Morten Andersen became the first kicker to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame since 1991 on Saturday in a special day for the former Chief.
Another member of the Kansas City Chiefs, albeit one with a shorter stay than others, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio on Saturday along with the rest of the class 2017 as former NFL kicker Morten Andersen was honored. Andersen was the Chiefs kicker for two seasons of his incredible 25-year career, from 2002 to 2003.
Andersen is the second Chiefs kicker to enter the Hall of Fame, behind Jan Stenerud, who interestingly enough was the last kicker to be inducted way back in 1991. The lack of kickers in the Hall of Fame is disproportional to their importance, and it’s something that Andersen hopes will be remedied in the near future.
"“I believe my induction sends a clear message that the position of the specialist is important, relevant and undeniable,” Andersen said. “Hopefully more will find their way into the Hall of Fame.”"
To put Andersen’s incredibly long career in perspective, the kicker didn’t even arrive in Kansas City until he was 42-years-old. Yet even then, he stayed for two full seasons and continued until he was 47. With the Chiefs, Andersen made 38 of his 46 field goal attempt, good for an 82.6% success rate. He also missed one single extra point in that time, going 109 of 110. He made 1 of 2 field goal attempts in the postseason with the Chiefs.
Andersen converted 80% of his career field goal attempts and scored an NFL record 2,544 points in his career. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler whose endurance is a testament to his ability.