45 Best NFL Kickers We’ve Ever Seen

Are NFL kickers as irrelevant as the Hall of Fame wants us to believe?

Nearly one of every four NFL games are tighter than lockjaw in the final minutes. Many of those are decided by a placekicker who had lugged his helmet around the sideline for all except a few seconds, only to be thrown into a stomach-churning moment.

So, if kickers are expected to be difference-makers in such pressure situations, then why are only two full-timers (Morten Andersen and Jan Stenerud) in the Hall of Fame (HOF) today? Or if they’re a bunch of jamokes, then why don’t we just tear down the goalposts and give them the boot once and for all?

Here’s our list of the greatest NFL kickers in league history, some of whom the HOF voters have apparently never heard of. Our methodology includes a combination of overall performance in regard to era and historical significance (and statistics are through the 2020 season). Do you agree?

45. David Akers

Philadelphia Eagles kicker David Akers kicks against Dallas Cowboys

Tony Gutierrez / AP Photo

Career: 16 seasons (1998-2013)

Teams: Washington Redskins (1997), Philadelphia Eagles (1998-2010), San Francisco 49ers (2011-12), Detroit Lions (2013)

Career statistics: 386-477 (.809)/563-570 (.988)

Career Highlights: David Akers

Chris Gardner / AP Photo

Six-time NFL All-Pro (2001, 2002, 2004, 2009-11)
Six-time Pro Bowl (2001, 2002, 2004, 2009-11)
NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
Two-time NFL scoring leader (2010, 2011)

Bottom Line: David Akers

San Francisco 49ers place kicker David Akers reacts to play

Ben Margot / AP Photo

More than one Iggles fan would tell you that Akers was overrated. Somehow, he and Morten Andersen had the same number of Pro Bowl appearances (six).

Yet any PKer who has the 14th-most field goals (386) and the 20th-most game-winners (15) in the league history belongs here somewhere.

44. Neil Rackers

Houston Texans place kicker Neil Rackers celebrates field goal

Jack Dempsey / AP Photo

Career: 12 seasons (2000-11)

Teams: Cincinnati Bengals (2000-02), Arizona Cardinals (2003-09), Houston Texans (2010-11)

Career statistics: 264-330 (.800)/372-378 (.984)

Career Highlights: Neil Rackers

Al Behrman / AP Photo

NFL All-Pro (2005)
Pro Bowl (2005)
PFW Golden Toe Award (2005)

Bottom Line: Neil Rackers

Arizona Cardinals place kicker Neil Rackers kicks field goal

Steve Cannon / AP Photo

Rackers struggled on 3-pointers in his first two seasons, which dragged down his career rate. Yet few were better for distance — his 26 field goals (in 46 tries) from midfield and beyond are 18th most in league annals.

His 2005 season was far out — 62 kicks attempted, 60 kicks drained, a half-dozen from 50-plus yards. Is it any coincidence that the Cardinals advanced to the Super Bowl that season? Uh, don’t think so.

43. Gene Mingo

AP Photo

Career: 10 seasons (1960-67, 1969-70)

Teams: Denver Broncos (1960-64), Oakland Raiders (1964-65), Miami Dolphins (1966-67), Washington Redskins (1967), Pittsburgh Steelers (1969-70)

Career statistics: 112/220 (.509)/215-223 (.964)

Career Highlights: Gene Mingo

Broncos / Twitter

Two-time AFL All-Star (1960, 1962)

Bottom Line: Gene Mingo

NickiJhabvala / Twitter

This original AFLer was nearly released before he played a game, only to be spared by an ability to kick a football. In his first five seasons, he connected on 61 percent of his field-goal tries, well above the 48 percent league norm.

Get this: His six field goals of 50-plus yards represented 35 percent of the league total. He flamed out soon thereafter but not before he made his mark.

42. Bob Waterfield

AP Photo

Career: 8 seasons (1945-52)

Teams: Los Angeles Rams (1945-52)

Career statistics: 60-110 (.545)/315-336 (.938)

Career Highlights: Bob Waterfield

AP Photo

Two-time NFL champion (1945, 1951)
NFL Most Valuable Player (1945)
Five-time NFL All-Pro (1945, 1946, 1949-51)
Two-time Pro Bowl (1950, 1951)
NFL 1940s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: Bob Waterfield

Bob Waterfield and teammates interacting

Harold Filan / AP Photo

Waterfield was a star quarterback who played the most glamorous position in the most glamorous of markets. Overlooked is that he and Lou Groza (more on him later) were the first successful placekick specialists of the post-war era.

As if that wasn’t enough, the lucky guy was also married to Hollywood star Jayne Russell.

41. Fred Cox

AP Photo

Career: 15 seasons (1963-77)

Teams: Minnesota Vikings (1963-77)

Career statistics: 282-455 (.620)/519-539 (.963)

Career Highlights: Fred Cox

AP Photo

NFL champion (1969)
Pro Bowl (1970)
Minnesota Vikings 40th Anniversary Team

Bottom Line: Fred Cox

Minnesota Vikings kicker Fred Cox in action

AP Photo

For two decades, Cox set the bar for longevity and accuracy. He played in every game over 15 seasons, 228 games in all. His numbers were virtually identical in the regular season (62 percent on FGs/96 percent on EPs) and the postseason (61/95).

