Top 10 Kickers in the NFL
As a football fan, I have always been fascinated by the role of kickers in the game. While they may not get as much attention as other players, they can make all the difference in a close game. In this article, I will be exploring the top 10 kickers in the NFL, based on their performance in the 2020 season.
Curiosities, Statistics, and Facts
- Did you know that the longest field goal in NFL history was kicked by Matt Prater, who made a 64-yarder in 2013?
- In the 2020 season, the top 10 kickers had an average field goal percentage of 92.4%.
- The highest-scoring kicker in NFL history is Adam Vinatieri, who has scored 2,673 points over his career.
- According to a survey of NFL fans, 67% believe that kickers are underrated and deserve more recognition for their role in the game.
1. Justin Tucker
It’s hard to argue with Justin Tucker’s place at the top of this list. The Baltimore Ravens kicker had an impressive 2020 season, with a field goal percentage of 90.9% and a long of 55 yards. Tucker has also earned a reputation for making clutch kicks in important moments, making him a valuable asset to any team.
2. Younghoe Koo
Younghoe Koo may not be a household name yet, but he certainly made a name for himself in the 2020 season. The Atlanta Falcons kicker had a field goal percentage of 94.9%, the highest of any kicker in the league. Koo also made all 8 of his attempts from 50+ yards, showing off his impressive leg strength.
3. Harrison Butker
The Kansas City Chiefs have a lot of weapons on offense, but they can also rely on their kicker to put points on the board. Harrison Butker had a field goal percentage of 90% in the 2020 season, and he made all 14 of his attempts from 40-49 yards. Butker also made a clutch kick in the Super Bowl, helping the Chiefs secure their victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
4. Wil Lutz
The New Orleans Saints have had a lot of success in recent years, and their kicker Wil Lutz has played a big role in that. Lutz had a field goal percentage of 86.2% in the 2020 season, and he made all 8 of his attempts from 50+ yards. Lutz also made a game-winning kick against the Chicago Bears in the playoffs, showing off his ability to perform under pressure.
5. Jason Sanders
Jason Sanders may not be a household name, but he had an impressive 2020 season for the Miami Dolphins. Sanders had a field goal percentage of 92.3%, and he made all 8 of his attempts from 50+ yards. Sanders also had a game-winning kick against the Las Vegas Raiders, helping the Dolphins secure their spot in the playoffs.
6. Greg Zuerlein
Greg Zuerlein has been a reliable kicker for many years, and he had a solid 2020 season for the Dallas Cowboys. Zuerlein had a field goal percentage of 82.9%, and he made all 4 of his attempts from 50+ yards. Zuerlein also made a game-winning kick against the New York Giants, showing off his ability to perform under pressure.
7. Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould has been a consistent kicker for many years, and he had another solid season for the San Francisco 49ers in 2020. Gould had a field goal percentage of 93.3%, and he made all 3 of his attempts from 50+ yards. Gould also made a clutch kick against the Los Angeles Rams, helping the 49ers secure their spot in the playoffs.
8. Michael Badgley
Michael Badgley may not be a household name, but he had a solid 2020 season for the Los Angeles Chargers. Badgley had a field goal percentage of 85%, and he made all 3 of his attempts from 50+ yards. Badgley also had a game-winning kick against the Atlanta Falcons, showing off his ability to perform under pressure.
9. Matt Prater
Matt Prater has been in the NFL for many years, and he had a solid 2020 season for the Detroit Lions. Prater had a field goal percentage of 75%, and he made his longest kick of the season from 59 yards out. Prater also holds the record for the longest field goal in NFL history, showing off his impressive leg strength.
10. Dan Bailey
Dan Bailey had a rough start to the 2020 season, but he bounced back and had a solid year for the Minnesota Vikings. Bailey had a field goal percentage of 86.4%, and he made his longest kick of the season from 54 yards out. Bailey also made a clutch kick against the Carolina Panthers, helping the Vikings secure a much-needed win.
FAQs
1. What is a field goal?
A field goal is a scoring play in football where the kicker attempts to kick the ball through the opponent’s goalposts. If the ball goes through the uprights, the team earns 3 points.
2. How is a field goal distance determined?
The line of scrimmage is where the ball is snapped, and the distance of a field goal is measured from that point to the goalposts. For example, if the line of scrimmage is at the 50-yard line and the kicker attempts a field goal, the distance of the kick would be 50 yards.
3. Who holds the record for the most field goals in NFL history?
The record for the most field goals in NFL history is held by Morten Andersen, who made 565 field goals over his career.
4. How do kickers train for their role?
Kickers spend a lot of time practicing their kicking technique, often with the help of a special teams coach. They also work on their leg strength through weightlifting and conditioning exercises.
5. Can kickers also punt?
While some kickers have experience punting, it is not common for them to take on both roles. Most teams have a designated punter who focuses solely on that aspect of the game.