NFL All-Time Leading Scorers: In the fast-paced world of the NFL, where scoring touchdowns and kicking field goals create excitement, one name stands out as the ultimate points champion: Adam Vinatieri.
Throughout his career, he has become the all-time leading scorer in NFL history. Whether it’s making crucial kicks as a rookie in Super Bowl victories or nailing game-winning kicks in the final moments, Vinatieri’s story showcases his dedication, cool composure under pressure, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
NFL All-Time Leading Scorers
Get ready to explore the incredible journey of the other men who changed the game of scoring in the National Football League.
1. Adam Vinatieri
- Position: Placekicker
- Points: 2,673
Adam Vinatieri holds the record as the all-time leading scorer in the NFL, making him one of the best kickers in the league’s history. He earned this reputation by making game-winning kicks in two Super Bowls.
Vinatieri had a ten-year stint with the New England Patriots and then played fourteen seasons with the Indianapolis Colts in the National Football League (NFL). During his time with the Patriots, he participated in four Super Bowls, winning three of them. He played a crucial role in these victories, scoring the decisive field goal in the final moments of Super Bowl XXXVI and Super Bowl XXXVIII.
After joining the Indianapolis Colts, Vinatieri continued his success by winning Super Bowl XLI with them. Throughout his career, he scored a remarkable total of 2,673 points, solidifying his position as the current NFL record holder for points scored.
2. Morten Andersen
- Position: Placekicker
- Points: 2,544
Morten Andersen is the second all-time leading scorer in the NFL. He most recently played for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League (NFL). At the age of 47, he became the oldest active player in the NFL, even a year older than his last head coach, Bobby Petrino. Andersen, known for his kicking skills and longevity as a player, holds several NFL records.
Throughout his career, Andersen achieved significant recognition, being selected to the Pro Bowl seven times, with four consecutive appearances from 1986 to 1989. He was also part of the NFL all-star teams in the 1980s and 1990s. In 2017, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, highlighting his outstanding contributions to the sport. Andersen accumulated a total of 2,544 points in his career.
3. Gary Anderson
- Position: Placekicker
- Points: 2,434
Gary Anderson is the third-highest scorer in NFL history, drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 1982 but finding success with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Eagles, and 49ers over 23 seasons. His standout year was in 1998 with the Minnesota Vikings, achieving a perfect season with all field goals and extra points but facing a heartbreaking miss in the NFC Championship Game.
Anderson played 353 games, scoring 2,434 points and holding an NFL record at one time. He retired after stints with the Titans, securing his place as the third-highest scorer behind Adam Vinatieri and Morten Andersen in NFL history.
4. Jason Hanson
- Position: Placekicker
- Points: 2,150
Jason Hanson is the fourth-highest scorer in NFL history, spending his entire remarkable 21-year career with the Detroit Lions. He was selected by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft after playing college football with the Washington State Cougars.
Hanson holds the NFL record for the most seasons played with a single team and boasts numerous kicking and scoring records. Despite playing on several non-playoff teams, his longevity and statistical success have made him one of the most beloved players in the history of the Detroit Lions franchise. Throughout his career, Hanson scored a total of 2,150 points.
5. John Carney
- Position: Placekicker
- Points: 2,062
John Carney, the fifth-highest scorer in NFL history, had a noteworthy career in the league. After playing college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, he joined the Cincinnati Bengals in 1987 as an undrafted free agent. Carney went on to play for various teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, and New York Giants.
During his career, Carney earned Pro Bowl selections in 1994 with the Chargers and in 2008 with the Giants. Remarkably, he remained active in professional football until December 2009, making him the last player from the 1980s still competing. Carney also served as a kicking consultant for the Saints. He concluded his impressive career with a total of 2,062 points, solidifying his place as the fifth-highest scorer in NFL history.
6. Matt Stover
- Position: Placekicker
- Points: 2,004
Matt Stover, the fourth-highest scorer in NFL history, had a remarkable 20-season career as a placekicker, mainly with the Baltimore Ravens. He began his NFL journey with the Cleveland Browns and transitioned to the Ravens in 1996 when the franchise was created. Stover played an essential role in the Ravens’ success, earning Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors during his standout season in 2000, which culminated in the team winning Super Bowl XXXV.
Throughout his career, Stover also had brief stints with the New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts, winning a Super Bowl with the Giants in Super Bowl XXV. In recognition of his contributions to the Ravens, he was honored in the Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor in 2011. Stover’s impressive career concluded with a total of 2,004 points, solidifying his place as the sixth-highest scorer in NFL history.