Remember, he played when the Vikings were the Vikings, not the imposters who would eventually move indoors.

40. Jim Turner

AP Photo

Career: 16 seasons (1964-79)

Teams: New York Jets (1964-70), Denver Broncos (1971-79)

Career statistics: 304-488 (.623)/521-543 (.959)

Career Highlights: Jim Turner

Broncos / Twitter

Super Bowl champion (1969)
Two-time Pro Bowl (1968, 1969)
AFL All-Time Team

Bottom Line: Jim Turner

AP Photo

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Turner spit in the face of the popular belief that placekickers were a bunch of wimps, not real football players. The one-time Utah State quarterback-safety was unafraid to take on blockers and kick returners.

The Super Bowl III co-star once held league records for most field goals in a season (34) and career (304). The guy wasn’t much from long range, but consider that he spent seven seasons at blustery Shea Stadium, and his career numbers are even more impressive.

39. John Kasay

Carolina Panthers place kicker John Kasay kicks field goal

Margaret Bowles / AP Photo

Career: 20 seasons (1991-1999, 2001-11)

Teams: Seattle Seahawks (1991-94), Carolina Panthers (1995-99, 2001-10), New Orleans Saints (2011)

Career statistics: 461-563 (.819)/587-598 (.982)

Career Highlights: John Kasay

Alex Brandon / AP Photo

NFL All-Pro (1996)
Pro Bowl (1996)
NFL scoring leader (1996)

Bottom Line: John Kasay

John Kasay and teammates celebrate game winning field goal

Nell Redmond / AP Photo

At 5-foot-10, 210 pounds, mighty Kasay packed unusual lower body strength that resulted in 42 field goals from midfield and beyond, fifth-most in league history. His age 39 season was beyond Bradyesque — 77 total kicks, 74 conversions.

The Georgia product was nearly 6 percent better indoors, where he spent most of his career, and that lowered his ranking a bit here.

38. Eddie Murray

Twitter

Career: 19 seasons (1980-95, 1997, 1999-2000)

Teams: Detroit Lions (1980-91), Kansas City Chiefs (1992), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1992), Dallas Cowboys (1993, 1999), Philadelphia Eagles (1994), Washington Football Team (1995, 2000), Minnesota Vikings (1997)

Career statistics: 352-466 (.755)/538-545 (.987)

Career Highlights: Eddie Murray

Lions / Twitter

Super Bowl champion (1994)
Four-time NFL All-Pro (1980-82, 1989)
Two-time Pro Bowl (1980, 1989)
NFL scoring leader (1981)
PFW Golden Toe Award (1989)
NFL All-Rookie Team (1980)
NFL 1980s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: Eddie Murray

Dallas Cowboys kicker Eddie Murray kicks field goal

Ed Reinke / AP Photo

Murray was one of the most dependable placekickers of the 1980s even if he did hang on a bit too long. He had only one field goal longer than 53 yards but converted nearly half of his tries (21-of-43 ) in the 50- to 52-yard range.

Hey, any Detroit Lions PKer (post-Bobby Layne Curse era) nicknamed Money automatically made the list.

37. Jeff Wilkins

St. Louis Rams kicker Jeff Wilkins watches field goal attempt

Tom Gannam / AP Photo

Career: 14 seasons (1994-2007)

Teams: Philadelphia Eagles (1994-95), San Francisco 49ers (1996), St. Louis Rams (1997-2007)

Career statistics: 307-375 (.819)/495-498 (.994)

Career Highlights: Jeff Wilkins

David Zalubowski / AP Photo

Super Bowl champion (2000)
NFL All-Pro (2003)
Pro Bowl (2003)
NFL scoring leader (2003)

Bottom Line: Jeff Wilkins

St. Louis Rams kicker Jeff Wilkins kicks off

Tom Gannam / AP Photo

Wilkins was very good in the clutch (10 late game-winners), excellent from way downtown (72 percent from 50 yards or more) and bricked an extra about once every leap year (99 percent).

Oddly enough, the pride of Youngstown State was a bit erratic in the important 40- to 49-yard range (66 percent). That fact brought him down a few pegs in the order.

36. Dan Bailey

Dallas Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey scores a field goal

LM Otero / AP Photo

Career: 10 seasons (2011-20)

Teams: Dallas Cowboys (2011-17), Minnesota Vikings (2018-20)

Career statistics: 249/290 (.859)/383-396 (.967)

Career Highlights: Dan Bailey

Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP Photo

NFL All-Pro (2015)
Pro Bowl (2015)
NFL All-Rookie Team (2011)

Bottom Line: Dan Bailey

Tony Gutierrez / AP Photo

In a four-year stretch (2012-15), Bailey was as strong and accurate as anyone in the league.

The Oklahoma State product faded late, but his career field goal success rate (ninth in league history) earns him a spot here.

