5 Best Kickers of All-Time, Ranked

The best kickers of all-time combine stellar leg strength, accuracy, and the ability to be cool in the clutch.

The position often operates under immense pressure, with games decided by their timing and composure. Ranking the best NFL kickers requires considering field goal percentage, range, clutch performances, and career longevity. 

Think you know who the best NFL kickers ever were? Here’s our top five:

1. Adam Vinatieri

• Career: 1996 to 2019 (Patriots, Colts)
• Career Stats: 599 field goals made, 2,673 career points
• Accolades: 4× Super Bowl Champion, NFL all-time leading scorer, 3× First-Team All-Pro

Adam Vinatieri is widely regarded as the most clutch kicker in NFL history. Known for his ice-cold composure under pressure, he delivered game-winning kicks in two Super Bowls and played a pivotal role in four championship runs with the Patriots and Colts. 

From blizzard conditions in the “Tuck Rule” game to last-second Super Bowl winners, Vinatieri built his legacy on moments that defined dynasties. 

While he was a crucial piece to New England’s championship puzzle, he also simply racked up stats unlike any kicker in history. 

He retired as the NFL’s all-time leading scorer, a testament to both his accuracy and longevity across 24 seasons. Combining reliability, mental toughness, and historic impact, Vinatieri comes in as the gold standard for kickers in NFL history.

2. Justin Tucker

• Career: 2012 to present (Ravens)
• Career Stats (through 2024): 400+ field goals made, 90%+ career accuracy
• Accolades: Super Bowl Champion, 5× First-Team All-Pro, NFL record 66-yard field goal

Justin Tucker is the most accurate kicker in NFL history, boasting a career field goal percentage over 90%. His legendary 66-yard game-winner in 2021 set the NFL record for the longest successful field goal, further cementing his reputation for greatness. 

Tucker combines elite leg strength with unmatched precision, routinely converting from distances most kickers wouldn’t attempt. Beyond the stats, his poise in clutch moments and near-automatic consistency have made him a weapon for the Ravens and the blueprint for the modern NFL kicker. With a rare mix of power, accuracy, and confidence, Tucker continues to redefine the standard for excellence at his position.

3. Morten Andersen

• Career: 1982 to 2007 (Saints, Falcons, Chiefs, Vikings, Giants)
• Career Stats: 565 field goals made, 2,544 career points
• Accolades: Hall of Fame inductee, 7× Pro Bowler, NFL’s all-time leading scorer until 2018

Morten Andersen’s legendary career spanned a mind-boggling 25 seasons, making him one of the longest-tenured and most respected players in NFL history. 

Known as the “Great Dane,” Andersen’s booming leg and remarkable accuracy helped him thrive across four different decades. He retired as the league’s all-time leading scorer, a record that stood for years and symbolized his unparalleled longevity and dependability. 

Andersen’s ability to perform in any condition, combined with his consistency under pressure, made him a trusted weapon for every team he played for. A seven-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer, he set the standard for endurance and excellence at the kicker position.

4. Jan Stenerud

• Career: 1967 to 1985 (Chiefs, Packers, Vikings)
• Career Stats: 373 field goals made, 1,699 career points
• Accolades: Super Bowl Champion (IV), 4× Pro Bowler, Hall of Fame inductee

Jan Stenerud was one of the true pioneers of modern placekicking, introducing the “soccer-style” technique that would forever change the NFL. Before his arrival, most kickers used a straight-on approach, but Stenerud’s angled stance and sweeping motion delivered greater accuracy and distance, setting a new standard for the position. 

His precise leg helped the Kansas City Chiefs win Super Bowl IV, and his consistency over 19 seasons earned him six Pro Bowl selections. As one of the few pure kickers inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Stenerud’s impact goes beyond stats, as he helped usher in a new era of kicking excellence.

5. Gary Anderson

• Career: 1982 to 2004 (Steelers, Eagles, 49ers, Vikings, Titans)
• Career Stats: 538 field goals made, 2,434 career points
• Accolades: 2× All-Pro, 4× Pro Bowler, first kicker to have a perfect regular season (1998)

Gary Anderson was one of the most consistent and dependable kickers of his era, setting the gold standard for accuracy and longevity. Over a 23-year career, he became one of the league’s most trusted specialists, converting crucial kicks in all conditions. 

In 1998, Anderson achieved one of the rarest feats in NFL history: a perfect regular season. He went 35-for-35 on field goals and 59-for-59 on extra points while helping lead the Vikings to a 15-1 record. 

Anderson and his Vikings came up short in the NFC title game, ironically due to his leg. Though remembered for both triumph and heartbreak, his precision, professionalism, and durability place him firmly among the greatest NFL kickers the game has ever seen.

Honorable Mentions

• George Blanda – Pioneer kicker and quarterback.
• Matt Stover – 471 career field goals, Super Bowl Champion.
• Stephen Gostkowski – Key piece of the Patriots’ dynasty years.

George Blanda, Matt Stover, and Stephen Gostkowski each left a lasting mark on NFL kicking history. 

Blanda’s unique dual career as both quarterback and kicker showcased unmatched versatility and longevity, playing into his late 40s. Stover was the definition of reliability, thriving through the transition from the old-school era to the modern game and helping the Ravens secure a Super Bowl title. 

Gostkowski carried the torch for New England’s dynasty years, delivering under pressure and finishing as one of the most accurate kickers of his time. Though just outside the top five kickers in NFL history, all three defined consistency, clutch performance, and longevity for the position.

You can also check out our list of the best cornerbacks of all-time to see how defensive legends shaped the other side of the game.

Defining Kicker Greatness

The best NFL kickers of all time excelled in both accuracy and pressure situations. 

Vinatieri delivered the most clutch moments, Tucker is redefining precision, Andersen provided unmatched longevity, Stenerud revolutionized the position, and Anderson showcased consistency. 

Great kickers combine mental toughness with leg strength, often determining the outcome of championship games.

Want to bet on today’s best kickers or the next Super Bowl champion? Visit our football betting guide for expert odds, picks, and recommended sportsbooks.