The undrafted free agent who rewrote the NFL record books
In short: In 2014, he entered the league without a draft selection. Today, Chris Boswell stands as the most accurate kicker in NFL history on attempts of 50 yards or more. From a practice squad rookie to the league's top scorer, his journey is a masterclass in precision.
Chris Boswell’s ascent from an undrafted free agent in 2014 to a professional mainstay is a rare feat in the NFL. After a collegiate career at Rice where he ranked second on the all-time scoring list, Boswell initially struggled to find a permanent home, moving from the Houston Texans to the New York Giants before finally joining the Pittsburgh Steelers in October 2015. His arrival in Pittsburgh marked the beginning of a period of unprecedented scoring reliability.
His impact on the game is defined by historic milestones in high-pressure moments. Boswell holds the NFL record for the most field goals in a single postseason game, having successfully converted six attempts during a playoff victory against the Chiefs. He is also the first player in league history to achieve the feat of converting at least six field goals in a game on three separate occasions. His ability to maintain accuracy from extreme distances is equally unmatched; he currently holds the record for the most accurate kicker on field goal attempts of 50 yards or more.
Beyond the statistics, Boswell has become a cornerstone of the Steelers' offense, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and a first-team All-Pro honor. His 2024 season was particularly dominant, as he led the entire NFL in scoring and became the first player in franchise history to achieve that distinction. Even as his financial value has risen—tying the record for the highest-paid kicker in NFL history with a $28 million extension in 2026—his reputation remains built on the clinical execution of long-range kicks that have defined the Steelers' recent era.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Chris Boswell
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