35. Phil Dawson

Cleveland Browns' Phil Dawson celebrates

Mike Roemer / AP Photo

Career: 20 seasons (1999-2018)

Teams: Cleveland Browns (1999-2012), San Francisco 49ers (2013-2016), Arizona Cardinals (2017-18)

Career statistics: 441/526 (.838)/518-531 (.976)

Career Highlights: Phil Dawson

John Russell / AP Photo

Two-time NFL All-Pro (2007, 2012)
Pro Bowl (2012)

Bottom Line: Phil Dawson

Cleveland Browns place kicker Phil Dawson kicks an extra point

Mark Duncan / AP Photo

Dawson appears on the shortlist in every major category in league history — field goals (eighth), 50-plus-yarders (fifth) and field-goal percentage (26th). And he did much on the shores of Lake Erie.

So, why doesn’t he rank higher on this one? We place a lot of importance on the postseason, and through no fault of his own, he had too few chances when it counted most.

34. Stephen Hauschka

Adrian Kraus / AP Photo

Career: 13 seasons (2008-2020)

Teams: Baltimore Ravens (2008-09), Denver Broncos (2010), Seattle Seahawks (2011-16), Minnesota Vikings (2017-19), Jacksonville Jaguars (2020)

Career statistics: 264-310 (.852)/357-373 (.957)

Career Highlights: Stephen Hauschka

Rick Scuteri / AP Photo

Super Bowl champion (2014)
Pro Bowl (2016)
UFL champion (2010)

Bottom Line: Stephen Hauschka

Seattle Seahawks kicker Steven Hauschka kicks field goal

Stephen Brashear / AP Photo

Hausch Money kicked for distance (62 percent on 3-balls from midfield and beyond) and kicked in the clutch (24 of 25 in the postseason).

If the guy hadn’t stubbed his toe on so many extra points, he would be higher in the order.

33. Greg Zuerlein

St. Louis Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein follows through

Ann Heisenfelt / AP Photo

Career: 10 seasons (2012-present)

Teams: St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams (2012-19, Dallas Cowboys (2020-present)

Career statistics: 235-286 (.822)/565-573 (.986)

Career Highlights: Greg Zuerlein

Roger Steinman / AP Photo

NFL All-Pro (2017)
Pro Bowl (2017)
NFL scoring leader (2017)

Bottom Line: Greg Zuerlein

St. Louis Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein kicks off

Tom Gannam / AP Photo

Zuerlein has tailed off in his early 30s, but realistically, that’s the only direction he can go. In the three seasons before then, Greg the Leg nailed 15-of-20 tries from 50-plus yards, where he’s a 54 percent in his career.

For sheer power, he resides in the Morten Andersen-Sebastien Janikowski neighborhood. Too bad that we haven’t seen more of him in the playoffs.

32. Paddy Driscoll

ESPNNFL / Twitter

Career: 10 seasons (1920-29)

Teams: Akron Pros (1920), Decatur Staleys (1920), Chicago Cardinals (1920-25), Chicago Bears (1926-29)

Career statistics: 51-NA (NA)/63-NA (NA)

Career Highlights: Paddy Driscoll

1947Steelers / Twitter

NFL champion (1925)
Eight-time NFL All-Pro (1920, 1922-28)
NFL 1920s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: Paddy Driscoll

randomcardsnow / Twitter

OK, Paddy Knows doesn’t have the same ring to it. But the guy was Bo Jackson before Bo Jackson was even a thought, a wondrous multisport athlete and one of the first pro football superstars.

The drop-kicker was the league field goals leader four times in five seasons. His dozen 3-pointers in the 1926 season was a record for 20 years – and it took the great Lou Groza to break it.

31. Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell makes field goal

Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo

Career: 6 seasons (2015-present)

Teams: Pittsburgh (2015-present)

Career statistics: 149-169 (.882)/206-218 (.945)

Career Highlights: Chris Boswell

Reed Hoffmann / AP Photo

Pro Bowl (2017)

Bottom Line: Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell looks on after his kick

Steven Senne / AP Photo

Boswell hasn’t played as long as the others here, but we’ve seen more than enough to include him. The guy ranks fourth in field-goal success rate in league history, doesn’t he?

Equally impressive, Boz has excelled at Heinz Field (91 percent), which has long been the Bermuda Triangle for kickers. Oh, he has nailed all 16 of his field-goal tries in the postseason, too. Now about that extra point thing…

30. Don Cockroft

AP Photo

Career: 13 seasons (1968-80)

Teams: Cleveland Browns (1968-80)

Career statistics: 216-328 (.659)/432-457 (.945)

Career Highlights: Don Cockroft

Cleveland Browns / YouTube

PFW Golden Toe Award (1972)

Bottom Line: Don Cockroft

BrownsMockDraft / Twitter

Cockroft had the unenviable task to replace Browns legend Lou Groza — and he did a pretty fair job of it, too. While the best of the two-way kickers was a competent punter, placekicks were his forte.

His 1972 season was extraordinarily good — first in 3-point percentage (.815) and fourth in yards per punt (43.2). He was the league leader in field goal success rate three times in a span of five seasons.

