Skip to main content

Top 10 NFL Kickers of All Time Rankings

Ranking the best NFL Kickers of All Time such as Lou Groza, Jason Elam, Matt Stover, and many more as Justin Tucker leads the way

Image

By admin | June 5, 2022

The debate over who is well deserving of a spot among the Top 10 Best NFL Kickers of All-Time rankings list is a difficult one to argue. A rankings list that features a long group of solid NFL resumes including some of the biggest and most memorable NFL plays of All-Time.

The big question is what metrics should be used to rank the greatest kickers of All-Time? Is it game winning kicks or field goal percentage or the most 50-yard field goals?

No real NFL statistics can be determined making it important to look at the best kickers of All-Time entire resume as well as the success of the team they played on.

The list includes two of the most dominant kickers of the 2000’s in Justin Tucker and Stephen Gostkowski as well as long time kickers Morten Anderson, Adam Vinatieri, and Jason Elam.

All and all, the NFL was blessed with some exceptional kickers of the history of the league.

With that said, here is our list of the Top 10 NFL Kickers All-Time:

Honorable Mention

Gary Anderson

Team(s): Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings & Tennessee Titans

The longtime NFL field goal kicker, put together a tremendous career while spending time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, and Tennessee Titans.

Over the course of his career, Anderson posted an 80.1 field goal percentage drilling 538 of 672 career field goal attempts while drilling 820 of 827 extra point attempts.

Anderson was a four-time NFL Pro Bowl selection while taking home two First-Team NFL All-Pro honors.

Accolades:
  • 2× First-team All-Pro (1985, 1998)
  • Second-team All-Pro (1983)
  • 4× Pro Bowl (1983, 1985, 1993, 1998)
  • NFL scoring leader (1998)
  • Golden Toe Award (1998)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1982)
  • NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
  • NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
  • Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team

Robbie Gould

Team(s): Chicago Bears, New York Giants & San Francisco 49ers

NFL kickers seem to play forever and that is the case with the undrafted kicker out of Penn State who landed with the Chicago Bears in 2005.

Gould, who failed to make the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens landed on with the Bears after the team lost starting kicker Doug Brien to an injury. A position Gould wouldn’t relinquish before setting him up for long term success.

Through the 2021 NFL season, Gould has made 86.6 percent of all his field goal attempts (420 of 485) while also posting 255 touchbacks. In 2021, Gould kicked a game winning field goal to help send the San Francisco 49ers to the NFC Championship game.

Accolades:
  • First-team All-Pro (2006)
  • Second-team All-Pro (2017)
  • Pro Bowl (2006)
  • 100 greatest Bears of All-Time

Top 10 Best NFL Kickers of All Time

10. Jason Hanson

Team(s): Detroit Lions

One team, one tremendous NFL career as Jason Hanson solidified himself as one of the best kickers to play the game.

Hanson, who was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL draft out of Washington State spent his entire NFL career with that team.

Over that time span, Hanson set the record for most seasons played with one team (21 years) as well as most games played with one team (327 games). Hanson was named to two Pro Bowl teams and two Second-Team NFL All-Pro teams.

Accolades:
  • Second-team All-Pro (1997)
  • 2× Pro Bowl (1997, 1999)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1992)
  • Pride of the Lions
  • Detroit Lions All-Time Team
  • State of Washington Sports Hall of Fame (2019)
  • Consensus All-American (1989)
  • Most seasons played with one team: 21 (Detroit Lions)
  • Most games played with one team: 327 (Detroit Lions)

9. Matt Stover

Team(s): New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens & Indianapolis Colts

When you look at successful kickers around the NFL, former Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens kicker Matt Stover lands near the top of the Top 10 NFL Kickers All-Time rankings. 

While most of his success came as a member of the Ravens team including leading the team to a Super Bowl XXXV win.

During the Raven’s run Stover carried the offense while the defense shut down opposing offenses. Stover scored 2,004 points over his career while connecting on 471 of 563 total field goals. 

Accolades:
  • 2× Super Bowl champion (XXV, XXXV)
  • First-team All-Pro (2000)
  • Second-team All-Pro (2006)
  • Pro Bowl (2000)
  • Golden Toe Award (2000)
  • Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor

8. Jason Elam

Team(s): Denver Broncos & Atlanta Falcons

Despite benefitting from the altitude of Denver and playing indoors in Atlanta, Jason Elam still demonstrated his ability to be a clutch field goal kicker.

Elam, who tied the NFL All-Time record for the longest field goal of 63 yards set by Tom Dempsey during his career, also kicked key field goals for the Denver Broncos during the team’s two Super Bowl titles.

The Broncos and Atlanta Falcons kicker scored 1,983 total points over his career on 436 field goals kicked.

