In the world of football, kickers often don’t get the same level of recognition as other players on the field. However, they play a crucial role in the game, as they are responsible for scoring points and helping their team win. While kickers are typically not drafted in the early rounds of the NFL draft, there have been a few exceptions. In this article, we will take a closer look at the highest drafted kicker in NFL history.
Sebastian Janikowski was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the first round of the 2000 NFL draft, making him the highest drafted kicker in league history. Janikowski was chosen with the 17th overall pick, which raised some eyebrows at the time. However, the Raiders believed in Janikowski’s talent and felt that he could make a significant impact on their team.
Janikowski quickly proved the Raiders right, as he became one of the most dominant kickers in the league. He spent 18 seasons with the Raiders, setting numerous records along the way. Janikowski is the Raiders’ all-time leading scorer, and he appeared in more games with the franchise than any other player.
Janikowski had a powerful leg and was known for his ability to make long field goals. He holds the record for the most field goals over 50 yards in NFL history, with 58. Janikowski was also a reliable kicker, making 80.4% of his field goal attempts over his career.
While Janikowski’s success with the Raiders is undeniable, some have questioned whether it was worth selecting a kicker in the first round of the draft. The reality is that kickers are often overlooked in the draft, as teams tend to focus on other positions. However, kickers can make a huge difference in games, and having a reliable kicker can be the difference between winning and losing.
Sebastian Janikowski is the highest drafted kicker in NFL history, having been selected in the first round of the 2000 draft by the Oakland Raiders. While some may question the wisdom of selecting a kicker in the first round, Janikowski proved to be a valuable player for the Raiders, setting numerous records and becoming one of the most dominant kickers in the league. Kickers may not always get the recognition they deserve, but their impact on the game canot be overlooked.
Highest Drafted Kicker in NFL History
The highest drafted kicker in NFL history is Sebastian Janikowski. He was selected in the fist round of the 2000 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders, making him one of only three NFL kickers to be picked in the first round. Janikowski played for the Raiders for 18 seasons and is considered one of the best kickers in NFL history. He is the Raiders’ all-time leading scorer and has appeared in more games with the franchise than any other player. Janikowski’s impressive statistics include 436 field goals made out of 542 attempts and 446 touchbacks. His longevity and success in the NFL make him a notable figure in the sport’s history.
Highest Drafted Punter
The position of punter in American football is often considered less important than other positions, such as quarterback or running back. However, there have been instances where punters have been drafted in the first round of the NFL draft, indicating their vale to a team’s success.
The highest a punter has ever been drafted in the NFL is with the 23rd pick in the 1st round. This occurred in the 1973 draft when the Oakland Raiders selected Ray Guy, a punter from Southern Mississippi. Guy went on to have a successful career, earning three Super Bowl rings and seven Pro Bowl selections.
Since Guy’s selection in 1973, there have been only two other punters drafted in the first round. In 1979, Russell Erxlaben was drafted by the New Orleans Saints with the 11th pick. Erxlaben also played as a place kicker and had a relatively short career, retiring after just five seasons.
The most recent punter to be drafted in the first round was in 2018 when the Seattle Seahawks selected Michael Dickson with the 149th overall pick. Although not as high as Guy or Erxlaben, Dickson’s selection in the fifth round still shows the importance of the punter position in modern football.
While punters may not receive the same level of attention as other positions, their impact on the game cannot be underestimated. The fact that three punters have been drafted in the first round of the NFL draft is evidence of their value to a team’s success.
Has a Kicker Ever Been Drafted in the First Round?
Kickers have been drafted in the first round of the NFL draft on five separate occasions. The most recent instance was in the 2000 draft, when the Oakland Raiders selected Sebastian Janikowski with the 17th ovrall pick.
While taking a kicker in the first round may seem unconventional, it is not unheard of. In fact, the Raiders have demonstrated a willingness to use high draft picks on kickers, as they also drafted Ray Guy in the first round of the 1973 draft.
