The Best Field Goal Kickers

Kickers in the National Football League are not often referred to as pinnacle members of a team, mainly because they make fewer appearances on the field. However, the three points that a kicker gains if successful can change a game, giving a team a victory in the dying seconds of a game. But if they miss, kickers are blamed for losing the game even though they only played a handful of plays. The best field goal kickers possess a strong and accurate kicking leg and the nerves to deal with game-deciding plays.

  1. Adam Vinatieri

    • Widely considered to be the most reliable kicker in the NFL as of 2011, the Indianapolis Colts' Adam Vinatieri has made clutch field goals since 1996. In his career, Vinatieri has successfully converted 20 game-winning field goals in the fourth quarter or overtime. This includes two field goals in the 2001 playoff game against the Oakland Raiders, a game marked by heavy snowfall.

    Robbie Gould

    • Robbie Gould has a knack for accuracy, ranking third among active NFL kickers as of the 2010 season. The most important field goal made by the Bears' kicker measured 49 yards, a game-winning overtime kick in the 2006 NFC Championship against the Seattle Seahawks. In 2010, Gould hit 83.3 percent of his field goals, with his longest measuring 54 yards.

    Rob Bironis

    • Tennessee Titans kicker Rob Bironis is walking in the footsteps of Vinatieri with his clutch field goals. At 33 years of age, Bironis has proven his experience on the field and reliability in the dying seconds of a close game. Bironis has successfully hit six game-winning field goals, including a 60-yard kick against the Colts with seven seconds remaining on the clock. In 2010, Bironis had a 92.3 percent field goal accuracy, with his longest measuring 55 yards.

    David Akers

    • Four-time Pro Bowl kicker David Akers is one of the many reasons why the Philadelphia Eagles remain a powerful force in the NFC. In 2010, Akers successfully hit 84.2 percent of his field-goal attempts, with his longest measuring 50 yards. At 36 years old, Akers remains a trusted member of the Eagles squad.

    Josh Brown

    • With Josh Brown, the St. Louis Rams had their only bright spot of their 7-9 record for the 2010 season, hitting 33 of 39 field goals. And distance is not a deterrent for the 31-year-old: Brown has hit 59 percent of his attempted field goals from more than 50 yards. His longest field goal in 2010 measured 53 yards against the Atlanta Falcons. However, it was not a clutch field goal because the Rams lost 34-17.