patriots in 2002 and 2004.

Explore More Sport

• Athletics

• Boxing

• Cycling

• Sailing

• US Sport