Jason Hanson is a former American football placekicker who played for the Detroit Lions for 21 seasons. He was born on June 17, 1970, in Spokane, Washington, and attended Mead High School. Hanson played college football at Washington State University, where he was a standout kicker. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft and played for the team until his retirement in 2013.
During his career, Hanson was known for his accuracy and consistency as a kicker. He holds several NFL records, including the most games played with one team (327), the most field goals of 50 yards or more (52), and the most seasons with 25 or more field goals (14). He was also named to the Pro Bowl twice and was a first-team All-Pro selection in 1997.
Hanson's career highlights include a game-winning field goal against the Dallas Cowboys in the 1991 Sun Bowl, a 56-yard field goal against the Chicago Bears in 1995, and a 54-yard field goal against the Minnesota Vikings in 2008. He also had a streak of 24 consecutive field goals made in 2007, which was the second-longest streak in NFL history at the time.
Off the field, Hanson was known for his philanthropic work. He and his wife, Kathleen, founded the Hanson Family Foundation, which supports various charities and organizations in the Detroit area. He was also involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was a mentor to many young players.
Hanson retired from the NFL in 2013 at the age of 42. He finished his career with 2,150 points scored, which is the third-highest total in NFL history. He was inducted into the Detroit Lions Ring of Honor in 2013 and was also a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.
Overall, Jason Hanson had a remarkable career as a kicker in the NFL. He was known for his accuracy, consistency, and longevity, and he holds several records that may never be broken. He was also a respected leader on and off the field and made a significant impact in the Detroit community through his philanthropic work.
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