Here is a list of the five kickers who have been drafted in the first round:
1. Charlie Gogolak – New York Giants, 1966 (6th overall)
2. Steve Little – St. Louis Cardinals, 1978 (15th overall)
3. Russell Erxleben – New Orleans Saints, 1979 (11th overall)
4. Ali Haji-Sheikh – New York Giants, 1983 (60th overall)
5. Sebastian Janikowski – Oakland Raiders, 2000 (17th overall)
It’s worth noting that while drafting a kicker in the first round may seem like a gamble, it can pay off. Janikowski, for example, went on to have a successful career with the Raiders and is widely regarded as one of the best kickers in NFL history.
Has an NFL Kicker Ever Won MVP?
In the history of the NFL, only one kicker has won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. This honor was bestowed upon Mark Moseley of the Washington Redskins in 1982. Moseley’s MVP season was notable because it occurred durng the infamous strike-shortened season, during which each team only played nine games.
Moseley’s performance during that season was impressive, as he made 20 out of 21 field-goal attempts. More impressively, between 1981 and 1982, he hit 23 consecutive field goals. Moseley’s accuracy helped the Redskins win the NFC East division and ultimately led to him being named the league’s MVP.
It’s worth noting that kickers are rarely considered for the MVP award. This is because their contribution to the team is often seen as less significant than that of other positions, such as quarterbacks or running backs. However, Moseley’s exceptional performance in 1982 proved that kickers can make a significant impact on a team’s success.
Mark Moseley is the only kicker in the history of the NFL to win the league’s MVP award. His accuracy and consistency during the strike-shortened 1982 season helped the Redskins win their division and cemented his place in NFL history.
Kicking Barefoot: The Story of an NFL Kicker
In the world of American football, kicking has always been a crucial part of the game. While most kickers prefer to wear shoes or cleats for better grip and accuracy, some have dared to go barefoot. One such kicker is Jeff Wilkins, who used to kick without shoes during his NFL career.
Jeff Wilkins was a placekicker for several NFL teams, including the San Francisco 49ers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and St. Louis Rams. He played in the league from 1994 to 2007 and was known for his accurate kicks and clutch performances. However, what set him apart from other kickers was his preference for barefoot kicking.
Wilkins started kicking without shoes in high school and continued to do so in college and the NFL. He believed that kicking barefoot gave him a better feel for the ball and allowed him to generate more power and spin. He also felt that wearing shoes made him too reliant on the equipment and less adaptable to different field conditions.
Wilkins’ barefoot kicking style was not without its challenges, though. He had to be extra careful not to injure his foot on the hard ground, especially during cold or wet weather. He also had to deal with the occasional ridicule from opponents and fans who found his bare feet amusing or unprofessional.
Despite thee obstacles, Wilkins managed to have a successful career as an NFL kicker, with a career field goal percentage of 80.6 and a total of 1,690 points scored. He retired in 2007, but his legacy as the last barefoot kicker in the NFL lives on.
Jeff Wilkins is the NFL kicker who used to kick barefoot during his career. While his unconventional style may have raised some eyebrows, it also demonstrated his confidence, adaptability, and dedication to his craft.
Source: nflmocks.com
Has a 99 Yard Punt Ever Been Achieved?
Football fans have often wondered if there has ever been a 99-yard punt in the history of the sport. Well, the answer is yes, there has been a 99-yard punt in college football. The player who achieved this remarkable feat was Pat Brady, a quarterback and punter for the Nevada Wolf Pack.
On October 28, 1950, during a game against Los Angeles Loyola (now Loyola Marymount), Pat Brady punted the ball 99 yards, setting an NCAA record that has stood the test of time. To put this into perspective, the length of a football field is 100 yards, so Brady’s punt was almost the entire length of the field.
It’s worth noting that Brady’s 99-yard punt happened more than sven decades ago, and there has not been another punt of that length in college football since then. This is a testament to the rarity of this accomplishment and the skill required to pull it off.