7. George Blanda
- Position: Placekicker, Quarterback
- Points: 2,002
George Blanda, the seventh-highest scorer in NFL history, had an extraordinary career as both a placekicker and quarterback in the AFL and NFL. Playing for an unprecedented 26 seasons, Blanda held the record for the most points scored in football history at the time of his retirement. Remarkably, he retired in August 1976 at the age of 48, making him the oldest player in the sport’s history.
Blanda’s longevity and versatility allowed him to play in four different decades, a feat shared only with John Carney. He set records for the most extra points made (943) and attempted (959). Throughout his remarkable career, Blanda played under various head coaches and scored a total of 2,002 points, securing his place as the seventh-highest scorer in NFL history.
8. Jason Elam
- Position: Placekicker
- Points: 1,983
Jason Elam, the eighth-highest scorer in NFL history, had a successful career as a placekicker primarily with the Denver Broncos. Denver selected him in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft, and he played 15 seasons with the Broncos, winning two Super Bowl rings, and an additional two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.
A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Elam achieved recognition for his skill and was part of a historic moment, sharing the record for the longest field goal in NFL history at 63 yards with Tom Dempsey, Sebastian Janikowski, and David Akers. Although this record was later surpassed by Matt Prater in 2013 and subsequently by Justin Tucker in 2021, Elam’s impact on the game was notable. Throughout his career, he scored a total of 1,983 points, securing his place as the eighth-highest scorer in NFL history.
9. John Kasay
- Position: Placekicker
- Points: 1,970
John Kasay, the ninth-highest scorer in NFL history, had a distinguished 21-season career as a kicker, primarily with the Carolina Panthers. Coming from the Georgia Bulldogs, he was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 1991 NFL Draft. Kasay joined the Panthers in 1995, leaving a lasting impact during his 16 seasons with the team.
Kasay not only became the Panthers’ all-time leading scorer but also earned Pro Bowl honors in 1996. His tenure with the Panthers included a memorable Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl XXXVIII. After a final season with the New Orleans Saints, Kasay retired, remaining one of the last active members of the inaugural Panthers team. Throughout his impressive career, he scored a total of 1,970 points, solidifying his place as the ninth-highest scorer in NFL history.
10. Robbie Gould
- Position: Placekicker
- Points: 1,961
Robbie Gould, the tenth-highest scorer in NFL history, had a notable 17-year career primarily with the San Francisco 49ers and the Chicago Bears. Playing for the Bears from 2005 to 2015, he achieved the status of the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. Initially signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005, Gould played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Known for his accuracy, Gould ranks as the ninth-most accurate placekicker in NFL history. Remarkably, he never missed a field goal or an extra-point attempt in the postseason. Concluding his career as the tenth all-time leading scorer in NFL history, Gould scored a total of 1,961 points, leaving a lasting impact on the league.
11. Mason Crosby
- Position: Placekicker
- Points: 1,918
Mason Crosby, the eleventh-highest scorer in NFL history, had a successful career marked by his time with the Green Bay Packers. A standout college football player at Colorado, he earned unanimous All-American honors. In the 2007 NFL Draft, Crosby was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round.
Crosby’s contributions were pivotal to the Packers, especially during their Super Bowl XLV championship season. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. Throughout his career, Crosby amassed a total of 1,918 points, solidifying his place as the eleventh-highest scorer in NFL history.
12. Sebastian Janikowski
- Position: Placekicker
- Points: 1,913
Sebastian Janikowski, the twelfth-highest scorer in NFL history, had an impressive 18-season career, primarily with the Oakland Raiders. Hailing from the Florida State Seminoles, Janikowski was chosen 17th overall in the 2000 NFL Draft by the Raiders, where he spent almost his entire professional career, except for his final season with the Seattle Seahawks.
A unique figure in NFL history, Janikowski was one of only three kickers to be selected in the first round of an NFL draft. He left a lasting legacy with the Raiders, holding the record as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer and appearing in more games with the team than any other player. Additionally, Janikowski achieved prominence by tying the then-NFL record for the longest successful field goal at 63 yards, which remains the third-longest in league history. His career concluded with a total of 1,913 points, solidifying his place as the twelfth-highest scorer in NFL history.
