How a college walk-on became the New England Patriots' all-time leading scorer
In short: Before becoming an NFL icon, Stephen Gostkowski was a college football walk-on and a multi-sport high school standout. After being drafted in the fourth round in 2006, he transitioned from a rookie facing intense scrutiny to a league-leading scorer, eventually securing three Super Bowl titles and multiple All-Pro honors.
Stephen Gostkowski's journey to NFL stardom began at the University of Memphis, where he played as a walk-on for the football team while also receiving an athletic scholarship for baseball. During his tenure with the Memphis Tigers, he set school records by converting 70 field goals and 159 extra points, finishing his collegiate career with a total of 369 points.
The New England Patriots drafted him during the 2006 NFL draft's fourth round, placing instant demand on him to replace the iconic Adam Vinatieri. His rookie season proved his potential; he finished as the league's highest-scoring rookie with 103 points, outperforming running back Maurice Jones-Drew. Furthermore, he was the inaugural post-merger player to top the league in scoring for over two straight years, a milestone he reached four times from 2012 to 2015.
Gostkowski's career was marked by remarkable consistency and specific milestones. He holds the NFL record for consecutive extra points and was a four-time Pro Bowl selection. While his rookie year saw him navigate challenges like having three different holders, he ultimately became a cornerstone of the Patriots franchise, earning two first-team All-Pro selections and three Super Bowl championships during his 15-season career.
Beyond the field, Gostkowski's early years were defined by unique nicknames. Growing up, he was often called 'Beaver' after losing two front teeth playing hockey. At Memphis, his coach Tommy West dubbed him 'Gotti' because he struggled to pronounce the kicker's full name.
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