Accolades:
  • 2× Super Bowl champion (XXXII, XXXIII)
  • 3× Second-team All-Pro (1995, 1998, 2001)
  • 3× Pro Bowl (1995, 1998, 2001)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1993)
  • Denver Broncos Ring of Fame
  • Denver Broncos 50th Anniversary Team
  • WAC Special Teams Player of the Year (1992)
  • 3× First-team All-WAC (1989, 1991-1992)

7. Jan Stenerud

Team(s): Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers & Minnesota Vikings

The Norwegian kicker revolutionized the NFL kicker position while becoming one of the first kickers in the history of the league to be used as just a kicker.

The Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings star Jan Stenerud, who played soccer as a kid, brought a soccer style kick to the kicking game while connecting on over 70 percent of his kicks during a time when kickers were making just over 50 percent of their field goals attempted.

Stenerud would earn six First-Team All-Pro/AFL honors as well as making six Pro Bowl/All-Star teams and being enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame.

Accolades:
  • Super Bowl champion (IV)
  • 4× First-team All-Pro (1970, 1971, 1974, 1984)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (1975, 1976)
  • 4× Pro Bowl (1970, 1971, 1975, 1984)
  • NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • 2× AFL All-Star (1968, 1969)
  • 2× First-team All-AFL (1968–1969)
  • Second-team All-AFL (1967)
  • Kansas City Chiefs No. 3 retired
  • Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame
  • Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame

6. Morten Anderson

Team(s): New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings

Joining Jan Stenerud as one of two kickers to make it to the NFL Hall of Fame as only a kicker was the great Morten Anderson.

Anderson, who set an NFL record of playing in 382 NFL games, also set the record for most consecutive games scoring a streak that would last from 1983 to 2004/2006-2007.

Anderson would go on to connect on 565 of 709 career field goals over his 25-year NFL career while finishing with 2,544 total points.

Accolades:
  • 5× First-team All-Pro (1985–1987, 1992, 1995)
  • Second-team All-Pro (1988)
  • 7× Pro Bowl (1985–1988, 1990, 1992, 1995)
  • 2× Golden Toe Award (1986, 1995)
  • NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
  • NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
  • New Orleans Saints Ring of Honor 2015
  • New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame 2009
  • Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame 2013
  • Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame 2020
  • Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame 2011
  • Michigan State Athletics Hall of Fame 2011
  • First-team All-American (1981)
  • First-team All-Big Ten (1981)
  • Second-team All-Big Ten (1980)
  • Most games played: 382
  • Most consecutive games scoring: 360 (1983–2004, 2006–2007)

5. George Blanda

Team(s): Chicago Bears, Baltimore Colts, Houston Oilers & Oakland Raiders

Rounding out the top five kickers on the Top 10 NFL Kickers All-Time rankings list is the great George Blanda.

Blanda who was not only a kicker, but a quarterback put together a solid NFL career that led him to the NFL Hall of Fame. Blanda would go on to play 26 seasons while making the most extra points in the history of the NFL (943).

Over his career, Blanda made numerous big kicks including multiple kicks throughout his career in the playoffs and Super Bowl.

Accolades:
  • NFL Man of the Year (1974)
  • Bert Bell Award (1970)
  • Associated Press Athlete of the Year (1970)
  • 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
  • Titans/Oilers Ring of Honor
  • Most seasons played: 26
  • Most career extra points made: 943
  • Most career extra point attempted: 959

4. Stephen Gostowski

Team(s): New England Patriots & Tennessee Titans

One of two kickers who dominated from 2010 through 2021, is the former New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostowski.

Gostowski, who was drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2006, helped guide the team to three Super Bowl titles while making two All-Pro NFL First-Team selections and four AFC Pro Bowl teams.

Over his career Gostowski set the record for most consecutive extra points made (479) as well as tying the record of five seasons leading the league in points. In the playoffs, Gostowski has made 41 of his 46 career attempts including 14 of 17 from at least 40 yards.

Accolades:
  • 3× Super Bowl champion (XLIX, LI, LIII)
  • 2× First-team All-Pro (2008, 2015)
  • Second-team All-Pro (2014)
  • 4× Pro Bowl (2008, 2013–2015)
  • 5× NFL scoring leader (2008, 2012–2015)
  • NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
  • New England Patriots 2010s All-Decade Team
  • Most consecutive extra points made: 479
  • Most seasons leading league in points scored: 5 (2008, 2012–2015; tied with Don Hutson and Gino Cappelletti)

3. Lou Groza

Team(s): Cleveland Browns

The former Ohio State football player could do it all playing offensive line as well as defensive tackle as well as put together a great year as one of the greatest NFL kickers.

