Top 10 Kickers in NFL History

Kickers are often overlooked until the game is on the line and every second counts. They must perform under pressure, sometimes deciding a team’s fate with a single swing of the leg. The best kickers in NFL history were accurate, consistent, and fearless in big moments.

Tricia Quitales
June 9, 2025
4 min read

This article highlights the top 10 kickers in NFL history, ranked by skill, accuracy, and career impact. Each player made game-winning kicks, set records, or defined an era of special teams excellence. From legendary names of the past to modern greats, these kickers earned their place through consistency and cold nerves.

10. David Akers

David Akers was a left-footed kicker known for his strong leg and steady performance. He played most of his career with the Eagles and 49ers, earning six Pro Bowl selections. Akers was reliable in all conditions and once set the single-season record for points. His 63-yard field goal in 2012 tied the longest in NFL history at the time. He always gave his team a chance, no matter the pressure.

9. Stephen Gostkowski

Stephen Gostkowski followed Adam Vinatieri in New England and built his own legendary career. He was the NFL’s top scorer several times and helped the Patriots win three Super Bowls. Gostkowski had a strong leg and was known for hitting kicks deep into the playoffs. His accuracy made him one of the most dependable weapons for Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. He remained calm in big games and delivered when it mattered.

8. Matt Prater

Matt Prater is known for having one of the strongest legs in NFL history. He set the league record with a 64-yard field goal in 2013. Prater has been consistent throughout his career and often nailed long-range kicks that others wouldn’t attempt. His time with Denver and Detroit showed how valuable his power and precision could be. He became the go-to guy when distance seemed impossible.

7. Morten Andersen

Morten Andersen had a career that spanned more than two decades and two centuries. Known as “The Great Dane,” he retired as the NFL’s all-time leading scorer. Andersen made clutch kicks for the Saints, Falcons, and other teams, proving his durability and poise. His smooth kicking style and mental focus helped him remain consistent into his late 40s. He became the second pure kicker inducted into the Hall of Fame.

6. Jason Elam

Jason Elam was a steady force for the Denver Broncos during their Super Bowl runs in the 1990s. He tied the then-record for longest field goal with a 63-yarder in 1998. Elam was known for his calm demeanor and technical skill. He scored over 1,900 points and rarely missed in key moments. His accuracy and strength made him one of the most trusted kickers of his era.

5. Gary Anderson

Gary Anderson had one of the smoothest kicking motions ever seen in the NFL. He played for over 20 seasons and became one of the most accurate kickers of his time. Anderson was the first kicker to go perfect in the regular season, hitting every field goal and extra point in 1998. Though one miss in the playoffs became famous, his overall career was brilliant. His consistency helped change how teams valued kickers.

4. Justin Tucker

Justin Tucker is widely considered the most accurate kicker in NFL history. He has a strong leg, ice-cold nerves, and a reputation for perfection under pressure. Tucker kicked a 66-yard game-winner in 2021, the longest in league history. Playing for the Ravens, he has been a game-changer since his rookie season. His accuracy, technique, and range set him apart from anyone in the modern game.

3. Jan Stenerud

Jan Stenerud was one of the first pure kickers to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. He came from Norway and brought a soccer-style approach that changed the NFL. Stenerud won a Super Bowl with the Chiefs, kicking with power and confidence. He was a pioneer at the position and helped raise the standard for placekickers. His career set the stage for future generations of specialists.

2. George Blanda

George Blanda was more than just a kicker — he was also a quarterback for much of his career. His kicking alone would have made him a legend. Blanda played until age 48 and made several clutch kicks, especially in his later years with the Raiders. His long career and ability to come through in big moments made him unforgettable. He remains one of the most versatile and reliable players in NFL history.

1. Adam Vinatieri

Adam Vinatieri is the most clutch kicker the NFL has ever seen. He made game-winning field goals in two Super Bowls and countless playoff games. Vinatieri played 24 seasons and became the all-time leader in points and field goals. His ability to handle pressure made him a legend with both the Patriots and Colts. No one combined consistency, longevity, and big-game success quite like him.