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The 10 Best NFL Kickers Of All Time, Ranked

(Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)

Published Nov 8, 2023

The NFL has seen a multitude of talented and accomplished kickers throughout its rich history. These specialists play a critical role in a team's success, as they are responsible for scoring points through field goals and extra points, as well as influencing field position with their punts. They may not be the fastest players or put up the most points, but teams would be lost without the best NFL kickers of all time.

Today, we will explore some of the most iconic and influential kickers who have left an indelible mark on the league, setting records, achieving consistency, and making clutch kicks that have defined their careers and cemented their legacies in NFL lore. These kickers have not only excelled at their craft but have also become beloved figures for fans of the game, earning their place in the pantheon of NFL greats.

Here are the 10 best kickers in NFL history, ranked!

10. Jason Hanson

(Photo by David Paul Morris /Getty Images)

Accuracy: 82.4%
Field Goals Made: 496
Longest Field Goal: 55 Yards

Jason Hanson is widely regarded as one of the most respected and accomplished kickers in NFL history. He spent his entire 21-year NFL career with the Detroit Lions, making him one of the most loyal and enduring players with a single franchise in league history. Hanson's career, which spanned from 1992 to 2012, is marked by numerous records, consistent excellence, and his unwavering commitment to the Lions.

9. Gary Anderson

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Accuracy: 80.1%
Field Goals Made: 538
Longest Field Goal: 55 Yards

Gary Anderson is another prominent name in the world of NFL kickers. He is widely recognized as one of the most accurate and successful kickers in the history of the league. Anderson had a distinguished career that spanned from 1982 to 2004, during which he played for several NFL teams, leaving a lasting mark on the sport.

One of the standout achievements in Gary Anderson's career is his remarkable accuracy when it came to field goals and extra points. He was known for his consistency and reliability, making him a valuable asset for every team he played for. Anderson held the NFL record for the most consecutive field goals made (40) at one point in his career.

8. Matt Stover

(Photo by Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Accuracy: 83.7%
Field Goals Made: 471
Longest Field Goal: 55 Yards

Matt Stover is a highly respected and accomplished kicker in the history of the NFL. He enjoyed a successful career that spanned an impressive 20 seasons, during which he played for the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, and Baltimore Ravens. Stover's longevity, consistency, and ability to make clutch kicks earned him a well-deserved reputation as one of the league's premier kickers.

Stover is perhaps best known for his time with the Baltimore Ravens, where he spent the majority of his career. He played a pivotal role in the Ravens' Super Bowl XXXV championship season in 2000, consistently converting field goals and extra points to help the team secure its first Super Bowl title.

7. Jason Elam

(Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

Accuracy: 80.7%
Field Goals Made: 436
Longest Field Goal: 63 Yards

Jason Elam is a former NFL kicker who is widely recognized for his successful and accomplished career in professional football. He spent the majority of his 17-season NFL career with the Denver Broncos, where he achieved remarkable success and established himself as one of the league's premier kickers.

One of the most notable moments in Elam's career came in 1998 when he helped the Broncos win Super Bowl XXXIII. He made a 51-yard field goal in the championship game, which contributed to the team's victory. Throughout his career, he was known for his ability to make clutch kicks and perform under pressure.

6. George Blanda

(Via Getty Images)

Accuracy: 52.3%
Field Goals Made: 335
Longest Field Goal: 55 Yards

George Blanda was a versatile and iconic figure in the history of the NFL. While he is primarily remembered as a kicker and quarterback, his long and storied career showcased his adaptability and durability, making him a legend in the world of professional football.

As a kicker, Blanda was known for his ability to make clutch field goals, and he was one of the first players to truly excel as both a quarterback and kicker in the NFL. In 1970, at the age of 43, he famously led the Oakland Raiders to a number of comeback victories as their quarterback, earning him the nickname "The Grand Old Man of the NFL."

5. Stephen Gostkowski

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Accuracy: 86.3%
Field Goals Made: 392
Longest Field Goal: 62 Yards

Stephen Gostkowski was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft, and he went on to spend 14 seasons with the team. Throughout his career, he demonstrated exceptional accuracy in field goal and extra point attempts, earning the trust of his coaches and teammates. He consistently ranked among the league leaders in scoring, thanks to his ability to convert field goals from various distances.

4. Morten Andersen

(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Accuracy: 79.7%
Field Goals Made: 565
Longest Field Goal: 60 Yards

Morten Andersen is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished and enduring kickers in NFL history. One of the highlights of Morten Andersen's career came in 2004 when he became the NFL's all-time leading scorer, surpassing the previous record held by Gary Anderson. He was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time First-Team All-Pro.

3. Lou Groza

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Accuracy: 54.9%
Field Goals Made: 264
Longest Field Goal: 51 Yards

Lou Groza, also known as "The Toe," is a legendary figure in the history of the NFL. He is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the kicking position and one of the greatest kickers and offensive linemen in the league's history. Groza spent his entire 21-year career with the Cleveland Browns, where he made a significant impact as a placekicker and offensive tackle.

One of the most iconic moments in Lou Groza's career came in the 1950 NFL Championship Game when he kicked the game-winning field goal, securing the Browns' first NFL title. This moment solidified his place in NFL history and made him a beloved figure in Cleveland.

2. Adam Vinatieri

(Photo by Damian Strohmeyer/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

Accuracy: 83.8%
Field Goals Made: 599
Longest Field Goal: 57 Yards

Adam Vinatieri is widely regarded as one of the greatest kickers in the history of the NFL. His remarkable career has been defined by clutch performances, incredible consistency, and numerous historic moments. Vinatieri began his NFL career with the New England Patriots in 1996 and later played for the Indianapolis Colts. He was a key contributor to both franchises, helping them win multiple Super Bowl titles.

Vinatieri is renowned for his ability to make crucial kicks under pressure, including game-winning field goals in Super Bowl XXXVI and XXXVIII, which earned him the nickname "Mr. Clutch." Throughout his career, Adam Vinatieri set numerous records, including most career field goals made and most career points scored.

1. Justin Tucker

(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Accuracy: 90.2%
Field Goals Made: 379+
Longest Field Goal: 66 Yards

Justin Tucker is known for his incredible leg strength and pinpoint accuracy in field goals and extra points. He has consistently been among the league leaders in field goal percentage and has the ability to make kicks from insane distances.

One of the highlights of his career came in 2012 when he made a game-winning 61-yard field goal against the Detroit Lions, setting an NFL record for the longest field goal in a domed stadium. Tucker's clutch performances have made him a key asset for the Baltimore Ravens. He played an essential role in the team's Super Bowl victory in the 2012 season. His ability to consistently make important kicks in high-pressure situations has earned him a reputation as one of the most reliable and clutch kickers in the NFL.