The Cincinnati Bengals signed former Buckeye kicker Aaron Pettrey on Tuesday afternoon.
Pettrey will replace Mike Nugent, another former Buckeye kicker.
On Monday, Pettrey was excited about trying out for the Bengals. On Tuesday, he made the roster of the team he grew up rooting for.
“It’s pretty cool,” Pettrey said. “My dad is excited. My family is already looking for tickets.”
Pettrey’s signing came on the heels of Nugent’s season-ending knee injury.
Nugent won AFC Player of the Month for September but struggled in November, missing two of three field goal attempts in two games.
“It’s bittersweet,” Pettrey said. “It’s nice being here, but I’d like to see Mike keep kicking this year. Under the circumstances, I wish it were a different route.”
Nugent was upset about his injury but happy for Pettrey’s opportunity.
“He’s a really good guy,” Nugent said, “works really hard and is the kind of person Coach (Jim) Tressel likes to bring in. He’s one of those people that makes you look at your character and how hardworking you can be.”
Pettrey recovered from an MCL tear that kept him sidelined for three games in OSU’s 2009 season. Devin Barclay took over Pettrey’s kicking duties while he was injured.
“I learned a lot from him,” Barclay said. “He’s a tough kid. Mentally strong, a great leg, kind of a guy who leads by example. Just a class act all-around.”
Pettrey played multiple positions in high school but knew kicking is what would take him to the highest level.
“That’s what I really wanted to do,” Pettrey said. “Kicking and eventually making it to the NFL, at the highest level.”