While it’s highly unlikely that anyone will ever match Brady’s record, there have been other impressive punts in college football history. Some notable examples include Steve O’Neal’s 98-yard punt for Texas Tech in 1974 and Braden Mann’s 82-yard punt for Texas A&M in 2018.
A 99-yard punt has been achieved in college football, and it was accomplished by Pat Brady of the Nevada Wolf Pack in 1950. This remarkable feat has stood the test of time and remains a testament to the skill and athleticism required to excel in this sport.
82 Yard Punt Kicked By Who?
During a game between the Buffalo Bills and the Indianapolis Colts, rookie kicker for the Bills, Matt Araiza, made an impressive 82-yard punt that ultimately led to a touchback. The touchback occurred when the ball was kicked into the end zone and the opposing team did not attempt to return it, resulting in the ball being placed on the 20-yard line for the Colts to begin their offensive drive.
Araiza’s punt showcases his impressive leg strength and accuracy, as he was able to kick the ball a significant distance while also landing it in a precise location that prevented the Colts from being able to return it. It is worth noting that while punters and kickers are often overlooked in football, their contributions can be crucial in determining the outcome of a game.
Matt Araiza, the rookie kicker for the Buffalo Bills, kicked an 82-yard punt that resulted in a touchback during a game aganst the Indianapolis Colts.
Maximum Distance of D1 Punting
Punting is an essential part of American football, and punters play a crucial role in determining the success of a team. In Division 1 (D1) football, punters are expected to be of the highest caliber, possessing exceptional skills and abilities. One of the most essential aspects of punting in D1 football is the distance a punter can punt the ball.
On average, D1 punters can punt the ball between 40 to 45 yards. However, some top-performing punters can punt the ball up to 60 yards or even further. The distance a punter can punt the ball is determined by a combination of factors, including leg strength, technique, and environmental conditions.
A punter’s leg strength is perhaps the most crucial factor in determining how far they can punt the ball. Stronger legs can generate more power, allowing the punter to kick the ball further. Additionally, a punter’s technique determines the accuracy and height of their punts, which can also impact how far the ball travels.
Environmental conditions can also affect how far a punter can punt the ball. Wind, rain, and other weather elements can impact the trajectory of the ball, making it challenging for the punter to punt the ball as far as they usually would.
D1 punters are expected to punt the ball between 40 to 45 yards, with some top-performing punters being able to punt the ball up to 60 yards or further. The distance a punter can punt the ball is determined by varius factors, including leg strength, technique, and environmental conditions.
The Last Straight NFL Kicker
The last full-time straight on placekicker in the National Football League (NFL) was Mark Moseley. He retired from the Cleveland Browns ater the 1986 season. Moseley was a highly skilled kicker who was one of the most accurate and reliable in the league during his career.
It is important to note that the last straight-on kicker drafted into the NFL was Manny Matsakis from Capital University. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1984. Matsakis went on to have a successful coaching career in college and the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Since Moseley’s retirement, the straight-on kicking style has become increasingly rare in the NFL. Most modern kickers use the soccer-style technique, which involves approaching the ball from an angle and swinging the leg in a sweeping motion.
Mark Moseley was the last full-time straight-on placekicker in the NFL, and Manny Matsakis was the last straight-on kicker drafted into the league. While the straight-on style has largely fallen out of favor in the NFL, it remains an important part of the history of American football.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
The Longest Field Goal Kicked
The longest field goal in college football history was kicked by Ove Johansson of Abilene Christian on October 16, 1976. The impressive kick was made from 69 yards away duing a game against East Texas State.
It is important to note that this record only applies to college football and not professional football. In the NFL, the longest field goal is currently held by Matt Prater of the Denver Broncos, who kicked a 64-yard field goal in 2013.
Kicking a field goal from such a distance requires a combination of accuracy, strength, and technique. Kickers must have a powerful leg and be able to kick the ball with just the right amount of force and trajectory to make it through the uprights.
