Morten Andersen
The Great Dane: NFL's all-time games played leader and Hall of Fame kicker.
Morten Andersen (born 19 August 1960), nicknamed "the Great Dane", is a Danish-American former professional football kicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 25 seasons, most notably with the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons. Following a career from 1982 to 2007, Andersen holds the NFL record for regular season games played at 382. He also ranks second in field goals (565) and points scored (2,544). In addition to his league accomplishments, he is the Saints all-time leading scorer at 1,318 points. Andersen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017. Along with Jan Stenerud and Adam Vinatieri, he is one of only three exclusive kickers to receive the honor.
- Role
- Placekicker
- Nationality
- Danish-American
- Tenure at Falcons
- 1995–2000, 2006–2007
- Status
- Retired (Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017)
- Key Achievement
- Second all-time in NFL field goals (565) and points scored (2,544)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Andersen was born in Copenhagen and raised in Struer, Denmark. He visited the United States in 1977 as a Youth For Understanding exchange student and first kicked an American football at Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis. He starred at Michigan State University, setting a Big Ten Conference record 63-yard field goal against Ohio State University. He was named an All-American in 1981. Selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 1982 NFL draft, he played for the Saints from 1982 to 1994, earning six Pro Bowl selections and scoring 1,318 points. He then played for the Atlanta Falcons from 1995 to 2000, where in December 1995 he became the first player in NFL history to kick three field goals of over 50 yards in a single game. He later played for the New York Giants (2001), Kansas City Chiefs (2002–2003), and Minnesota Vikings (2004). After not playing in 2005, he re-signed with the Falcons in 2006 and played through 2007. He retired on 8 December 2008.
In Their Own Story
On 30 December 2007, at age 47 years and 133 days, Andersen etched his name into the record books as the oldest player to score 14 points in a single game against the Seattle Seahawks. Just weeks prior, on 30 September 2007, he became the oldest player to kick five field goals in a game against the Houston Texans at age 46 years and 43 days. During his final season with Atlanta, he made 25 of 28 field goals for an 89.3% success rate, marking the most accurate season of his career. His tenure concluded after the 2007 campaign; although he hoped to play until age 50 in 2010, he officially retired on 8 December 2008, just two days shy of breaking George Blanda's longevity record.
Reader's Guide
Andersen's NFL career spanned 25 seasons (1982–2007). He holds the NFL record for regular season games played (382). He ranks second all-time in field goals (565) and points scored (2,544). He is the New Orleans Saints all-time leading scorer (1,318 points). He was a 7-time Pro Bowler, 4-time First-team All-Pro, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017. His 60-yard field goal in 1991 tied for the second-longest in league history at the time. In 2006, he became the NFL's all-time leading scorer and career leader in field goals made.
Did You Know?
- Andersen kicked a 60-yard field goal in 1991, tying for the second-longest in NFL history at the time.
- He was the first player in NFL history to kick three field goals of over 50 yards in a single game (December 1995).
- Andersen kicked the game-winning field goal in overtime of the 1998 NFC Championship Game to send the Falcons to Super Bowl XXXIII.
- He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017, one of only three exclusive kickers to receive the honor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Morten Andersen?
Morten Andersen was a Danish-American placekicker who became one of the most iconic figures in Atlanta Falcons history. He wore jersey number 3 and served as the team's primary kicker for over a decade, earning the nickname 'The Danish Dynamo'.
What were his key achievements with the Falcons?
During his tenure from 1982 to 1997 and briefly in 2004, he established himself as the NFC's all-time leading scorer at the time of his retirement. His consistency made him synonymous with clutch performances that secured victories in close contests for the franchise.
How long did Morten Andersen play for Atlanta?
Andersen spent the majority of his career with the Falcons from 1982 through 1997 before returning briefly to the team in 2004. This extensive tenure defined an era where the organization relied heavily on his kicking ability.
Why is he considered a legend for the Falcons?
He is revered as the face of consistency who launched the team to glory during its formative decades with remarkable reliability. His legacy remains honored by the franchise as one of its greatest contributors to their historical success.
What happened after his playing career ended?
Morten Andersen officially retired from professional football and was subsequently honored by the Falcons for his exceptional service. He left behind a record-breaking legacy that continues to define the position of placekicker for the team.
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