The Gramatica family, well-known in the football world, continues its legacy at the University of South Florida (USF) with sophomore kicker Nico Gramatica. Nico is set to play in USF’s homecoming football game against Florida Atlantic University this Saturday.
Martin Gramatica, a former NFL Pro Bowl kicker and Super Bowl champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has taken on a new role as a supportive parent as he watches his son compete. “Watching Nico kick is ‘1,000 times more nerve-wracking,’” Martin said. “You want them to have success and, at the end of the day … you have no control.” He described feeling excitement when Nico made a game-winning kick against the University of Florida earlier this season but noted that his celebrations are now more subdued than during his playing days.
Martin emphasized that his pride comes not from Nico’s performance on the field but from his dedication. “A lot of people assume because of the name on the back of his jersey that he’s automatically good,” Martin said. “When people ask me, ‘What are you most proud of,’ it’s Nico’s work ethic.”
He credits much of Nico’s development to his wife Ashlee, a former USF tennis player, saying: “She’s a machine.” For technical skills, Martin points to his brother Santiago: “Technique is very important when it comes to kicking. Santiago has a better eye for the fundamentals.”
Santiago acknowledged Martin’s influence as well: “That just shows what kind of person he is,” Santiago said. “The truth is, he deserves a lot of credit. He’s a great, active dad.” According to Santiago, it was Martin who helped Nico manage expectations tied to their family name and provided guidance throughout his upbringing.
Nico himself recognizes his father’s support: “I look up to my father,” he said. “He’s always taught me so many valuable lessons throughout my life. I always ask him a lot of questions and he’s always there to guide me and help me.”
Initially coached by Martin in soccer from age three, Nico later switched sports before high school after developing an interest in football. Although early attempts were challenging—“He didn’t look good,” Martin recalled—Nico worked persistently on technique under Santiago’s guidance.
Santiago highlighted how difficult it can be for young athletes to maintain focus: “If it’s the offseason and your friends are gaming or want to hang out, you’ve got to make sure that you make time for what’s important at the core of training,” he said.
Despite living under pressure due to Martin’s status as one of Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ top 50 players in history and public expectations surrounding their last name, Nico has demonstrated confidence on the field. As Santiago noted: “He just carries a confidence…when he ran out there, he instilled this good vibe because of all the work he put in.”
During high school, Nico established himself by setting records and drawing attention from college scouts; however, USF remained his preferred choice—not only because relatives had played sports there but also due to personal affinity for both university and city.
“We let him make that decision,” Santiago said about choosing USF. “But he loved the university, loved being in Tampa. None of us had to pressure or encourage him…Once he met the coaches and saw what they were looking to build, I think it was a done deal.”
In 2024 as a freshman at USF, Nico handled kickoffs and long field goal attempts—including three over 50 yards—which led him into this season as primary full-time kicker for USF.
“He’s done a great job,” Martin concluded. “I am super proud of him.”
USF will play FAU at Raymond James Stadium for its homecoming game Saturday at 7:30 p.m., where tickets remain available through official channels.
