Phil Dawson is a former American football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for over two decades. He began his career in 1998 as an undrafted free agent with the Oakland Raiders, but was released before the start of the regular season. Dawson then signed with the New England Patriots, but was again released before the season began.
In 1999, Dawson signed with the Cleveland Browns, where he would spend the next 14 seasons. During his time with the Browns, Dawson became one of the most reliable kickers in the league, making 305 of his 358 field goal attempts (85.2%) and 405 of his 407 extra point attempts (99.5%). He also set numerous team records, including the most field goals made in a single season (30) and the most consecutive field goals made (29).
In 2013, Dawson signed with the San Francisco 49ers, where he played for four seasons. During his time with the 49ers, Dawson continued to be a reliable kicker, making 86 of his 96 field goal attempts (89.6%) and 125 of his 129 extra point attempts (96.9%). He also helped lead the team to the Super Bowl in his first season with the team.
In 2017, Dawson signed with the Arizona Cardinals, where he played for two seasons before announcing his retirement in 2019. During his time with the Cardinals, Dawson made 30 of his 40 field goal attempts (75%) and 37 of his 40 extra point attempts (92.5%).
Throughout his career, Dawson was known for his accuracy and consistency, as well as his ability to make clutch kicks in pressure situations. He was also known for his longevity, playing in the NFL for over two decades and remaining a reliable kicker well into his 40s.
Off the field, Dawson was known for his philanthropic work, including his involvement with the Phil Dawson Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to high school students in his hometown of Dallas, Texas. He was also a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2012 and 2015, which recognizes players for their excellence on and off the field.
Overall, Phil Dawson had a long and successful career as an NFL kicker, earning the respect and admiration of fans and teammates alike for his accuracy, consistency, and longevity.
🏈