Kickers in the NFL often find themselves in the shadows, but their impact on the game is undeniable. They can be the unsung heroes, turning the tide in crucial moments and making the difference between victory and defeat. In this 2023 retrospective, we delve into the careers of the 10 best kickers in NFL history, celebrating their accuracy, longevity, and game-changing performances.
1. Justin Tucker (Ravens)
Undoubtedly, the top spot belongs to Justin Tucker. Entering his 12th season with the Ravens, Tucker has redefined accuracy, boasting a career field goal success rate of over 90%. His most iconic moment came with a record-breaking 66-yard field goal that secured a win against the Detroit Lions in 2021. Beyond statistics, Tucker’s ability to perform under immense pressure has solidified his status as the best kicker in NFL history.
2. Morten Andersen
A seven-time Pro Bowler, Morten Andersen’s 25-season career is a testament to his longevity and consistency. As the second-highest scorer in NFL history, Andersen’s powerful leg and accuracy made him a force to be reckoned with. His international background adds to his legacy, standing as the best international NFL player ever. Andersen’s journey from Denmark to NFL stardom not only underscores his individual prowess but also symbolizes the global reach and inclusivity of American football.
3. Lou Groza
Lou Groza’s impact extends beyond the kicking game. Playing as an offensive tackle and kicker for the Cleveland Browns, Groza won eight championships and earned nine Pro Bowl selections during his 21-season career. Groza revolutionized the game with his long-range accuracy and clutch field goals, profoundly influencing the development and recognition of placekickers as a specialized and crucial position in American football. His dual role showcased the versatility and strategic importance of kickers, leaving an enduring mark on the evolution of the sport.
4. Adam Vinatieri
Adam Vinatieri’s name is synonymous with clutch kicking. Holding NFL records with 599 career field goals and 238 postseason points, Vinatieri’s impact goes beyond statistics. He played a pivotal role in the New England Patriots’ Super Bowl victories, showcasing a remarkable ability to make crucial kicks in high-pressure situations. Vinatieri’s legacy is not merely defined by numbers but by his consistent performance when it matters most, solidifying his reputation as one of the most reliable and clutch kickers in NFL history.
5. George Blanda
George Blanda’s 26-season career is a tale of versatility and longevity. Although renowned for his 236 passing touchdowns, Blanda left an indelible mark as the NFL’s all-time leading scorer upon his retirement. His shift towards placekicking and backup quarterback duties underscored his adaptability, allowing him to contribute significantly to his teams in various roles. Blanda’s remarkable career defied age, as he continued playing professionally until the impressive age of 48, showcasing not only his skill but also his enduring passion for the game.
6. Gary Anderson
Gary Anderson’s 23-season career saw him ascend to the ranks of the best kickers in NFL history. With notable stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Anderson achieved a remarkable feat in 1998—a perfect season, making all 35 field goal attempts. His combination of longevity and accuracy left an indelible mark on the game, solidifying his legacy as one of the most reliable and accomplished kickers to grace the NFL.
7. Stephen Gostkowski
A three-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, Stephen Gostkowski epitomized consistency throughout his impressive 14-year run. Gostkowski etched his name in the NFL record books by holding the record for consecutive extra points, converting an impressive 523 straight between 2006 and 2016. However, a costly miss in the AFC Championship Game in 2016 underscored the profound impact a kicker can have on a team’s fortunes, emphasizing the pivotal role played by these unsung heroes in the high-stakes world of professional football.
8. Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski’s unexpected selection as the 17th overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft raised eyebrows, but he went on to repay the Raiders’ faith over 18 of his 19 seasons with the franchise. Emerging as the Raiders’ all-time leading point scorer, Janikowski’s powerful leg was prominently displayed in his successful 63-yard field goal in 2011. This remarkable feat not only tied the record for the longest field goal in NFL history at the time but also solidified Janikowski’s reputation as a kicker with unparalleled strength and precision.
9. Matt Stover
Matt Stover’s 20-season career, including a significant 13-season stretch with the Baltimore Ravens, solidified his place among the NFL’s best kickers. Stover played a crucial role in the Ravens’ Super Bowl XXXV victory and remained a consistent force throughout his career, showcasing longevity and reliability.
10. Jan Stenerud
Jan Stenerud, the first kicker ever inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991, played a pivotal role in reshaping the perception and significance of placekickers in the league. Across a highly successful 19-year career, Stenerud’s reliability and accuracy, highlighted by four Pro Bowl selections, left an indelible mark on the sport. His contributions went beyond the field, as he became a trailblazer for kickers, emphasizing their importance in the overall dynamics of NFL teams. Stenerud’s legacy serves as a testament to the impact a skilled and consistent kicker can have on the game.
FAQs
Who is ranked as the best kicker in NFL history in 2023?
Justin Tucker holds the top spot in the 2023 edition of the best kickers in NFL history.
Which kicker pioneered the use of a soccer-style kicking technique?
Jan Stenerud, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991, was one of the first kickers to use a soccer-style kicking technique.
How did Matt Stover contribute to the Baltimore Ravens’ success?
Matt Stover played a crucial role in the Ravens’ Super Bowl XXXV victory and had a significant 13-season stretch with the team.
What record did Sebastian Janikowski tie in 2011?
Sebastian Janikowski tied the record for the longest field goal in NFL history at the time with a successful 63-yard kick in 2011.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the careers of these 10 kickers, it becomes evident that they are not merely footnotes in the history of the NFL but architects of game-changing moments. From Tucker’s record-breaking kicks to Vinatieri’s Super Bowl heroics, each kicker has left an indelible mark on the sport. The evolution of the kicker position is intertwined with the stories of these legends, and as the NFL progresses, new kickers will emerge, building on the foundation laid by these iconic figures. The 2023 edition stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the best kickers in NFL history.
