In the NFL, few positions can make or break a game like the kicker can. These guys are often under the most pressure and the game often rides on how well they can kick under extreme pressure. Some kickers have become famous for their misses, while others for their consistency and game winning kicks. Here we will be looking at the latter, as we go over five of the best kickers the NFL has even seen.
1. Matt Stover
(source: nflbook.fr)
While Stover played for a number of different teams, he will forever be known for his 12 years with the Baltimore Ravens, a team which he helped win a Super Bowl. What Stover may have lacked in power, he more than made up for with his pinpoint accuracy and as of his retirement in 2009, was the 4th all-time leading scorer in NFL history. He enjoyed success into his early 40s and was about as calm, cool and collected as a kicker could be.
2. Jason Hanson
(source: sidelionreport.com)
While he wasn’t flashy or boisterous during his career, Jason Hanson quietly put together one of the best careers of any kicker of all time. He was a model for consistency as he spent his entire 21 year career with the Detroit Lions and has the record for the most games played with a single team. He finished his career third in both kicks made and total lifetime points.
3. George Blanda
(source: pintrest.com)
When you talk about a pure football player, no one encompasses the term better than George Blanda. He played in the NFL for a record 26 years and played at quarterback, kicker and even linebacker. He is also the only player to lead the league in kicking percentage and passing percentage in the same season, which will never happen again. While his stats and percentage may not look great compared to today’s standards of kicking, he was truly ahead of his time with his kicking.
4. Morten Andersen
(source: alchetron.com)
If this guy were more clutch and had better playoff performances, he would be a shoe in for the number one spot. He holds a laundry list of NFL records such as most field goals ever, most points ever and most games played. He also is the all-time scoring leader for two different teams (the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons) and is the only person ever to be able to say that.
5. Adam Vinatieri
(source: nysportsday.com)
But I simply couldn’t put anyone ahead of Adam Vinatieri. In the clutch, there is no other kicker you would want on your team. He has the most Super Bowls of any kicker with 4 and 2 of those wins were actually won off of his foot with a game winning field goal. He has been elite for two separate teams (the Colts and the Patriots) and cannot be shaken, no matter the situation. Mr. Clutch is an easy choice for the best of all time and he is still kicking well and at 43, is the oldest active player in the NFL.
