When the game is on the line and everyone else is either panicking or praying, one player calmly trots onto the field with ice in his veins and the weight of the scoreboard on his shoulders. Kickers may not always get the glory, but when it’s crunch time, they’re often the ones deciding who wins and who goes home.
Over the years, some NFL kickers have built their legacies on late-game heroics, walk-off field goals, and stone-cold nerves. From Super Bowl moments to wild weather kicks, these are the 15 most clutch kickers the league has ever seen.
15. Mason Crosby
Crosby spent most of his career quietly drilling big-time kicks for the Packers. From postseason game-winners to cold-weather lasers, he never seemed rattled when it mattered most.
14. Harrison Butker
Butker has been a clutch machine for the Chiefs, especially in the postseason spotlight. Whether it’s a walk-off in the Super Bowl or a long bomb in overtime, he delivers under pressure.
13. David Akers
Akers had a powerful leg and a reputation for showing up in high-pressure situations. Whether it was Philly or San Francisco, he always delivered when the tension peaked.
12. Matt Prater
Prater is best known for booming long-distance kicks, but he also has ice in his veins. He’s had a handful of game-winners and set records under the spotlight.
11. John Kasay
Kasay was a steady presence for over two decades, especially during Carolina’s rise. He came through in countless close games and was always dependable in clutch moments.
10. Stephen Gostkowski
Gostkowski filled Adam Vinatieri’s shoes in New England and kept the clutch gene alive. He hit plenty of high-pressure kicks in playoff games and Super Bowls alike.
9. Gary Anderson
Before his infamous miss, Anderson was considered one of the most reliable kickers in league history. For nearly two decades, he drilled big-time kicks without flinching.
8. Jake Elliott
Elliott has already etched his name in Eagles lore with postseason heroics and nerves of steel. He thrives in tense moments and has made several kicks that flipped playoff games.
7. Jason Elam
Elam was a consistent force in Denver and had a flair for late-game drama. His accuracy in tight situations helped seal many close wins throughout his career.
6. Ryan Succop
Succop isn’t always in the spotlight, but he’s delivered when it counted, especially in Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl run. He’s one of those guys who quietly come up clutch over and over.
5. Justin Tucker
Arguably the most accurate kicker of all time, Tucker has a highlight reel of game-winners. From 60-yard bombs to last-second daggers, he was the definition of clutch.
4. Morten Andersen
Andersen’s longevity and knack for nailing big kicks made him a legend. He delivered in playoffs, overtime, and pressure-packed finishes for multiple teams.
3. Robbie Gould
Gould is undefeated on field goal attempts in the playoffs, which is ridiculous. When the stakes rise, he just doesn’t miss.
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2. Tom Dempsey
Dempsey’s 63-yard game-winner in 1970 is still one of the most iconic kicks in NFL history. That moment alone would earn him a spot, but he had plenty more clutch kicks in his career.
Read More: The 15 Best Kickers in NFL History, Ranked
1. Adam Vinatieri
Vinatieri is the gold standard when it comes to clutch kicking. From snow games to Super Bowls, no one made more high-stakes kicks with everything on the line.
Read More: The 10 Most Clutch Field Goal Kickers in NFL History