29. Ward Cuff

AP Photo

Career: 11 seasons (1937-47)

Teams: New York Giants (1937-45), Chicago Cardinals (1946), Green Bay Packers (1947)

Career statistics: 43-98 (.439)/156-162 (.963)

Career Highlights: Ward Cuff

AP Photo

NFL champion (1938)
Three-time NFL All-Star (1939-41)
Tive-time NFL All-Pro (1938, 1939, 1941, 1943, 1944)

Bottom Line: Ward Cuff

New York Giants coach Steve Owen, left, has a happy word for some of his players in the dressing room after their 31-7 victory over the Washington Redskins in Washington on Dec.12, 1943. The Giants’ victory ties them in the Eastern division with the Redskins and a play off next week. From left to right are Owen, Ward Cuff (14), Will Walls (24), Frank Libel and Steve Pritko (11). (AP Photo) AP

You’ve heard the term “triple threat,” right? Well, Cuff was a six-tool player who could run, pass, block, cover, tackle and kick. As the most consistent placekicker in the era before specialists, he led the league in 3-pointers a then record four times.

And his kickoffs were so up there and out there, the league finally had to limit the height of tees.

28. Toni Fritsch

Toni Fritsch NFL Dallas Cowboys Football

AP Photo

Career: 11 seasons (1971-73, 1975-82)

Teams: Dallas Cowboys (1971-1973, 1975), San Diego Chargers (1976), Houston Oilers (1977-81), New Orleans Saints (1982)

Career statistics: 157-231 (.680)/287-300(.957)

Career Highlights: Toni Fritsch

AP Photo

Super Bowl champion (1972)
NFL All-Pro (1979)
Pro Bowl (1979)
USFL All-League Team (1984)

Bottom Line: Toni Fritsch

Toni Fritsch Football Dallas Cowboys NFL

AP Photo

Fritsch was among the first wave of soccer-style kickers to hit the pro ranks. While his career was somewhat brief, the Austrian made his mark just the same.

He led the league in field-goal percentage three times in four seasons, the best extended run in league history. Through the 1980 campaign, he was the all-time leader in the category (minimum: 200 attempts).

27. Jason Hanson

AP Photo

Career: 21 seasons (1992-2012)

Teams: Detroit Lions (1992-2012)

Career statistics: 495-601 (.824)/665-673 (.988)

Career Highlights: Jason Hanson

Genevieve Ross / AP Photo

NFL All-Pro (1997)
Two-time Pro Bowl (1997, 1999)
Detroit Lions All-Time Team

Bottom Line: Jason Hanson

M. Spencer Green / AP Photo

The raw numbers suggest that Hanson has been short-changed here. They don’t take into account that he played three out of every five games in a dome, where his conversion rate was a healthy 5.6 percent better than outdoors.

Still, he was highly reliable over an extended period and especially in overtime, where his nine game-winners are tied for the most ever.

26. Sam Baker

CowboysOld / Twitter

Career: 15 seasons (1953, 1956-69)

Teams: Washington Football Team (1953, 1956-59), Cleveland Browns (1960-61), Dallas Cowboys (1962-63), Philadelphia Eagles (1964-69)

Career statistics: 179-316 (.566)/428-444 (.964)

Career Highlights: Sam Baker

EaglesOrtheYear / Twitter

NFL All-Pro (1966)
Four-time Pro Bowl (1956, 1963, 1964, 1968)
NFL scoring leader (1957)

Bottom Line: Sam Baker

CowboysOld / Twitter

Baker remains the only player to lead the league in yards per punt (1958) and field goal percentage (1966) in a season. Now that’s a kicker.

The four-time Pro Bowler was every bit the equal of Lou Groza when the Browns great was later in his career.

25. Tom Dempsey

AP Photo

Career: 11 seasons (1969-79)

Teams: New Orleans Saints (1969-70), Philadelphia Eagles (1971-74), Los Angeles Rams (1975-76), Houston Oilers (1977), Buffalo Bills (1978-79)

Career statistics: 159-258 (.616)/252-282 (.894)

Career Highlights: Tom Dempsey

AP Photo

NFL All-Pro (1969)
Pro Bowl (1969)
New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame

Bottom Line: Tom Dempsey

AP Photo

This Saint actually performed a miracle. His legendary 63-yard game-winner in the 1970 season stood as the longest field goal in league history for 28 years.

If anyone was capable of it, Stumpy was the one. He checked in at 255 pounds and wore a modified shoe that served as something of a club on his toeless right foot. In a four-year stretch (1970-1973), the premier distance kicker in the league converted 10 field goals of 50 yards or more.

24. Jason Elam

Jack Dempsey / AP Photo

Career: 17 seasons (1993-2009)

Teams: Denver Broncos (1993-2007), Atlanta Falcons (2008-09)

Career statistics: 436-540 (.807)/675-679 (.994)

Career Highlights: Jason Elam

Jack Dempsey / AP Photo

Two-time Super Bowl champion (1997, 1998)
Three-time NFL All-Pro (1995, 1998, 2001)
Pro Bowl (1995, 1998, 2001)
Denver Broncos 50th Anniversary Team

Bottom Line: Jason Elam

David Zalubowski / AP Photo

Elam benefited from the rarified air of Mile High Stadium for much of his career (plus 4.7 percent), but his resume was as complete as anyone of his time.

He played in two Super Bowls (both wins) and three Pro Bowls. His nine walk-off kicks in overtime are tied for the most in league history. And when the all-time leader in extra point percentage botched one, it qualified as a news bulletin.