13. Stephen Gostkowski
- Position: Placekicker
- Points: 1,875
Stephen Gostkowski is the 13th-highest scorer in the history of the NFL. He spent 15 years as a placekicker in the National Football League, mainly with the New England Patriots. Before his NFL career, Gostkowski played college football at Memphis. The Patriots drafted him in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played with the Patriots for 14 seasons and became their all-time leading scorer.
Gostkowski topped the league in scoring five times, with a notable four-year streak from 2012 to 2015. He’s the first player after the NFL merger to lead in scoring for more than two consecutive seasons. Gostkowski earned four Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro honors. He also holds the record for the most consecutive extra points. In 2020, he played his final NFL season with the Tennessee Titans, finishing his career with a total of 1,875 points.
14. Phil Dawson
- Position: Placekicker
- Points: 1,847
Phil Dawson ranks as the 14th-highest scorer in the history of the NFL. He spent his career as a placekicker in the National Football League. He played mainly for the Cleveland Browns from 1999 to 2012. During this time, he became known for making the second-most field goals in the franchise’s history, surpassing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010. His college football days were with the Texas Longhorns.
After leaving the Browns, Dawson played for the San Francisco 49ers from 2013 to 2016 and the Arizona Cardinals in 2017 and 2018. In 2019, he signed a contract to retire as a member of the Cleveland Browns, the team where he started his NFL journey. Throughout his career, Dawson scored a total of 1,847 points.
15. Matt Bryant
- Position: Placekicker
- Points: 1,758
Matt Bryant, known as “Money Matt,” holds the 15th position in the NFL’s all-time leading scorers list. He is a former professional football player who worked as a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Baylor Bears and started his professional career as an unrestricted free agent with the Iowa Barnstormers in the Arena Football League (AFL) in 2000.
Throughout his NFL career, Bryant was not only a Pro Bowler with the Atlanta Falcons in 2016 but also played for several other teams. These include the New York Giants, Frankfurt Galaxy, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Florida Tuskers. He gained a reputation as one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history. In total, Bryant scored 1,758 points during his career.
16. Norm Johnson
- Position: Placekicker
- Points: 1,736
Norm Johnson, the 16th leading scorer in NFL history, enjoyed an 18-season career as a placekicker for teams like the Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Philadelphia Eagles. Known as “Mr. Automatic,” he earned his enduring nickname during his time with the Seahawks. Johnson’s impressive career included leading the league in field goal percentage in 1993 and a standout season in 1995, where he played a crucial role in the Steelers reaching Super Bowl XXX.
Post-NFL, Johnson transitioned to a successful career in real estate after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in economics from UCLA in 1983. Beyond his professional achievements, he demonstrated heroism in 2007 by rescuing a woman from a car accident in Washington. Today, he resides in western Washington state, continuing his work as a real estate agent. Johnson’s impact extends beyond the football field, leaving a lasting legacy both professionally and through acts of bravery.
17. David Akers
- Position: Placekicker
- Points: 1,721
David Akers, the 17th leading scorer in NFL history, had a 16-season career as a placekicker, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. Starting in 1998 with the Washington Redskins, Akers later joined the Eagles in 1999, where he spent 12 seasons. He also played for the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions before retiring in 2013.
Akers earned recognition with six Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro honors. Notably, he tied the then-NFL record for the longest successful field goal with a 63-yard kick, the third-longest in league history. His contributions led to his induction into the Eagles Hall of Fame and a spot on the Eagles’ 75th Anniversary Team. Additionally, Akers was named to the second team of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team. Throughout his career, he accumulated a total of 1,721 points, showcasing his lasting impact on the game.
18. Nick Lowery
- Position: Placekicker
- Points: 1,711
Nick Lowery, the 18th leading scorer in NFL history, had a distinguished career playing for the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, and New York Jets. He honed his skills at Dartmouth College, where he excelled in football. Lowery’s achievements include three Pro Bowl selections, and at the time of his retirement, he held the top spot in field goal percentage and the record for the most field goals in NFL history.
A Washington, D.C., native, Lowery attended St. Albans School and later pursued higher education at Dartmouth College. Notably, he became the first professional athlete to graduate from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, holding a Master’s in Public Administration. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Lowery was inducted into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame in 2009. Over his 14 seasons with the Chiefs, he became their all-time leading scorer, amassing a total of 1,466 points. Lowery’s impact on the game extended beyond the field, making him a trailblazer as both an athlete and a scholar.
