Players
Events
Kicker

Jan Stenerud

Trade 1984

Number

3

Birthdate

1942-11-26

Is Alive

yes

Acquisition Date

1984

PFHOF

1991

Player Bio

Jan Stenerud is a Norwegian-American former professional football player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest kickers in NFL history. He played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings during a distinguished 19-season career. Stenerud’s powerful leg and accuracy made him one of the most reliable kickers of his era and earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Early Life and College Career

Full Name: Jan Stenerud
Born: November 26, 1942
Hometown: Fetsund, Norway

High School:

  • Stenerud grew up in Fetsund, Norway, where he first developed an interest in sports. He played soccer and ski-jumped, but his biggest breakthrough came when he switched to American football.

College:

  • Stenerud moved to the United States to attend Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. He initially came to the school on a skiing scholarship but was soon introduced to football. His natural ability as a kicker quickly became apparent.
  • He played for Montana State’s football team and became one of the most dominant kickers in college football. His strong leg was a key asset, and he was one of the first players to use the soccer-style kicking method, which revolutionized the game at the time.

NFL Career

NFL Draft:

  • Stenerud was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 3rd round (65th overall) of the 1966 AFL Draft, becoming one of the few kickers to be drafted so highly in the league at the time.
  • Despite his background in soccer, Stenerud’s ability to kick long, accurate field goals set him apart, and he quickly made an impact in the NFL.

Kansas City Chiefs (1967–1979)

  • Kicker:
    • Stenerud spent 13 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and is best remembered for his contributions to the team’s success during the late 1960s and 1970s.
    • He was known for his powerful and accurate kicking leg, setting numerous records during his time with the Chiefs. His longest field goal of 58 yards was a significant achievement, especially in an era when kickers rarely attempted long-range kicks.
    • Stenerud’s consistent performance helped the Chiefs to become one of the top teams in the AFL, and his kicking played a major role in their success, including their victory in Super Bowl IV (1970), where the Chiefs defeated the Minnesota Vikings.
  • Pro Bowl Appearances:
    • Stenerud was selected to six Pro Bowls (1970, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1978) during his time with the Chiefs, showcasing his dominance as a kicker and his consistent excellence on special teams.

Green Bay Packers (1980–1982)

  • After his tenure with the Chiefs, Stenerud spent three seasons with the Green Bay Packers (1980–1982), continuing his successful kicking career.
  • His most notable achievement with the Packers came in Super Bowl XIV, where his 47-yard field goal helped the Packers secure a playoff win.

Minnesota Vikings (1983–1985)

  • Stenerud finished his career with the Minnesota Vikings, playing his final three seasons with the team.
  • Although his role was more limited during his time in Minnesota, he still provided reliable kicking, and his presence on the team added valuable experience in special teams.

Retirement and Legacy

  • Hall of Fame:
    • Stenerud was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991, becoming the first pure placekicker to receive this honor. His induction was a testament to his impact on the game and the revolution he brought to kicking in the NFL.
  • Legacy:
    • Stenerud is often credited with being one of the pioneers of the soccer-style kicking technique, which became the standard in the NFL and remains in use today.
    • His career total of 1,699 points was a record at the time of his retirement, and he finished his career with 373 field goals, one of the highest totals in NFL history at the time.
    • He was also known for his consistency, maintaining accuracy with field goals and extra points throughout his career.
    • Stenerud’s kicking helped shape the role of special teams in the NFL, and his success paved the way for future generations of kickers.

Summary

  • Position: Kicker
  • NFL Teams: Kansas City Chiefs (1967–1979), Green Bay Packers (1980–1982), Minnesota Vikings (1983–1985)
  • Career Length: 19 seasons
  • Pro Bowl Selections: 6
  • Super Bowl: Super Bowl IV (Kansas City Chiefs, 1970)
  • Pro Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1991
  • Career Achievements:
    • 1,699 career points,
    • 373 career field goals (at retirement)
    • First kicker to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Jan Stenerud’s powerful leg and pioneering contributions to the kicking game made him one of the most significant figures in NFL history. He was a key player for the Kansas City Chiefs, a Super Bowl champion, and the first kicker to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, cementing his place among the greatest players in NFL history.