23. Sebastian Janikowski

David Richard / AP Photo

Career: 18 seasons (2000-16, 2018)

Teams: Oakland Raiders (2000-16), Seattle Seahawks (2018)

Career statistics: 436-542 (.804)/605-614 (.985)

Career Highlights: Sebastian Janikowski

Jim Barcus / AP Photo

NFL All-Pro (2011)
Pro Bowl (2011)

Bottom Line: Sebastian Janikowski

Mark Duncan / AP Photo

Janikowski didn’t kick a football. He clubbed it. The thump reverberated like no other. His career field goal percentage (54th overall) isn’t all that impressive until one considers this: His 58 field goals of 50 yards or more are the most in league history. And this: Forty-seven of the misses (44 percent) came from midfield or beyond, where he had a 55 percent success rate.

Pure and simple, he attempted many a kick that few other coaches would dare even consider.

22. Mark Moseley

Ron Edmonds / AP Photo

Career: 16 seasons (1970-72, 1974-86)

Teams: Philadelphia Eagles (1970), Houston Oilers (1971-72), Washington Football Team (1974-86), Cleveland Browns (1986)

Career statistics: 300-457-169 (.656)/482-512 (.941)

Career Highlights: Mark Moseley

Paul Vathis / AP Photo

Super Bowl champion (1983)
NFL Most Valuable Player (1982)
NFC Player of the Year (1982)
NFL All-Pro (1982)
Two-time Pro Bowl (1979, 1982)
NFL Scoring Leader (1983)
Washington Football Team Hall of Fame

Bottom Line: Mark Moseley

Rusty Kennedy / AP Photo

Think this list would be complete without the only placekicker to be selected league Most Valuable Player in league history? Moseley was the last of the straight-on types, a 14th-round draft pick out of Stephen F. Austin who beat the odds in more ways than one.

In a four-year stretch (1977-80), he converted nearly 40 percent (10-of-26) of his attempts from 50 yards and beyond, which gave him a leg up on the competition.

21. Matt Prater

Elaine Thompson / AP Photo

Career: 14 seasons (2007-present)

Teams: Atlanta Falcons (2007), Denver Broncos (2007-13), Detroit Lions (2014-2020), Arizona Cardinals (present)

Career statistics: 322-388 (.830)/496-508 (.976)

Career Highlights: Matt Prater

Jack Dempsey / AP Photo

NFL All-Pro (2013)
Two-time Pro Bowl (2013, 2016)

Bottom Line: Matt Prater

David Zalubowski / AP Photo

Prater is the most prolific long-range kicker in league history. He owns the most career field goals of 50-plus yards (59 in a mere 79 tries) as well as the longest (64 yards) in league history.

Because the guy has played approximately one-third of his games in domes, where his field goal rate was a robust 6.6 percent better than elsewhere, he was moved down a few spots on our list.

20. John Carney

Bill Feig / AP Photo

Career: 23 seasons (1988-2010)

Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1988-89), Los Angeles Rams (1980), San Diego Chargers (1980-2000), New Orleans Saints (2001-06, 2009-10), Jacksonville Jaguars (2007), Kansas City Chiefs (2007), New York Giants (2008)

Career statistics: 478-580 (.824)/628-638 (.984)

Career Highlights: John Carney

Lenny Ignelzi / AP Photo

Super Bowl champion (2010)
Two-time NFL All-Pro (1994, 2008)
Two-time Pro Bowl (1994, 2008)
NFL scoring leader (1994)
San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team
New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame

Bottom Line: John Carney

Bill Feig / AP Photo

Few NFL kickersperformed at a comparable high level for as long as Carney, who went undrafted out of Notre Dame then played for-ev-er. He was good, not great from long distance.

We place a lot of importance on the clutch factor, though, as the guy was perhaps his best when the game was on the line.

19. Rob Bironas

Mark Humphrey / AP Photo

Career: 9 seasons (2005-13)

Teams: Tennessee Titans (2005-13)

Career statistics: 239-279 (.857)/315-317 (.994)

Career Highlights: Rob Bironas

Dave Einsel / AP Photo

NFL All-Pro (2007)
Pro Bowl (2007)
PFW Golden Toe Award (2007)

Bottom Line: Rob Bironas

Tony Dejak / AP Photo

Bironas began his career in the Arena Football League, where the undrafted free agent was the best darn kicker in Charleston Swamp Fox history. When the Titans finally gave him a chance at 27 years of age, he didn’t disappoint anyone.

The guy kicked for accuracy (No. 13 overall) and distance (71 percent from midfield and beyond) and in the clutch. A car wreck claimed his life and career much too early.

18. Pete Gogolak

Career: 11 seasons (1964-74)

Teams: AFL Buffalo Bills (1964-65), New York Giants (1966-74)

Career statistics: 173-294 (.588)/432-457 (.972)

Career Highlights: Pete Gogolak

AP Photo

Two-time AFL champion (1964, 1965)
AFL All-Star (1965)
New York Giants Ring of Honor

Bottom Line: Pete Gogolak

AP Photo

Gogolak was one of the true pioneers of the position. Not only did the Cornell product introduce the soccer style to the pro ranks, but he also helped forge the AFL-NFL merger when the Giants signed him away from the rival league.