The Cleveland Browns would sign Lou Groza out of the Military, a move that paid off. Groza would set the records for most field goals made in three different seasons while also taking home the 1954 MVP award.

Groza would earn nine trips to the Pro Bowl as well as being named to four different First-Team NFL All-Pro teams.

Accolades:
  • NFL Most Valuable Player – SN (1954)
  • 4× NFL champion (1950, 1954, 1955, 1964)
  • 4× AAFC champion (1946–1949)
  • 4× First-team All-Pro (1952–1955)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (1956, 1957)
  • Second-team All-AAFC (1946)
  • 9× Pro Bowl (1950–1955, 1957–1959)
  • NFL scoring leader (1957)
  • NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
  • NFL 50th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • Cleveland Browns No. 76 retired
  • Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor

2. Adam Vinatieri

Team(s): New England Patriots & Indianapolis Colts

When it comes to the top two NFL kickers on the Top 10 NFL Kickers All-Time rankings list a strong debate could be made over who should land at number one.

Nonetheless, the long time New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts star Adam Vinatieri lands at number two. Vinatieri, who appeared in 10 NFL seasons with the Patriots and 14 seasons with the Colts, scored at least 1,000 points with both teams while racking up an NFL record 2,673 total points.

In addition to those numbers, Vinatieri was a four-time Super Bowl Champion, secured three Super Bowl titles with kicks off his foot and was named to three First-Team NFL All-Pro teams.

Accolades:
  • NFL Most Valuable Player – SN (1954)
  • 4× NFL champion (1950, 1954, 1955, 1964)
  • 4× AAFC champion (1946–1949)
  • 4× First-team All-Pro (1952–1955)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (1956, 1957)
  • Second-team All-AAFC (1946)
  • 9× Pro Bowl (1950–1955, 1957–1959)
  • NFL scoring leader (1957)
  • NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
  • NFL 50th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • Cleveland Browns No. 76 retired
  • Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor

1. Justin Tucker

Team(s): Baltimore Ravens

The only active NFL kicker to land on the Top 10 NFL Kickers All-Time rankings list is the Baltimore Ravens Justin Tucker. Tucker, who is a man of many talents including his ability to sing (opera) continues to be as clutch as any kicker in the history of the NFL.

Through 2021, Tucker is the All-Time leader in field goal percentage with a 91.1 percentage mark while connecting on 326 of his 358 field goals attempted. Tucker has racked up 1,360 total points, 548 career touch backs while also setting the NFL record with a game winning 66-yard field goal.

Through his career with the Ravens, Tucker has made historic clutch kicks including the NFL record while also winning another game on a 55-yard attempt. 

Tucker is 178 of 181 from field goals of below 40 yards, 100 of 111 on field goals between 40-49 yards and 48 of 66 on field goals above 50 yards.

Accolades:
  • Super Bowl champion (XLVII)
  • 5× First-team All-Pro (2013, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (2017, 2020)
  • 5× Pro Bowl (2013, 2016, 2019–2021)
  • NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
  • NFL records
  • Most accurate kicker: 91.1%
  • Longest field goal made: 66 yards

How would you rank the best kickers of all time? Rank below to be added in the Power Rankings.

Related Links:

Leave a comment

Players Count 10
  1. Gary Anderson

    Kickers All-Time
  2. Morten Anderson

    Kickers All-Time
  3. Jan Stenerud

    Kickers All-Time
  4. Jason Elam

    Kickers All-Time
  5. Matt Stover

    Kickers All-Time
  6. Jason Hanson

    Kickers All-Time
  7. Robbie Gould

    Kickers All-Time
  8. Justin Tucker

    Kickers All-Time
  9. Adam Vinatieri

    Kickers All-Time
  10. Lou Groza

    Kickers All-Time
Selected Players

Top 10 NFL Best Middle Linebackers of All Time Rankings

Before we get into the Best Middle Linebackers of All...

October 23, 2021

Top 10 NFL Best Defensive Tackles of All Time Rankings

Before we get into the Best Defensive Tackles of All...

November 12, 2021

Top 10 Best Soccer Clubs in the World 2023 Rankings

Football Club Rankings 2023 The 2022-2023 season in football was...

July 26, 2023

Top 10 WNBA Rookie of the Year 2024 Rankings

Who is the WNBA Rookie of the Year? The 2024...

October 30, 2024

Thank you

Your email has been successfully subscribed.

Who will be the 2024-2025 NFL MVP?

Jayden Daniels - 1 Votes

Josh Allen - 0 Votes

Patrick Mahomes - 0 Votes

Lamar Jackson - 0 Votes

Jared Goff - 0 Votes

Total Voters: 1

Loading ... Loading ...

Mobile For an optimal experience please
rotate your device to portrait mode

Crop Image