Ryan Longwell is a former NFL kicker who played 14 seasons in the league. Known for his consistency, accuracy, and longevity, Longwell had a successful career with the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Atlanta Falcons. He remains one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history and is recognized for his leadership, particularly as a veteran presence on special teams.

Early Life and College Career

Full Name: Ryan David Longwell
Born: August 16, 1974, in St. Louis, Missouri
High School: Longwell attended Carmel High School in Carmel, Indiana, where he was a standout in football, particularly in kicking.

College:

• Longwell played college football at California University (Cal) in Berkeley, California.
• At Cal, Longwell was a four-year starter as the team’s kicker. He became the school’s all-time leader in points scored during his time there, showcasing his leg strength and accuracy.
• His strong performance at Cal led him to enter the 1997 NFL Draft.

NFL Career

NFL Draft:

• Ryan Longwell was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 4th round (112th overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft.

Green Bay Packers (1997–2000)

• Longwell began his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers, where he played from 1997 to 2000.
• In his rookie season, Longwell helped the Packers win Super Bowl XXXI, where they defeated the New England Patriots.
• Over his four seasons with the Packers, Longwell quickly established himself as a reliable kicker. He was known for his accuracy, particularly on field goals and extra points, and was a consistent contributor to the Packers’ special teams unit.

Minnesota Vikings (2000–2010)

• In 2000, Longwell signed with the Minnesota Vikings, where he spent the majority of his career, playing for the team from 2000 to 2010.
• Longwell’s time with the Vikings was marked by consistency and success, as he was one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL during this period.
• He became the Vikings’ all-time leader in field goals made and points scored, and his ability to kick in both outdoor and indoor stadiums was crucial to his success.
• Longwell’s long range and ability to perform in clutch situations helped the Vikings stay competitive throughout the 2000s, including multiple playoff appearances.
• He was particularly known for his consistency in kicking extra points and field goals under pressure, including successful kicks in key moments.

Atlanta Falcons (2011)

• In 2011, Longwell signed with the Atlanta Falcons for a brief stint but did not appear in any regular-season games with the team.
• He retired from the NFL after his short time with the Falcons.

Playing Style and Strengths

• Accuracy: One of Longwell’s defining characteristics was his accuracy. He finished his career with a field goal percentage above 80%, making him one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history at the time.
• Clutch Kicking: Longwell was known for making clutch kicks, especially in key moments late in games. His ability to handle pressure in high-stakes situations made him an invaluable asset to his teams.
• Versatility: While Longwell was primarily known for his ability to kick field goals and extra points, he also handled kickoff duties for much of his career, showing his versatility as a special teams player.
• Long Range: Longwell had a strong leg and was capable of hitting field goals from beyond 50 yards, though he was most accurate from shorter distances. His range and accuracy made him a reliable kicker for teams in various situations.

Career Achievements and Legacy

• Super Bowl Champion: Longwell won Super Bowl XXXI with the Green Bay Packers, contributing to the Packers’ victory over the New England Patriots in 1997.
• Accuracy and Longevity: Over his career, Longwell made over 80% of his field goals, finishing his career as one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history. He also played for 14 seasons, demonstrating remarkable consistency and longevity for a kicker.
• Minnesota Vikings Records: Longwell is the Minnesota Vikings’ all-time leader in both field goals made and points scored. He became a key figure in the franchise’s special teams unit over his decade-long tenure.
• Kicking Milestones: By the end of his career, Longwell had kicked over 1,100 points and made more than 350 field goals, ranking him among the best kickers in NFL history.

Post-NFL Career

Since retiring from the NFL, Ryan Longwell has kept a relatively low profile but has been involved in the business and coaching side of football. He has made public appearances and worked in charitable organizations, particularly those focused on giving back to his community and supporting youth sports.

Summary

• Position: Kicker
• NFL Teams: Green Bay Packers (1997–2000), Minnesota Vikings (2000–2010), Atlanta Falcons (2011)
• NFL Draft: 4th round (112th overall) in 1997
• Super Bowl: Winner of Super Bowl XXXI with the Green Bay Packers
• Career Highlights: Consistently accurate kicker, one of the NFL’s best in field goal percentage, long career marked by clutch kicks and leadership in special teams.

Ryan Longwell was one of the most accurate and consistent kickers of his era. With a career that spanned over a decade and included stints with the Packers, Vikings, and Falcons, Longwell remains a respected figure in the NFL kicking community. His legacy is defined by his success on the field, particularly with the Minnesota Vikings, where he became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer and one of the most reliable kickers in team history.