Top 10 White Kickers of All Time

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In the world of professional football, few positions elicit as much pressure and expectation as that of the kicker, a role often underestimated yet essential to the game’s outcome. Among the top 10 white kickers of all time are performers who’ve graced the field, names like Adam Vinatieri and Morten Andersen resonate due to their unparalleled contributions and record-setting careers.

Each player on the esteemed list of top 10 white kickers brings a unique legacy of precision and poise. Yet, what truly distinguishes these athletes—beyond memorable kicks—might surprise those familiar with their storied careers. What threads weave their extraordinary feats together? 

#1. Adam Vinatieri

• Position: Kicker
• Height/Weight: 6’0″, 212 lbs
• Teams: New England Patriots (1996–2005), Indianapolis Colts (2006-2016)

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Adam Vinatieri is widely regarded as one of the most clutch kickers in NFL history. Known for his composure under pressure, Vinatieri’s career is highlighted by game-winning kicks in two Super Bowls (XXXVI and XXXVIII) with the New England Patriots.

His ability to perform in high-stakes situations was a defining trait, earning him the nickname “Mr. Clutch.”

After joining the Indianapolis Colts in 2006, Vinatieri continued to demonstrate remarkable consistency and reliability, contributing to the team’s Super Bowl XLI victory. His long career and significant impact on both teams he played for have left an enduring legacy in the world of professional football.

• Accolades:
• 4× Super Bowl Champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLI)
• 3× Pro Bowl Selection (2002, 2004, 2014)
• 3× First-team All-Pro (2002, 2004, 2014)
• NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
• NFL’s All-Time Leading Scorer
• 2× NFL Scoring Leader (2004, 2014)

#2. Morten Andersen

• Position: Kicker
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 225 lbs
• Teams: New Orleans Saints (1982–1994), Atlanta Falcons (1995–2000), New York Giants (2001), Kansas City Chiefs (2002-2003), Minnesota Vikings (2004-2005), Atlanta Falcons (2006–2007)

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Morten Andersen, known as “The Great Dane,” carved out an illustrious career in the NFL, kicking in the league for 25 seasons. With a calm demeanor and powerful leg, he became a reliable scoring asset.

Andersen’s tenure with the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons was particularly impactful. He broke numerous records, including becoming the NFL’s all-time leading scorer at the time of his retirement.

Andersen’s game-winning kicks frequently turned close games, and he was pivotal in helping the Falcons reach Super Bowl XXXIII. His longevity and accuracy set a benchmark for subsequent generations of kickers.

• Accolades:
• NFL Hall of Famer (Class of 2017)
• Seven-time Pro Bowler
• Six-time First-team All-Pro
• NFL 1980s and 1990s All-Decade Teams
• NFL all-time leading scorer at retirement with 2,544 points

#3. Gary Anderson

• Position: Kicker
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 193 lbs
• Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers (1982-1994), Philadelphia Eagles (1995-1996), San Francisco 49ers (1997), Minnesota Vikings (1997-2002), Tennessee Titans (2003-2004)

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Gary Anderson was one of the most reliable and prolific kickers in NFL history. With a career spanning over two decades, he holds a revered place among kickers with his unmatched consistency and remarkable accuracy.

Anderson gained notoriety with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he played for 12 seasons, leaving as the team’s all-time leading scorer.

His iconic moment came during the 1998 season with the Minnesota Vikings, when he achieved a perfect regular season, making every field goal and extra point attempt, further solidifying his legacy. Known for his composed demeanor, Anderson’s playing style was marked by his calm precision under pressure.

• Accolades:
• 4× Pro Bowl selection
• 3× First-team All-Pro (1983, 1993, 1998)
• Led NFL in scoring (1998)
• Member of the NFL 1980s and 1990s All-Decade Teams
• Second all-time in career points at retirement (2,434 points)
• First player to have a perfect regular season in field goal attempts

#4. Jan Stenerud

• Position: Kicker
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 187 lbs
• Teams: Kansas City Chiefs (1967-1979), Green Bay Packers (1980-1983), Minnesota Vikings (1984-1985)

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Jan Stenerud revolutionized the role of a kicker in American football by introducing the soccer-style kick to the NFL. His precision and strong leg made him a scoring machine for the Kansas City Chiefs, where he played a vital role in securing the team’s victory in Super Bowl IV.

Stenerud’s consistency under pressure and remarkable field goal range made him an invaluable asset to every team he played for. His dedication and skill elevated the standards for kickers in the league, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest kickers in NFL history.

• Accolades:
• Pro Football Hall of Fame (Class of 1991)
• Super Bowl Champion (IV)
• 6× Pro Bowl selections
• 3× First-Team All-Pro selections
• NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
• Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame

#5. Stephen Gostkowski

• Position: Kicker
• Height/Weight: 6’1″, 215 lbs
• Teams: New England Patriots (2006-2019), Tennessee Titans (2020)

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Stephen Gostkowski was a cornerstone of the New England Patriots’ special teams unit for 14 seasons, exercising remarkable precision and reliability. Recognized for his strong leg and icy composure, he made numerous game-winning kicks, considerably contributing to the team’s impressive run of success.