19. Jan Stenerud
- Position: Placekicker
- Points: 1,699
Jan Stenerud, the 19th leading scorer in NFL history, had a remarkable 19-season career playing for both the NFL and AFL. Notably associated with the Kansas City Chiefs, he was the first Norwegian player in the NFL. Stenerud’s journey included contributions to the Chiefs’ Super Bowl IV victory, four seasons with the Green Bay Packers, and two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings before retiring in 1985. A distinguished kicker, he earned six All-Star selections and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991 as the first exclusive kicker to receive this honor. Stenerud’s career culminated in a total of 1,699 points, solidifying his place as a trailblazer in the history of NFL kickers.
During his college years at Montana State Bobcats, Stenerud earned All-American honors in football. His professional career was marked by excellence, with four first-team All-Pro distinctions in the NFL and two first-team All-AFL honors. Stenerud’s impact extended beyond his on-field achievements, leaving an enduring legacy for kickers in the NFL and setting a precedent with his historic Hall of Fame induction.
20. Ryan Longwell
- Position: Placekicker
- Points: 1,687
Ryan Longwell, the 20st leading scorer in NFL history, had a successful career as a placekicker in the National Football League. His journey began after playing college football for the California Golden Bears, where he showcased his kicking prowess. While he started with the San Francisco 49ers, his impactful career took shape primarily with the Green Bay Packers from 1997 to 2005 and the Minnesota Vikings from 2006 to 2011.
Longwell briefly contributed to the Seattle Seahawks during the 2012 playoffs. Throughout his career, he amassed a total of 1,687 points, leaving a lasting mark as one of the league’s prolific kickers.
21. Matt Prater
- Position: Placekicker
- Points: 1,674
Matt Prater, the 21st leading scorer in NFL history, is renowned as one of the best long-distance kickers in the league. He held the NFL record for the longest field goal at 64 yards from 2013 until 2021 and continues to hold the record for the most 50+ yard field goals in a career, totaling 70 as of 2022. Prater’s college football journey began at UCF, and he entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent signed by the Lions in 2006.
Despite a setback with the Denver Broncos due to a suspension related to the NFL’s substance abuse policy, Prater found success with the Lions. During the 2016 and 2017 seasons, he set NFL records for consecutive field goal conversions of 50+ yards (14 field goals) and 55+ yards (seven field goals). Throughout his career, Prater accumulated a total of 1,674 points, showcasing his exceptional skill and impact as a kicker in the league.
22. Lou Groza
- Position: Placekicker, Tackle
- Points: 1,608
Lou Groza, known as “the Toe,” ranks as the 22nd leading scorer in NFL history. Spending his entire 21-season career with the Cleveland Browns, he excelled as both an offensive tackle and a placekicker. Groza’s precision and strength as a kicker revolutionized the role, and he played a crucial role in the Browns winning eight league championships.
He set numerous records for field goals, showcasing his influence on the development of place-kicking. Beyond football, Groza served in the U.S. Army during World War II, returned to contribute to the Browns’ success, and later became a Pro Football Hall of Famer. He passed away in 2000, leaving a lasting legacy with a total of 1,608 points scored in his remarkable career.
23. Eddie Murray
- Position: Placekicker
- Points: 1,594
Eddie Murray holds the 23rd position among the NFL’s all-time leading scorers, having had a notable career as a kicker for various teams. He played for the Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, and Washington Redskins during his time in the National Football League (NFL).
Murray showcased his kicking prowess after playing college football at Tulane University. Throughout his career, he contributed a total of 1,594 points, solidifying his place among the league’s top scorers.
24. Al Del Greco
- Position: Placekicker
- Points: 1,584
Al Del Greco holds the 24th spot among the NFL’s all-time leading scorers. Following an impressive career as a kicker in the National Football League (NFL), he transitioned to coaching. After serving eight years as the golf coach at Spain Park High School in Hoover, Alabama, Del Greco took on the role of head coach for the men’s golf team at Samford University in 2014.
Throughout his NFL career, he accumulated a total of 1,584 points, leaving a lasting impact as one of the league’s top scorers.
25. Olindo Mare
- Position: Placekicker
- Points: 1,555
Olindo Mare holds the 25th position among the NFL’s all-time leading scorers, establishing himself as a prominent kicker in the league. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Giants in 1996, Mare played college football at MacMurray College and Syracuse.
Throughout his career, he contributed to several teams, including the Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, and Chicago Bears. Mare’s notable achievements include being selected for the Pro Bowl in 1999. In total, he scored 1,555 points during his career, showcasing his consistent and impactful contributions as a kicker in the NFL.
