Greg Zuerlein

Greg Zuerlein's Biography

s performance in the preseason had demonstrated that he was still recovering from a back surgery, he played against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, he struggled throughout the game with accuracy and distance, missing two field goal attempts (from 31 and 60 yards) and an extra point, but he would later make two fourth-quarter field goals (from 21 and 48 yards), the last one gave the team a 1-point lead with just under two minutes to play. The Buccaneers drove the field afterwards and scored a field goal as time expired to win 31–29.[67] He also had four of his kickoffs returned, to set up field position for the Buccaneers offense, including one that was brought back 40 yards.[68]

On March 6, 2022, Zuerlein was assigned to the New York Jets, an American professional football team playing in the National Football League (NFL). Born on December 27, 1987, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Zuerlein showed promise from an early age in football and soccer, setting numerous records and earning several accolades for his skills.

After graduating from Lincoln Pius X in 2006, Zuerlein went on to accept a football scholarship from the NCAA Division II University of Nebraska Omaha where he set records in consecutive extra points made and single-season field goals. His college career took a hit in 2010 when he sustained a hip injury, but he showed his resilience by transferring to Missouri Western State University after UNO cancelled its football program. At Missouri Western, Zuerlein set even more records, including the NCAA Division II record of 21 consecutive field goals. He also had the highest field goal percentage of any NCAA player in any division in 2011, his senior year, attributing to his impressive average of 10.7 points per game.

In 2012, Zuerlein begun his journey in NFL with the St. Louis Rams, where he continued his impressive performance, making a 60-yard field goal against the Seattle Seahawks, breaking the franchise record of 58 yards, and earning him the title of the first player in NFL history to make a 60-yard field goal and a 50-plus yarder in the same game. Despite some minor challenges, Zuerlein proved to be an invaluable player, earning various awards and titles, including being named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week multiple times.

After the Rams moved from St. Louis to Los Angeles in 2016, Zuerlein continued his success, providing most of the score in a tight victory over the Seattle Seahawks. In spite of a difficult season for the Rams, Zuerlein managed to keep his performance up and signed a contract extension with the Rams in 2017. His continued excellence the following season led Zuerlein to his first Pro Bowl appearance. Zuerlein, however, had to face an unexpected setback – a back injury that required surgery, forcing him out for the rest of the season.

Returning to the field in 2018, Zuerlein overcame his injury and put on impressive performances all throughout the season, aiding the Rams to secure their spot in the NFC Playoffs. In the 2019 NFC Championship Game, he propelled his team to victory with his 57-yard field goal in overtime.

In 2020, Zuerlein signed a three-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys. Despite his struggle in consistency, Zuerlein managed to prove his worth by capping off a historic comeback over the Atlanta Falcons. It was during this season that he introduced the “Watermelon Kick,” a unique kick style that successfully gave them the winning play.

After a year with the Cowboys, Zuerlein faced yet another obstacle – a second back surgery which limited his preseason performance in 2021 and raised questions about his physical fitness. Against all odds, Zuerlein managed to navigate around these obstacles, putting up commendable performances even under harsh circumstances.

Having spent almost a decade in the NFL, Gregory Zuerlein proved to be a resilient and hardworking player, overcoming multiple physical injuries, and showing continuous improvement. His tenure with NFL reaffirmed his position as one of the most reliable placekickers in the field. His story, replete with hard-earned triumphs and fought battles speaks volumes about his perseverance and passion for the game.

Ever since his early days in Nebraska, Zuerlein has shown that he possesses not just the skill, but the drive and the will to excel and forge a legacy in the sport. Whether it’s at Nebraska-Omaha, Missouri Western, the St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams, the Dallas Cowboys, or the New York Jets, the “Greg the Leg” moniker has remained synonymous with a dedication to excellence that guarantees he’ll be remembered as one of the most outstanding placekickers in the history of American football.