Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jay Feely

How Jay Feely built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jay Feely is a former professional American football placekicker who transitioned into sportscasting after his playing career. He began his career in the Arena Football League before moving to the NFL where he played for multiple teams. Post-retirement, Feely became a reporter and analyst for CBS/Turner Sports, leveraging his football expertise in a media role.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1995: Started playing at the University of Michigan

In 1995, Jay Feely began his four-year career as a letterman at the University of Michigan.

1995: Franchise Record Broken

In 2002, Jay Feely broke Morten Andersen's 1995 franchise record of 31 field goals.

1998: Senior Year at Michigan

In 1998, during his senior year at the University of Michigan, Jay Feely made 17 of 22 field goal attempts and 40 of 41 point-after attempts, earning an All-Big Ten team mention.

1999: Started career with Florida Bobcats

In 1999, Jay Feely began his professional football career as a free agent placekicker for the Florida Bobcats in the Arena Football League (AFL).

1999: Played for Florida Bobcats

In 1999, after going undrafted in the NFL draft, Jay Feely played for the Florida Bobcats of the Arena Football League, where he made 2 of 5 field goal attempts and 8 of 13 extra point attempts.

2000: Played for Tampa Bay Storm

In 2000, Jay Feely played for the Tampa Bay Storm, converting one of six field goal attempts and three of four extra point attempts. He also returned one kickoff for 22 yards.

March 2001: Signed with Atlanta Falcons

In March 2001, Jay Feely worked out for the Washington Redskins but wasn't signed. On April 12, 2001, he signed a one-year, $209,000 contract with the Atlanta Falcons, ultimately winning the placekicker job.

November 19, 2001: Jets took sole possession of first place in the AFC East

On November 13, 2008, Jay Feely kicked a game-winning 34-yard field goal in overtime against the New England Patriots, helping the Jets take sole possession of first place in the AFC East for the first time since November 19, 2001.

2001: Named to All-Rookie Team

In 2001, Jay Feely was named to the Pro Football Weekly All-Rookie Team while playing for the Atlanta Falcons.

2001: Played Rookie Season with Falcons

In 2001, during his rookie season with the Atlanta Falcons, Jay Feely made 29 of 37 field goal attempts and all 28 extra point attempts. He tied for second in NFC scoring and earned consensus all-rookie honors.

2001: Kicking for Falcons

Through the 2007 season, Jay Feely had converted 164 straight extra point attempts.

2002: Signed One-Year contract with Falcons

On February 22, 2002, Jay Feely was tendered a one-year, $300,000 contract by the Falcons. He signed the deal on June 7. That season, he tied for most field goals in the NFL, setting a franchise record. He also earned NFL Special Teams Player of the Week and NFC Special Teams Player of the Month honors.

2003: Kicking for Falcons

In 2003, Jay Feely converted 19 of 27 field goal attempts and 32 of 33 extra point attempts for the Atlanta Falcons.

March 6, 2004: Re-signed with Falcons

On March 6, 2004, Jay Feely re-signed with the Atlanta Falcons for a one-year contract worth $628,000.

2005: Signed with New York Giants

In March 2005, Jay Feely signed a three-year deal with the New York Giants. In week 12 in 2005 he missed three consecutive potential game winning field goals, resulting in a loss to the Seahawks. He also was the subject of a Saturday Night Live sketch due to the missed kicks.

2006: Played for New York Giants

In 2006, Jay Feely continued to play for the New York Giants, breaking the franchise record for best field goal percentage over a two-year period.

October 21, 2007: Rob Bironas scored 26 points

On December 12, 2010, Jay Feely scored 25 points in a single game, the most points scored by a player in a single game since October 21, 2007, when Rob Bironas scored 26 against the Houston Texans.

2007: Most Productive Season with the Dolphins

During the 2008 offseason, it was reported that new Dolphins Vice President Bill Parcells did not like Jay Feely's outspoken nature, despite his 2007 success.

2007: Signed with New York Giants

In 2007, Jay Feely was still playing for the New York Giants.

August 12, 2008: Released by Dolphins

On August 12, 2008, Jay Feely was released by the Miami Dolphins.

August 25, 2008: Briefly signed by Kansas City Chiefs

On August 25, 2008, Jay Feely was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs, but he was released one day later.

September 8, 2008: Signed with New York Jets

On September 8, 2008, Jay Feely signed with the New York Jets after Mike Nugent was injured.

March 4, 2009: Re-signed with Jets

On March 4, 2009, Jay Feely re-signed a one-year contract with the New York Jets.

2009: Broke Consecutive Field Goal Record

During the 2009 season, Jay Feely broke Pat Leahy's record of 23 consecutive field goals, hitting his 24th, before missing his next attempt.

January 9, 2010: First Career Punt

On January 9, 2010, Jay Feely recorded his first career punt in a playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals, due to a teammate's health issue.

April 2, 2010: Signed with Arizona Cardinals

On April 2, 2010, Jay Feely signed with the Arizona Cardinals.

December 12, 2010: Touchdown on Fake Field Goal

On December 12, 2010, Jay Feely became the fourth kicker in 40 years to run for a touchdown, scoring on a fake field goal against the Denver Broncos. He also kicked a career-high five field goals in the same game and scored 25 points, the most points scored by a player in a single game since October 21, 2007.

2011: Joined School of the Legends

In 2011, Jay Feely became a member of School of the Legends, contributing instructional videos about kicking.

October 14, 2012: Longest field goal of his career

On October 14, 2012, Jay Feely hit a 61-yard field goal, setting a new career best. However, in the same game, his 38-yard field goal attempt was deflected with 3 seconds left in the fourth quarter, which the Cardinals went on to lose 16–19 in OT.

August 25, 2014: Released by the Cardinals

On August 25, 2014, the Arizona Cardinals released Jay Feely.

December 3, 2014: Signed with Chicago Bears

On December 3, 2014, Jay Feely signed with the Chicago Bears as injury cover for Robbie Gould.

2015: Joined CBS Sports Network

In 2015, Jay Feely joined the CBS Sports Network as a color analyst covering college football.

2017: Color Commentator for NFL on CBS

In 2017, Jay Feely began serving as a color commentator for CBS' NFL telecasts, working alongside Beth Mowins.

2018: NFL on CBS

In 2018, Jay Feely was set to be color analyst with play-by-play partner Mowins on the #8 team of NFL on CBS for Weeks 13 and 17, but he settled for sideline reporter for Weeks 10 and 17 as the #5 announcing team. He also joined neurosurgeon Sanjay Gupta as a commentator on the Wolverines' TeamCast for the school's appearance in the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four, airing on TNT.

2021: Analyst NFL on CBS

In 2021, Jay Feely teamed up with Dedes and started on the #7 team of NFL on CBS for Week 1 while James Lofton was away. He and Dedes served the #6 team of NFL on CBS for the rest of the 2021 season.