At the time of his retirement, he held team records for the most consecutive extra points without a miss (133) as well as field goals made (126) and attempted (219).

17. Stephen Gostkowski

Winslow Townson / AP Photo

Career: 15 seasons (2006-2019, Tennessee Titans (2020)

Teams: New England Patriots (2006-2019), Tennessee Titans (2020)

Career statistics: 392-454 (.863)/699-712 (.982)

Career Highlights: Stephen Gostkowski

Ted S. Warren / AP Photo

Three-time Super Bowl champion (2015, 2017, 2019)
Three-time NFL All-Pro (2008, 2014, 2015)
Four-time Pro Bowl (2008, 2013-15)
Five-time NFL scoring leader (2008, 2012-15)
NFL 2010s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: Stephen Gostkowski

Michael Perez / AP Photo

If Adam Vinatieri hadn’t preceded him, we bet Gostkowski would get more respect. The three-time Super Bowl champion was money up to 53 yards and boasted some of the clutch gene himself.

Gillette Stadium didn’t cut him any slack, either.

16. Matt Stover

AJ Mast / AP Photo

Career: 19 seasons (1991-2009)

Teams: Cleveland Browns (1991-95), Baltimore Ravens (1996-2008), Indianapolis Colts (2009)

Career statistics: 471-563 (.837)/591-594 (.995)

Career Highlights: Matt Stover

Gail Burton / AP Photo

Two-time Super Bowl champion (1991, 2001)
Two-time NFL All-Pro (2000, 2006)
Pro Bowl (2000)
Golden Toe Award (2000)
Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor

Bottom Line: Matt Stover

John Russell / AP Photo

Yeah, we know about Ray Lewis and his co-conspirators on defense, but Stover had as much to do with their Super Bowl XXXV championship as anyone else. In five close calls in the regular season, he drained 21-of-22 kick attempts.

While the guy didn’t possess a big leg — 41 percent (13-of-32) from 50-plus yards — his clutch ability puts him high on the list.

15. Matt Bryant

Reinhold Matay / AP Photo

Career: 18 seasons (2002-19)

Teams: New York Giants (2002-03), Indianapolis Colts (2004), Miami Dolphins (2004), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2005-08), Atlanta Falcons (2009-19)

Career statistics: 397-464 (.856), 567-575 (.986)

Career Highlights: Matt Bryant

Rick Scuteri / AP Photo

Pro Bowl (2016)
NFL scoring leader (2016)

Bottom Line: Matt Bryant

Gerald Herbert / AP Photo

Bryant and Jason Hanson were similar — consistently accurate for an extended period although not always for great distances.

The differences: This guy played 26 percent fewer games indoors and ranks among best pressure kickers of all time.

14. George Blanda

AP Photo

Career: 26 seasons (1949-58, 1960-75)

Teams: Chicago Bears (1949-58), Baltimore Colts (1951) AFL Houston Oilers (1960-66), AFL Oakland Raiders (1967-69), Oakland Raiders (1970-80)

Career statistics: 335-639 (.524)/943-959 (.983)

Career Highlights: George Blanda

AP Photo

AP Athlete of the Year (1970
Three-time AFL champion (1960, 1961, 1967)
Three-time All-AFL Team (1961-63)
AFL Most Valuable Player (1961)
Four-time AFL All-Star (1961-63, 1967)
AFL All-Time Team

Bottom Line: George Blanda

AP Photo

Remarkably, the older Blanda got, the more efficient he became. And the ageless wonder played in all or parts of four decades.

In his 40s, he connected at a 63 percent clip, which was 8 percent better than the league norm.

13. Garo Yepremian

AP Photo

Career: 14 seasons (1966-67, 1970-81)

Teams: Detroit Lions (1966-67), Miami Dolphins (1970-78), New Orleans Saints (1979), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1980-81)

Career statistics: 210-313 (.671)/444-464 (.957)

Career Highlights: Garo Yepremian

AP Photo

Two-time Super Bowl champion (1973, 1974)
Two-time NFL All-Pro (1971, 1973)
Two-time Pro Bowl (1973, 1978)
NFL scoring leader (1971)
NFL 1970s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: Garo Yepremian

Paul Sakuma / AP Photo

As his Super Bowl VII folly confirmed, Yepremian sucked as a passer. But the two-time All-Pro sure could kick a football. The First Team All-1970s pick was the most accurate placekicker of the decade.

The 5-foot-8, 165-pounder wasn’t big on long shots — three of his five 50-plus-yarders came with the unbeaten ’72 Dolphins — or else he would be higher in the order.

12. Josh Brown

Jeff Roberson / AP Photo

Career: 14 seasons (2003-16)

Teams: Seattle Seahawks (2003-07), St. Louis Rams (2008-11), Cincinnati Bengals (2012), New York Giants (2013-16)

Career statistics: 319-380 (.839)/438-441 (.993)

Career Highlights: Josh Brown

Charlie Riedel / AP Photo

Pro Bowl (2015)

Bottom Line: Josh Brown

David Kohl / AP Photo

Brown checked the three big boxes in his career — accuracy, distance and clutchness. He ranks among the all-time leaders in points scored (32nd), field goals (27th), field-goal percentage (32nd), extra points (39th) and extra-point percentage (14th).

