The unlikely specialists who dominate the scoreboard
In short: In the high-impact world of gridiron football, the placekicker is often an outsider. Often the smallest players on the roster, these specialists frequently bypass the physical contact of other positions to become the league's most prolific scorers, sometimes playing far longer than their more famous teammates.
In the past, kicking duties were not handled by a dedicated specialist. Prior to the ball's shape being standardised in 1934, athletes used the drop-kick technique. Until the 1960s, most kickers were 'two-way' players who held other positions on the roster. Legends like George Blanda and Lou Groza were stars at multiple positions. It was only after the 1940s, when the one-platoon system was abolished, that true specialists emerged. Ben Agajanian, beginning his career in 1945, is the first confirmed NFL placekicking specialist, though players like Mose Kelsch may have pioneered the role as early as 1933.
The modern era is defined by the 'soccer-style' technique, which involves approaching the ball from the side and striking it with the instep. Introduced by Fred Bednarski in 1957 and popularized by the Gogolak brothers, this replaced the 'straight-on' style that required rigid, upturned-toe shoes. The last full-time straight-on kicker in the NFL, Mark Moseley, retired in 1986. Today, the role is increasingly global; the NFL has seen successful kickers from Latin America, the UK, Austria, and Mexico.
Despite the lack of direct contact during field goal attempts, the position carries unique risks. Kickers are vulnerable during kickoffs, as seen in the 1997 case of Björn Nittmo, who suffered severe brain damage from a hit. However, the lack of frequent contact allows for extraordinary longevity. Of the eight NFL players to play beyond age 45, six were kickers, including Blanda, who played until 48. This specialization has made them scoring juggernauts; all but one of the top 50 career scorers in NFL history are placekickers.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Placekicker
- Also: Wikidata — placekicker · CC0
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