When it comes to the NFL, the spotlight often falls on the quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers who light up the scoreboard with touchdowns and big plays. However, we must not overlook the importance of kickers, those unsung heroes who can make or break a game with their precision and leg strength.
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kickers 1. Justin Tucker
Position: K Throws: Right Height/Weight: 6-1, 183lb (185cm, 83kg) Team: Baltimore Ravens Born: November 21, 1989, in Houston, TX (Age: 33-312d) College: Texas
Accolades:
- 6x Pro Bowl
- 5x All-Pro
- 1x Super Bowl Champion
- Hall of Fame All-2010s Team
Career Stats (2019-2022):
- Games Played: 17
- Approximate Value (AV): 56
- Field Goals Made (FGM): 37
- Field Goals Attempted (FGA): 43
- Extra Points Made (XPM): 31
- Extra Points Attempted (XPA): 32
Justin Tucker is undoubtedly one of the NFL’s premier kickers. In 2022, he led the league in field goal percentage, solidifying his reputation as the all-time career leader in this category. Tucker not only earned the most NFL kicker fantasy points in 2022 but has also led all NFL kickers in fantasy football points since 2019. Additionally, he boasts the highest AV among all kickers during that span. In a memorable 2021 moment, Tucker kicked a 66-yard field goal to secure a victory for the Baltimore Ravens over the Detroit Lions, setting a new NFL record.
kickers 2. Daniel Carlson
Position: K Height/Weight: 6-5, 215lb (196cm, 97kg) Team: Las Vegas Raiders Born: January 23, 1995, in Colorado Springs, CO (Age: 28-226d) College: Auburn
Career Stats (2019-2022):
- Games Played: 17
- Approximate Value (AV): 18
- Field Goals Made (FGM): 34
- Field Goals Attempted (FGA): 37
- Extra Points Made (XPM): 35
- Extra Points Attempted (XPA): 36
Accolades:
- 1x All-Pro
Daniel Carlson’s NFL journey is a testament to resilience. Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2018, he struggled early on, hitting only 25% of his attempts. However, the Las Vegas Raiders gave him a second chance, and he seized it with both hands. Carlson has consistently made over 90% of his field goal attempts in each of the past three seasons. In an impressive feat, he successfully converted 11 out of 13 attempts from 50 yards or more during the 2022 NFL season. In fact, Carlson’s 2022 AV tied him for the top-rated NFL kicker.
kickers 3. Younghoe Koo
Position: K Height/Weight: 5-9, 185lb (175cm, 83kg) Team: Atlanta Falcons Born: August 3, 1994, in Seoul, South Korea (Age: 29-035d) College: Georgia Southern
Career Stats (2019-2022):
- Games Played: 61
- Approximate Value (AV): 16
- Field Goals Made (FGM): 122
- Field Goals Attempted (FGA): 137
- Extra Points Made (XPM): 120
- Extra Points Attempted (XPA): 126
Accolades:
- 1x Pro Bowl
Younghoe Koo, often pronounced as “YOUNG-way COO,” has cemented his place among the NFL’s elite kickers over the past few seasons. Since 2019, his AV is second only to Justin Tucker, and he ranks third in field goals made during that period with an impressive 119. In 2022, Koo connected on 32 of these field goals, tying him for fifth in the league. Notably, Koo briefly played for the Chargers in 2017 and sat out the 2018 NFL season. However, he found his stride in Atlanta, where he booted an impressive 7 field goals from 50 yards or more in 2022.
the kickers
These three kickers have consistently demonstrated their skill and poise under pressure, making them stand out as the best in the NFL. While their paths to success have been unique, their contributions to their respective teams are invaluable. As we continue to witness unforgettable moments in NFL history, let’s not forget to give credit to these remarkable athletes who make it all possible with the swing of their legs.
