Stephen Gostkowski is a former American football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons. He was born on January 28, 1984, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and attended the University of Memphis, where he played college football for the Memphis Tigers.
Gostkowski was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He spent his entire career with the Patriots, becoming one of the most successful kickers in NFL history. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and a three-time First-Team All-Pro selection.
During his career, Gostkowski set numerous records for the Patriots and the NFL. He is the Patriots' all-time leading scorer with 1,775 points, and he ranks fifth on the NFL's all-time scoring list. He also holds the NFL record for the most consecutive extra points made with 479.
Gostkowski played in five Super Bowls with the Patriots, winning three of them. He was a key contributor to the team's success, making crucial kicks in several playoff games. In Super Bowl LI, he made all four of his field goal attempts and all five of his extra point attempts, helping the Patriots overcome a 28-3 deficit to win the game in overtime.
Despite his success, Gostkowski's career was not without its challenges. He suffered a season-ending injury in 2019, and the Patriots struggled to find a reliable replacement for him. In March 2020, the team released him, ending his 14-year tenure with the franchise.
Gostkowski signed with the Tennessee Titans later that year, but he struggled with injuries and inconsistency during his lone season with the team. He made just 18 of 26 field goal attempts and missed four extra points, prompting the Titans to release him in March 2021.
Despite his struggles in Tennessee, Gostkowski's legacy as one of the greatest kickers in NFL history is secure. He was a model of consistency and reliability for the Patriots, and his clutch performances in big games helped the team win multiple championships. As he enters retirement, he leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
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