History of Mike Nugent in Timeline

Michael Nugent is a retired American football placekicker with a 16-year NFL career. He played college football at Ohio State, where he won the Lou Groza Award in 2004 and earned consensus All-American honors twice. Drafted by the New York Jets in 2005, he played for several teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, Oakland Raiders, and New England Patriots. Nugent had a long career as a kicker, known for his accuracy and consistency.

March 2, 1982: Michael Nugent Born

On March 2, 1982, Michael Nugent was born. He would later become a professional football placekicker.

2001: Joined Ohio State Buckeyes

In 2001, Nugent began playing for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team under coach Jim Tressel.

2002: National Championship

In 2002, Nugent was a part of the Ohio State Buckeyes Division I National Championship team.

2002: All-American Recognition

In 2002, Nugent was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American as a sophomore.

2003: Fiesta Bowl Win

In 2003, Nugent was part of the Fiesta Bowl-winning team.

2004: Lou Groza Award

In 2004, Michael Nugent won the Lou Groza Award while playing college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was recognized as a consensus All-American twice.

2004: Ohio State Career End

In 2004, Nugent concluded his four-year career at Ohio State, having broken or tied 22 school records, including most career points (356).

2004: Fiesta Bowl and Alamo Bowl Wins

In 2004, Nugent contributed to both the Fiesta Bowl and Alamo Bowl victories and was recognized as team MVP, becoming the first kicker in school history to earn the honor.

2004: Lou Groza Award and All-American Honors

In 2004, Nugent received the Lou Groza Award as the nation's top college placekicker and was named a unanimous All-American senior.

2005: Drafted by the New York Jets

In 2005, Michael Nugent was selected by the New York Jets in the second round of the NFL draft, marking the start of his professional career.

2005: Named to All-Rookie Team

In 2005, Nugent was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team after converting all 24 extra point attempts and 22 of 28 field goal attempts.

December 2006: AFC Special Teams Player of the Month

In December 2006, Nugent was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month.

2007: 2007 Season Performance

In the 2007 season, Nugent made 23 of 24 extra point attempts and 29 of 36 field goal attempts.

2008: Injury and Replacement

During the opening game of the 2008 NFL season, Nugent injured his quadriceps and was replaced by Jay Feely.

December 16, 2009: Signed with Arizona Cardinals

On December 16, 2009, Nugent signed with the Arizona Cardinals as a temporary replacement for an injured player.

2009: Signed with Tampa Bay Buccaneers and subsequent release

In 2009, Nugent signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on March 4, won the job over Matt Bryant, but was released on October 5 after struggling with field goal conversions.

January 2, 2010: Waived by Arizona Cardinals

On January 2, 2010, Nugent was waived by the Arizona Cardinals.

April 23, 2010: Signed with Cincinnati Bengals

On April 23, 2010, Nugent signed with the Cincinnati Bengals and competed for the starting job.

September 4, 2010: Won Bengals Kicking Competition

On September 4, 2010, Nugent won the Cincinnati Bengals kicking competition after making 54- and 52-yard field goals in the team's final two preseason games.

2011: AFC Wild Card Playoffs

In 2011, Nugent played in the Bengals AFC Wild-Card Playoff game.

2011: Set Franchise Records

In 2011, Nugent set franchise records for points (132) and field goals (33) with the Bengals.

2012: AFC Wild Card Playoffs

In 2012, Nugent played in the Bengals AFC Wild-Card Playoff game.

2012: One-Year Contract Tender with Bengals

In 2012, Nugent signed a one-year contract tender with the Bengals.

March 10, 2013: Re-signed with Bengals

On March 10, 2013, Nugent re-signed with the Cincinnati Bengals to a two-year deal.

2013: AFC North Division Champion

In 2013, Nugent helped the Bengals win the AFC North Division Championship.

September 7, 2014: Tied NFL Record

On September 7, 2014, Nugent tied the NFL record for most field goals made in one half with five.

2014: AFC Wild Card Playoffs

In 2014, Nugent played in the Bengals AFC Wild-Card Playoff game.

January 4, 2015: Career Long Field Goal

On January 4, 2015, Nugent kicked a career-long 58-yard field goal during the AFC first-round playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts.

October 11, 2015: Winning Field Goal Against Seahawks

On October 11, 2015, Nugent made a winning field goal against the Seattle Seahawks in overtime in Week 5.

2015: AFC North Division Champion

In 2015, Nugent helped the Bengals win the AFC North Division Championship.

December 13, 2016: Released by Bengals

On December 13, 2016, Nugent was released by the Bengals after missing his sixth extra point of the season.

August 1, 2017: Signed with New York Giants

On August 1, 2017, Nugent signed with the New York Giants to compete for the starting position.

September 2, 2017: Cut from Giants Roster

On September 2, 2017, Nugent was cut from the Giants' roster at the conclusion of the preseason.

October 24, 2017: Signed with Dallas Cowboys

On October 24, 2017, Nugent signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a stand-in for the injured Dan Bailey.

December 4, 2017: Signed with Chicago Bears

On December 4, 2017, Nugent was signed by the Chicago Bears to replace the injured Cairo Santos.

August 4, 2018: Signed with Oakland Raiders

On August 4, 2018, Nugent signed with the Oakland Raiders.

September 26, 2018: Placed on Injured Reserve

On September 26, 2018, Nugent was placed on injured reserve after suffering a hip injury.

September 6, 2019: Inducted into Hall of Fame

On September 6, 2019, Michael Nugent was inducted into the Ohio State University Athletic Hall of Fame.

October 3, 2019: Signed with New England Patriots

On October 3, 2019, Nugent signed with the New England Patriots after they placed Stephen Gostkowski on injured reserve.

October 29, 2019: Released by New England Patriots

On October 29, 2019, Nugent was released by the New England Patriots after missing two kicks in a game.

September 18, 2020: Signed to Arizona Cardinals Practice Squad

On September 18, 2020, Nugent signed to the Arizona Cardinals practice squad.

December 25, 2020: Promoted to Active Roster

On December 25, 2020, Nugent was promoted to the active roster of the Arizona Cardinals.

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