Hard to believe that he took part in only one Pro Bowl Game — at 36 years of age.

11. Robbie Gould

Elaine Thompson / AP Photo

Career: 16 seasons (2005-present)

Teams: Chicago Bears (2005-15), New York Giants (2016), San Francisco 49ers (2017-present)

Career statistics: 402-465 (.865)/536-550 (.975)

Career Highlights: Robbie Gould

Roger Steinman / AP Photo

Two-time NFL All-Pro (2006, 2017)
Pro Bowl (2006)

Bottom Line: Robbie Gould

Paul Sakuma / AP Photo

Gould converted at least 83 percent of field goal tries in all except three of his 16 seasons. Yet the Bears kicked him to the curb prior to the 2016 campaign in favor of … Connor Barth?

The higher-ups have been in search of the next Robbie Gould ever since.

10. Pat Summerall

John Rooney / AP Photo

Career: 10 seasons (1952-61)

Teams: Detroit Lions (1952), Chicago Cardinals (1953-57), New York Giants (1958-61)

Career statistics: 100-212 (.472)/257-265 (.970)

Career Highlights: Pat Summerall

John Lindsay / AP Photo

NFL champion (1952)

Bottom Line: Pat Summerall

John Lindsay / AP Photo

It wasn’t until Summerall arrived in New York that he became one of the best placekickers around. Clutch? He didn’t miss a kick (9-of-9) in the postseason. The most significant was a miraculous 49-yarder in the cold and snow of Yankee Stadium that forced a one-game playoff in the 1958 season.

Otherwise, there’s no epic overtime league championship game two weeks later, and pro football doesn’t become the National Pastime until who knows when.

9. Gary Anderson

Ed Reinke / AP Photo

Career: 23 seasons (1982-2004)

Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers (1982-94), Philadelphia Eagles (1995-96), San Francisco 49ers (1997), Minnesota Vikings (1998-2002), Tennessee Titans (2003-04)

Career statistics: 538-672 (.801)/820-827 (.992)

Career Highlights: Gary Anderson

Wade Payne / AP Photo

Three-time NFL All-Pro (1983, 1985, 1998)
Four-time Pro Bowl (1983, 1985, 1993, 1998)
NFL scoring leader (1998)
Golden Toe Award (1998)
NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
NFL 1990s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: Gary Anderson

Rusty Kennedy / AP Photo

Anderson booted only a dozen field goals of 50-or-more yards in his career, but the should-be Hall of Famer was money everywhere else.Of the 62 qualifiers with career 80-plus percent conversion rates, he’s the only one to have played in at least half of the 1980s decade.

In the 1998 season, he drained an insane 106 consecutive kicks until his final attempt, a narrow 38-yard miss that almost certainly would have sent the Vikings to Super Bowl XXXIII.

8. Jim Bakken

Fred Waters / AP

Career: 17 seasons (1962-78)

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals (1962-78)

Career statistics: 282-447 (.631)/534-553 (.966)

Career Highlights: Jim Bakken

HelmetAddict / Twitter

Four-time Pro Bowl (1965, 1967, 1975, 1976)
NFL scoring leader (1967)
NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
NFL 1970s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: Jim Bakken

None

Jim Bakken didn’t have a howitzer for a right leg, but he was the most accurate kicker of his time. The guy was a four-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro and First Team All-1960s and Second Team All-1970s selection.

In other words, he deserves to have a bust in Canton, Ohio.

7. Nick Lowery

KevG163 / Twitter

Career: 18 seasons (1978, 1980-96)

Teams: New England Patriots (1978), Kansas City Chiefs (1980-93), New York Jets (1994-96)

Career statistics: 383-479 (.800)/562-568 (.989)

Career Highlights: Nick Lowery

Tom Strattman / AP Photo

Two-time NFL All-Pro (1985, 1990)
Three-time Pro Bowl (1981, 1990, 1992)
NFL scoring leader (1990)
Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame

Bottom Line: Nick Lowery

NFL_Journal / Twitter

While Lowery didn’t pack Morten Andersen-type power, his right leg was plenty strong enough. In terms of accuracy, he set the bar for two decades.

Don’t forget that he played almost all of his home games at Arrowhead Stadium or the Meadowlands, neither of which did kickers any favors.

6. Morten Andersen

AP Photo

Career: 25 seasons (1982-2004, 2006-07)

Teams: New Orleans Saints (1982-94), Atlanta Falcons (1995-2000, 2006-07). New York Giants (2001), Kansas City Chiefs (2002-03), Minnesota Vikings (2004)

Career statistics: 565-709 (.797)/849-859 (.988)

Career Highlights: Morten Andersen

Peter Morgan / AP Photo

Six-time NFL All-Pro (1985-88, 1992, 1995)
Seven-time Pro Bowl (1985-88, 1990, 1992, 1995)
Two-time Golden Toe Award (1986, 1995)
NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame

Bottom Line: Morten Andersen

AP Photo

Granted, Andersen had an advantage to play more than half of his home games indoors, but his success rate was a scant 2.4 percent better there. For accuracy and especially distance, there was nobody better for two decades.

