Players
Events
Kicker

Gary Anderson

Free Agent 1998

Number

1

Birthdate

1958-07-16

Is Alive

yes

Acquisition Date

1998

Player Bio

Gary Anderson is a former NFL kicker widely regarded as one of the greatest kickers in NFL history. Known for his incredible accuracy and consistency, Anderson set numerous records during his 23-season career. He is best known for his time with the Minnesota Vikings, where he became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer and one of the most reliable kickers in the league.

Early Life and College Career

Full Name: Gary Michael Anderson
Born: July 16, 1958, in South Africa
Nationality: Anderson was born in Pretoria, South Africa, but moved to the United States to pursue his football career.
High School: Anderson attended Wichita East High School in Wichita, Kansas. He was a standout in both soccer and football, which helped pave the way for his future in professional kicking.

College:

  • Anderson played college football at the University of Long Beach State, where he was a standout kicker.
  • At Long Beach State, Anderson earned a reputation for his powerful leg and accuracy, making him a prime candidate for the NFL.

NFL Career

NFL Draft:

  • Gary Anderson was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as a free agent in 1982, as he went undrafted in the NFL Draft. His powerful kicking leg quickly caught the attention of NFL teams.

Minnesota Vikings (1982–1997)

  • Anderson played the majority of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, from 1982 to 1997, becoming the franchise’s all-time leading scorer.
  • He was a key part of the Vikings’ special teams and had a remarkable career with the team.
  • Anderson’s most famous moment came in the 1998 NFC Championship Game, when he missed a crucial field goal in overtime that would have sent the Vikings to the Super Bowl. Despite this miss, he had an exceptional career with the Vikings, becoming one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history.
  • He became the NFL’s all-time leader in career field goal percentage during his career, finishing with an impressive accuracy rate.

Pittsburgh Steelers (1998–2001)

  • After leaving the Vikings, Anderson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1998, where he played until 2001.
  • During his time with the Steelers, Anderson continued his stellar kicking career, although his role was somewhat reduced due to age. He was still considered one of the most reliable kickers in the league, adding to his legacy as one of the best in the business.

Tennessee Titans (2002)

  • In 2002, Anderson played his final season with the Tennessee Titans, before retiring at the end of the year.
  • He finished his career with the Titans, marking the end of one of the longest and most successful careers for a kicker in NFL history.

Playing Style and Strengths

  • Accuracy: Gary Anderson was widely known for his incredible accuracy. He was one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, maintaining a field goal percentage above 80% for most of his career. His accuracy helped his teams with game-winning field goals and consistent scoring throughout his career.
  • Long Range: Although Anderson was known primarily for his accuracy, he also had a strong leg, capable of hitting field goals from long distances. He was one of the first kickers in NFL history to routinely make 50+ yard field goals, which was a significant part of his success.
  • Consistency: Over his 23-year career, Anderson remained one of the most consistent kickers, delivering steady performances year after year. His ability to maintain high levels of accuracy and reliability as he aged was one of his key strengths.
  • Clutch Kicking: Anderson had a reputation for being a clutch kicker. While he is often remembered for the miss in the NFC Championship Game, he also made numerous critical kicks during his career, particularly in game-winning situations.

Career Achievements and Legacy

  • NFL Records:
    • Anderson finished his career with a field goal percentage of 80.3%, ranking him among the best in NFL history at the time of his retirement.
    • He was the first kicker in NFL history to reach 2,000 career points.
    • He also set records for most consecutive field goals made and most field goals made in a season during different points of his career.
  • Pro Bowls: Anderson was selected to four Pro Bowls during his career, which is a testament to his excellence as a kicker.
  • Franchise Records: During his long career with the Minnesota Vikings, Anderson became the Vikings’ all-time leader in field goals made and points scored.
  • Longevity: Anderson played in the NFL for 23 seasons, a remarkable achievement that is rare for kickers. His ability to maintain his skill level into his 40s is a testament to his professionalism and dedication.

Post-NFL Career

After retiring from the NFL, Gary Anderson has largely stayed out of the public eye, although he has occasionally been involved in various community and sports-related activities. He has also been part of alumni events for the Minnesota Vikings and the NFL.

Summary

  • Position: Kicker
  • NFL Teams: Minnesota Vikings (1982–1997), Pittsburgh Steelers (1998–2001), Tennessee Titans (2002)
  • NFL Draft: Undrafted (signed as a free agent in 1982)
  • Career Highlights:
    • NFL’s all-time leader in career field goal percentage at the time of his retirement.
    • First kicker to score 2,000 career points.
    • Four-time Pro Bowler.
    • Member of the Minnesota Vikings’ all-time leading scorer and field goals made record holder.
    • Known for his accuracy and clutch kicking, with a field goal percentage of 80.3%.

Gary Anderson is remembered as one of the best kickers in NFL history. His accuracy, consistency, and longevity helped define his career. Despite the heartbreak of missing a key field goal in the 1998 NFC Championship Game, his legacy as one of the greatest kickers of all time remains intact.