Matt Stover

A 13-year Raven whose clutch kicking helped secure a Super Bowl XXXV victory.

John Matthew Stover (born January 27, 1968) is an American former professional football player who served as a placekicker for 20 seasons in the NFL. After five years with the Cleveland Browns, he joined the newly created Baltimore Ravens franchise in 1996, where he played 13 seasons. His career also included his final season with the Indianapolis Colts. Stover achieved peak success in 2000, earning Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors while leading the Ravens to their first Super Bowl title in Super Bowl XXXV.

Quick Facts

Position: Placekicker
Born: 27 January 1968
Birthplace: Dallas, Texas, U.S.
High school: Lake Highlands (Dallas)
College: Louisiana Tech (1986–1989)
Draft year: 1990
Draft round: 12
Draft pick: 329

Lore & Background

Stover's tenure with the Ravens began when the Cleveland Browns relocated to Baltimore in 1996. During Week 4 of the 1997 season, he set a career high by converting five field goals and three extra points for 18 points in a 36–10 victory over the Tennessee Titans. The 2000 season defined his legacy; with the offense failing to score a touchdown in five straight games, Stover scored all the team's points while making 35 of 39 field goals (89.7%), ranking third in the league in field goals made. He won AFC Special Teams Player of the Month in November 2000. His reliability was crucial as the Ravens defeated the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV to secure their first title.

Reader's Guide

He led the league in field goal percentage for the second time during the 2006 season, winning AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for September. Over his Ravens tenure, he kicked 18 game-winning field goals and set several franchise records. On November 20, 2011, he was inducted into the Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor during a halftime ceremony at M&T Bank Stadium against the Cincinnati Bengals. At retirement on May 25, 2011, Stover was the last remaining member of the original Cleveland Browns active in the NFL and stood as the league's fourth all-time leading scorer with 2,004 points.

Did You Know?

Stover began his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns in 1991 and never played for the New York Giants.
At age 42, Stover became the oldest player in Super Bowl history when he played in Super Bowl XLIV (a record later surpassed by Tom Brady).
Stover successfully kicked a 53-yard field goal as a high school senior at Lake Highlands High School in Dallas, Texas.
During his college career at Louisiana Tech, Stover usually kicked the ball through the goal posts on the first kickoff of every game.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were Matt Stover's biggest accolades?

In 2000, he achieved peak success by earning Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors while leading the league in field goals. His accuracy was a key factor during his thirteen-year tenure in Baltimore.

When did Matt Stover retire from football?

He played 13 seasons for Baltimore before finishing his final season with the Indianapolis Colts. Following that last campaign, he officially retired from professional play after two decades in the league.