He was a First Team All-Decade selection in the 1980s and 1990s. Suffice it to say, the Hall of Fame is a better place with him there.

5. Justin Tucker

Michael Perez / AP Photo

Career: 9 seasons (2012-present)

Teams: Baltimore Ravens (2012-present)

Career statistics: 293-323 (.907)/353-357 (.989)

Career Highlights: Justin Tucker

Nick Wass / AP Photo

Super Bowl champion (2013)
Seven-time NFL All-Pro (2013, 2016-21)
Five-time Pro Bowl (2013, 2016, 2019-21)
NFL 2010s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: Justin Tucker

Patrick Semansky / AP Photo

Remember, this list is about more than hard, cold numbers. That said, we would take Justin Tucker over any other kicker in the regular season any time, any place.

His average missed field goal is 50.8 yards, for goodness sakes.

4. Jan Stenerud

AP Photo

Career: 19 seasons (1967-85)

Teams: AFL Kansas City Chiefs (1967-69), Kansas City Chiefs 1970-79), Green Bay Packers (1980-83), Minnesota Vikings (1984-85)

Career statistics: 373-558 (.668)/580-601 (.965)

Career Highlights: Jan Stenerud

AP Photo

Super Bowl champion (1970)
Six-time NFL All-Pro (1970, 1971, 1974-76, 1984)
Four-time Pro Bowl (1970, 1971, 1975, 1984)
Three-time All-AFL Team (1967-69)
Two-time AFL All-Star (1968, 1969)
NFL 75th Anniversary Team
NFL 100th Anniversary Team
Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame
Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame

Bottom Line: Jan Stenerud

Jan Stenerud, Tony Adams, Henry Marshall

Sal Veder / AP Photo

As the first consistent long-distance threat in pro ball, Stenerud did much to change the perception of kickers as irrelevant runts.

The 6-foot-2 Norwegian side-winder retired with the most field goals (373) and field goals of 50-plus yards (17) in league history.

3. Adam Vinatieri

Ross D. Franklin / AP Photo

Career: 24 seasons (1996-2019)

Teams: New England Patriots (1996-2005), Indianapolis Colts (2006-19)

Career statistics: 599-715 (.838)/874-898 (.973)

Career Highlights: Adam Vinatieri

Amy Sancetta / AP Photo

Four-time Super Bowl champion (2002, 2004, 2005, 2007)
Three-time NFL All-Pro (2002, 2004, 2014)
Three-time Pro Bowl (2002, 2004, 2014)
NFL scoring leader (2004)
NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
NFL 100th Anniversary Team

Bottom Line: Adam Vinatieri

Eric Gay / AP Photo

A few placekickers have been more accurate in league history. Others have boasted stronger legs.

But none have been more clutch than this one in the postseason when clutch is everything. Overall, the modern GOAT ranks first in career 3-pointers and attempts in addition to points scored.

2. Ben Agajanian

Broncos / Twitter

Career: 13 seasons (1945, 1947-49, 1953-57, 1960-62, 1964)

Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers (1945), Philadelphia Eagles (1945), AAFC Los Angeles Dons (1947-48), New York Giants (1949, 1954-57), Los Angeles Rams (1953), AFL Los Angeles-San Diego Chargers (1960, 1964), AFL Dallas Texans (1961), Green Bay Packers (1961), AFL Oakland Raiders (1962)

Career statistics: 128-145 (.883)/141-155 (.910)

Career Highlights: Ben Agajanian

kengfunk / Twitter

Two-time NFL champion (1956, 1961)

Bottom Line: Ben Agajanian

zesty_packers / Twitter

Agajanian was the godfather of placekickers, the first such specialist in pro ball. Despite four severed toes on his right foot, the rest of an industrial accident that would require a specially designed square-toe shoe, Bootin’ Ben played for the ’56 Giants and ’61 Packers and was the league leader in field-goal percentage on two occasions. He was a long-time Dallas Cowboys consultant in his later years.

As ex-teammate Tom Landry once said, “(Agajanian) has done more for the kicking game in both college and the pros in the past 50 years than anybody I know.”

1. Lou Groza

AP Photo

Career: 21 seasons (1946-67)

Teams: AAFC Cleveland Browns (1946-49), Cleveland Browns (1950-67)

Career statistics: 264-481 (.549)/810-833 (.972)

Career Highlights: Lou Groza

AP Photo

Four-time NFL champion (1950, 1954, 1955, 1964)
Sporting News NFL Most Valuable Player (1954)
Six-time NFL All-Pro (1952-57)
Nine-time Pro Bowl (1950-55, 1957-59)
NFL scoring leader (1957)
NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
NFL 50th Anniversary Team
Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor

Bottom Line: Lou Groza

AP Photo

Groza didn’t invent the position, but he did more than anyone to enhance its importance and give it some cred. His 1953 season (23-of-26 FGAs, 39-of-40 EPAs) was 50 years ahead of its time.

Mind you, The Toe also excelled at offensive tackle in one of the most potent offenses of the era. Fittingly, the Lou Groza Award is presented to the best college placekicker each year.