Most Field Goals Made in NFL History
In the NFL, kickers might not always be in the limelight but they frequently play a crucial role in determining the outcome of games. Field goals can change close contests into victories and the top kickers are known for their resilience and lengthy careers. Adam Vinatieri holds the record for the most field goals made in NFL history, finishing his career with 599 field goals.
Photo Credit: Lance Cpl. Edward L. Mennenga, USMC, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Top 5 Most Field Goals Made in NFL History
Here are the top 5 players with the most field goals made in NFL history, reflecting the endurance and reliability that define great kickers.
| Rank | Player | Career Field Goals |
| 1 | Adam Vinatieri | 599 |
| 2 | Morten Andersen | 565 |
| 3 | Gary Anderson | 538 |
| 4 | Jason Hanson | 495 |
| 5 | John Carney | 478 |
Adam Vinatieri (599 Field Goals)
Career: 1996-2019
Teams: New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts
Adam Vinatieri holds the record for the most field goals in NFL history having successfully made 599 kicks. Known as “Mr. Clutch”, he established his reputation by making game-winning field goals in several Super Bowls for the Patriots. He holds the record for the most postseason field goals with 56. Additionally, He also owns the record for the most postseason points with 234 which shows he was just as effective in high-pressure situations as in the regular season.
Morten Andersen (565 Field Goals)
Career: 1982-2007
Teams: New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings
Morten Andersen is famously referred to as “The Great Dane” and ranks second all-time with 565 career field goals. He had an amazing 25 seasons demonstrating incredible longevity for a kicker. His resilience and performance led to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017, solidifying his status as one of the greatest trailblazers in kicking.
Gary Anderson (538 Field Goals)
Career: 1982-2004
Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, Tennessee Titans
Gary Anderson ended his career with 538 field goals. Moreover, his most notable season came in 1998 when he became the first kicker to complete a flawless regular season. He went 35-for-35 on field goals and 59-for-59 on extra points helping the Vikings finish with an impressive 15-1 record. However, his first miss that season came during the NFC Championship against Atlanta, a 38-yard attempt that prevented Minnesota from reaching the Super Bowl.
Jason Hanson (495 Field Goals)
Career: 1992-2012
Teams: Detroit Lions
Jason Hanson dedicated his whole 21-year career to the Detroit Lions and made 495 field goals. He was selected in the second round of the 1992 draft and provided Detroit with unmatched reliability by participating in 327 games which is the highest in the team’s history. Hanson recorded four seasons with over 30 field goals and demonstrated remarkable durability and loyalty.
John Carney (478 Field Goals)
Career: 1988-2010
Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants
John Carney had an impressive 23 seasons in the NFL during which he successfully made 478 field goals. Moreover, he topped the NFL in scoring in 1994 while playing for the Chargers. As a result, he played a key role in leading them to their first Super Bowl. Finally, he made history by becoming the oldest player to score in the league, nailing a field goal at age 46 for the Saints.
