The NFL (National Football League) has seen many outstanding kickers throughout its storied history, making it challenging to determine the absolute “best” kicker. Several factors can be considered when evaluating kickers, including career statistics, longevity, consistency, impact on the game, individual awards, and team success.

Here are some notable kickers who are often mentioned in discussions about the best kicker in NFL history:
- Adam Vinatieri: Vinatieri is widely regarded as one of the greatest kickers in NFL history. He spent the majority of his career with the New England Patriots, where he won three Super Bowl championships, and later played for the Indianapolis Colts. Vinatieri is known for his clutch performances, with numerous game-winning kicks and memorable moments in high-pressure situations. He is the NFL’s all-time leading scorer with 2,673 points and has four Super Bowl rings.
- Morten Andersen: Andersen is another name often mentioned in discussions about the best kicker in NFL history. He had a remarkable career that spanned over 25 years, playing for five teams, including the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, and Minnesota Vikings. Andersen is the NFL’s all-time leader in field goals made with 565 and is the all-time leading scorer for the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons. He was named to the Pro Bowl seven times and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
- Justin Tucker: Tucker is considered one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history. He has spent his entire career with the Baltimore Ravens and has consistently been among the league leaders in field goal percentage. Tucker has been named to the Pro Bowl three times and has earned two First Team All-Pro selections. He has also made several game-winning kicks and holds the NFL record for the longest field goal made at 66 yards.
- Jan Stenerud: Stenerud is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern placekicking in the NFL. He played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings during his career, and was the first pure placekicker to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Stenerud was known for his powerful leg and accuracy, and he was named to the Pro Bowl three times. He also won a Super Bowl championship with the Chiefs in 1970.
- Gary Anderson: Anderson had a successful career as a kicker in the NFL, playing for several teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and Minnesota Vikings. He was known for his accuracy and consistency, and in the 1998 season, he became the first kicker in NFL history to have a perfect regular season, converting all of his field goal and extra point attempts. Anderson was named to the Pro Bowl four times and was a key contributor to the success of the teams he played for.
- George Blanda: Blanda is often mentioned in discussions about the best kickers in NFL history due to his longevity and versatility. He played in the NFL for an astonishing 26 seasons, playing for several teams, including the Chicago Bears, Houston Oilers, and Oakland Raiders. Blanda was not only a kicker but also a quarterback, and he was known for his ability to perform under pressure and make clutch kicks. He was named to the Pro Bowl three times and won the NFL’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 1970.
- Jason Hanson: Hanson spent his entire 21-year NFL career with the Detroit Lions, making him one of the most iconic kickers in franchise history. He was known for his accuracy, leg strength, and consistency, and he holds numerous Lions’ franchise records, including most career points scored and most career field goals made.
Who is the best kicker in nfl history?