steelers kicker before boswell

Breiz Heurope

3 min read

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10-03-2025

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The Pittsburgh Steelers' current kicker, Chris Boswell, has established himself as a reliable and crucial member of the team. But who were the placekickers who paved the way for Boswell's success? Let's take a trip down memory lane and explore the Steelers kickers who preceded him. This journey will cover several decades and highlight some memorable moments, both positive and negative, in the team's kicking history.

The Pre-Boswell Era: A Roster of Kickers

Before Chris Boswell secured the job, the Steelers cycled through several kickers, each leaving their own mark (sometimes more significant than others). This wasn't always a position of stability. Injuries, inconsistency, and the general volatility of the kicking position contributed to a revolving door at Heinz Field.

The Early Years and Beyond: A Look at the Statistics

Finding comprehensive, detailed statistics for every Steelers kicker from the team's inception is a challenge. However, we can highlight some of the more prominent figures and their contributions:

• Early Steelers Kickers (Pre-1970s): Records from the early decades of the Steelers are less readily available. Many kickers held the position for short periods, often with limited opportunities. Researching these early players often requires delving into historical archives and team records.

• Gary Anderson (1982-1989): Anderson holds a special place in Steelers kicking history. His consistency and powerful leg made him a reliable presence for several seasons. He remains a significant figure in team lore, and his impact is still felt.

• Norm Johnson (1990-1996): Johnson was another relatively long-term kicker for the Steelers. He was known for his strong leg and clutch performances in crucial moments, contributing to some memorable Steelers victories.

• Kris Brown (1997-2003): Brown's time in Pittsburgh was marked by a mix of success and struggles, characteristic of the kicking game. Some seasons saw high accuracy, while others saw inconsistency.

• Jeff Reed (2002-2011): Reed's name is often associated with both memorable kicks and controversy. His career with the Steelers was long and often eventful. He was known for his powerful kicks but also for some erratic performances. His personality often made headlines.

• Shaun Suisham (2010-2015): Suisham filled the role of kicker capably and consistently for several seasons. His performances were generally reliable, contributing to team success during his tenure. Sadly, a significant injury cut his time short.

• Garrett Hartley (2016): Hartley filled in for injuries briefly.

The Search for Consistency: Challenges Faced by Steelers Kickers

The Steelers, like many NFL teams, have faced the challenge of finding consistency at the kicker position. The pressure of kicking in crucial games, under immense pressure, is immense. This inherent difficulty contributes to the turnover in this position. The margin for error is small; one missed kick can change the course of a game.

Answering Your Questions: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who was the best Steelers kicker before Boswell?

A: There's no single "best" kicker. Each kicker mentioned above contributed to the team's success in different eras, and judging them across different eras and rules is difficult. Anderson, Johnson, and Reed all stand out for their contributions.

Q: What are some memorable kicks from Steelers kickers before Boswell?

A: This requires in-depth research into specific games and seasons played by the above-mentioned players. Unfortunately, providing a complete list here would extend this article significantly.

Q: How many kickers did the Steelers have before Boswell?

A: The exact number is difficult to pinpoint due to incomplete historical records. Many kickers filled in for short periods, making precise counting tricky.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Kickers

Chris Boswell's success as a kicker for the Pittsburgh Steelers builds upon a long history of kickers. Many contributed to the team's triumphs and struggles. The Steelers' search for consistent excellence at the kicker position is a continuous story, and Chris Boswell represents the latest chapter. He carries on the legacy of those who came before him.