Over the years, there have been many memorable field goals in both college and professional football. Some of the most famous include Tom Dempsey’s 63-yard kick in 1970, Justin Tucker’s game-winning 61-yard field goal in the 2013 AFC Championship Game, and Sebastian Janikowski’s 63-yard field goal in 2011.
When Is the Optimal Time to Draft a Kicker?
When it comes to drafting a kicker for your fantasy football team, it’s important to remember that they are not typically a high priority pick. In fact, it’s generally recommended that you wait until the last two or three rounds before selecting a kicker.
Taking a kicker any earlier than that could potentially be a waste of a valuable pick. There are simply too many other positions that require attention first, such as quarterback, running back, and wide receiver.
Moreover, the difference betwen the top kickers and the middle-of-the-pack kickers is usually not significant enough to justify reaching for a kicker early on. You’ll likely be able to find a solid kicker in the later rounds who can put up similar numbers to some of the top-tier kickers.
It’s best to wait until the last few rounds of your fantasy football draft before selecting a kicker. Focus on filling out your roster with starters and depth at other positions first. This approach will give you the best chance of building a winning team.
Has a Kicker Achieved a Perfect Season?
A kicker has had a perfect season. In 2003, former NFL kicker Mike Vanderjagt accomplished this feat by not missing a single field goal or point-after attempt throghout the entire season, including the playoffs. This made him the first kicker in NFL history to achieve this level of perfection. It’s worth noting that in 1998, Gary Anderson of the Minnesota Vikings was perfect during the regular season but missed a field goal attempt during the playoffs, making Vanderjagt’s achievement even more impressive. Vanderjagt’s perfect season was a testament to his accuracy and consistency as a kicker, and it remains a noteworthy accomplishment in NFL history.
Non-Quarterback Players Who Have Won MVP Awards
The NFL MVP award has been dominated by quarterbacks in recent years, with 19 of the past 23 awards going to a signal-caller. The last non-quarterback to win the award was running back Adrian Peterson in 2012, when he rushed for 2,097 yards in a single season.
Before Peterson’s win, the last non-quarterback to win the award was running back LaDainian Tomlinson in 2006. Other non-quarterbacks to win the award include running backs Shaun Alexander in 2005, Marshall Faulk in 2000, and Terrell Davis in 1998.
It is worth noting that while quarterbacks have dominated the award in recent years, there have been several instances where non-QBs have come close to winning it. For example, in 2018, running back Todd Gurley finished secod in MVP voting behind quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Similarly, in 2017, wide receiver Antonio Brown received some MVP consideration, finishing in the top five in voting.
While quarterbacks have been the most common recipients of the NFL MVP award in recent years, there have been several non-QBs who have won it in the past, and others who have come close.
Source: sbnation.com
Has a Kicker Ever Won NFL Rookie of the Year?
A kicker has won Rookie of the Year before. Jason Hanson, who played for the Detroit Lions, is the only kicker to ever receive the Offensive Rookie of the Year award from the Pro Football Writers Association. This award is gien to the top offensive player in their first year of professional football. Hanson was awarded this honor in 1992 after an impressive season where he made 21 of 27 field goal attempts and 30 of 31 extra point attempts.
It’s worth noting that Hanson’s win was not recognized by the Associated Press, who gives out the official NFL Rookie of the Year award. The AP has never given the award to a kicker, and it is unlikely they ever will. However, Hanson’s achievement is still impressive and shows that kickers can make a significant impact on the game, even in their first year in the league.
While kickers may not be the most glamorous position in football, Jason Hanson’s recognition as Offensive Rookie of the Year serves as a reminder that they can make a big difference on the field and even receive top honors for their performance.
Conclusion
The highest drafted kicker in NFL history is Sebastian Janikowski, who was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the first round of the 2000 NFL draft. While kickers are not typically valued as highly as other positions in the draft, Janikowski proved to be a valuable asset for the Raiders, becoming thir all-time leading scorer and appearing in more games with the franchise than any other player. While it may be rare for a kicker to be drafted in the first round, Janikowski’s success shows that it can be a worthwhile investment for a team in need of a reliable kicker.