Gostkowski’s proficiency in both field goals and extra points cemented his role as one of the most productive and consistent kickers of his era. His legacy is tightly interwoven with the Patriots’ dominance during the 2000s and 2010s, marked by his crucial role in securing key victories in tight contests.

• Accolades:
• 4× Super Bowl Champion (XLIX, LI, LIII)
• 4× Pro Bowl selection
• 2× First-team All-Pro
• 2× NFL scoring leader (2008, 2012)
• Most points in a decade (2010-2019)

#6. Lou Groza

• Position: Kicker/Offensive Tackle
• Height/Weight: 6’3″, 240 lbs
• Teams: Cleveland Browns (1946-1959, 1961-1967)

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Lou Groza, often known as “The Toe,” was a pioneering figure in the NFL, not only for his place-kicking abilities but also as an outstanding offensive tackle. Playing for the Cleveland Browns, Groza was instrumental in their dominance during his tenure, contributing to multiple championship wins.

His unique ability to play both positions with excellence demonstrated his diverse talent and resilience, leaving a lasting legacy as one of football’s earliest versatile players. His precise field goals and extra points added notably to the Browns’ scoring capabilities, establishing him as a vital team asset.

• Accolades:
• 4-time NFL Champion
• NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1974)
• 9-time Pro Bowl selection

#7. George Blanda

• Position: Kicker/Quarterback
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 215 lbs
• Teams: Chicago Bears (1949), Baltimore Colts (1950), Chicago Bears (1950-1958), Houston Oilers (1960-1966), Oakland Raiders (1967-1975)

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George Blanda was a versatile player who left an indelible mark on professional football with his dual roles as a kicker and quarterback. Renowned for his endurance and ability to come through in the clutch, Blanda played an extensive career spanning over 26 seasons.

His skill as a kicker was particularly highlighted during his years with the Oakland Raiders, where he frequently secured key victories with his accurate field goals. Known for his unwavering tenacity, Blanda’s most memorable moments include a streak of game-tying or winning plays in five consecutive games during the 1970 season, which elevated his legacy as a reliable pressure player.

• Accolades:
• 5-time AFL Champion
• 4-time AFL All-Star
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1981)
• 2-time All-Pro selection
• NFL Man of the Year (1974)
• Retired with 2,002 career points, ranking among the top in history at his retirement time

#8. Jason Hanson

• Position: Kicker
• Height/Weight: 6’0″, 190 lbs
• Teams: Detroit Lions (1992-2012)

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Jason Hanson spent his entire 21-year NFL career with the Detroit Lions, becoming one of the league’s most reliable and enduring kickers. Renowned for his accuracy and longevity, Hanson was a steady force for the Lions, often being a top scorer for the team despite their struggles.

His ability to make clutch kicks in high-pressure situations showcased his calm demeanor and technical excellence. Hanson’s dedication and consistent performance earned him a beloved status among Lions fans and a reputation as one of the greatest kickers in NFL history.

• Accolades:
• 2x Pro Bowl selection
• 495 field goals made (third-most in NFL history)
• Detroit Lions all-time leading scorer with 2,150 points
• NFL record for most games played with one team (327)

#9. Mike Vanderjagt

• Position: Placekicker
• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 211 lbs
• Teams: Indianapolis Colts (1998–2005), Dallas Cowboys (2006)

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Mike Vanderjagt is remembered as one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, especially with the Indianapolis Colts. Known for his strong leg and precision, Vanderjagt set numerous records for field goal accuracy during his tenure.

His reliability in clutch situations helped transform the kicking game and supported the Colts’ offensive strategy led by Peyton Manning.

Despite a career-high field goal percentage, his infamous missed kick in the 2005 playoffs became a defining moment. Even as his career waned during his short-term stint with the Dallas Cowboys, Vanderjagt’s impact as a consistent kicker remains influential.

• Accolades:
• NFL All-Pro First Team (2003)
• NFL scoring leader (1999)
• Career 86.5% field goal accuracy
• NFL Record: Perfect season (37 for 37 FG)

#10. Nick Folk

• Position: Kicker
• Height/Weight: 6’1″, 222 lbs
• Teams: Dallas Cowboys (2007-2009), New York Yets (2010-2016), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2017), New England Patriots (2019-2022 ), Tennessee Titans (2023-Present)

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Nick Folk, an NFL kicker known for his consistency and calm under pressure, has made significant contributions to every team he’s played for. Beginning his career with the Dallas Cowboys, Folk quickly made a name for himself as a reliable scorer.

His ability to kick in high-pressure situations earned him a spot with the New York Jets, where he achieved numerous game-winning kicks.

Remarkably, Folk’s accuracy and range improved during his time with the Patriots, where he became a critical component in tight games. His longevity and adaptability as a player make him a valuable asset to the Tennessee Titans.

• Accolades:
• Pro Bowl Selection (2007)
• 1,500+ career points scored
• AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors
• Multiple game-winning field goals throughout career