Career Timeline of Nick Folk: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 9, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Nick Folk made an impact.

Nick Folk is a professional American football placekicker currently playing for the New York Jets in the NFL. He played college football at Arizona, earning All-Pac-10 honors. Folk was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2007, where he earned a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie. He then spent seven seasons with the Jets, becoming their second all-time leading scorer.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2007: Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys and longest kick

In 2007, Nick Folk was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys and made a 53-yard game-winning kick against the Buffalo Bills.

2007: Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys

In 2007, Nick Folk was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the NFL draft.

2008: Pro Bowl Selection as a Rookie

In 2008, Nick Folk was selected to the Pro Bowl as a rookie after a successful season with the Dallas Cowboys.

February 28, 2014: Jets place franchise tag on Folk

On February 28, 2014, the New York Jets placed the franchise tag on Nick Folk.

2016: Return from Injury

In the 2016 season, Nick Folk returned from a quad injury and played all 16 games for the Jets.

February 23, 2017: Released by the Jets

On February 23, 2017, Nick Folk was released by the New York Jets as a salary cap move.

March 17, 2017: Signed by Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On March 17, 2017, Nick Folk was signed as a free agent by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

2017: Stint with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In 2017, Nick Folk had an unsuccessful stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

February 22, 2018: Released from the Buccaneers

On February 22, 2018, Nick Folk was released from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

January 25, 2019: Tryout with the Chicago Bears

On January 25, 2019, Nick Folk attended a tryout with the Chicago Bears but was not offered a contract.

April 2019: AAF Ceases Operations

In April 2019, the Alliance of American Football, including the Arizona Hotshots where Nick Folk played, ceased operations.

October 29, 2019: Signed by New England Patriots

On October 29, 2019, Nick Folk was signed by the New England Patriots after the release of Mike Nugent.

December 6, 2019: Re-signed by Patriots

On December 6, 2019, Nick Folk was re-signed by the New England Patriots.

2019: Comeback with Arizona Hotshots and return to NFL

In 2019, Nick Folk pursued a comeback with the Arizona Hotshots of the Alliance of American Football (AAF) and later returned to the NFL with the New England Patriots.

March 2020: Free Agency

In March 2020, Nick Folk became a free agent.

August 19, 2020: Tryout with Cleveland Browns

On August 19, 2020, Nick Folk had a tryout with the Cleveland Browns.

August 22, 2020: Visit with Patriots

On August 22, 2020, Nick Folk visited the New England Patriots.

August 24, 2020: Re-signed with Patriots

On August 24, 2020, Nick Folk re-signed with the New England Patriots.

September 5, 2020: Released by Patriots and Signed to Practice Squad

On September 5, 2020, Nick Folk was released by the New England Patriots and signed with the practice squad the next day.

March 23, 2021: Re-signed with the Patriots

On March 23, 2021, Nick Folk re-signed with the New England Patriots.

October 13, 2021: AFC Special Teams Player of the Week

On October 13, 2021, Nick Folk was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance in the Patriots' win over the Houston Texans.

2021: Co-leading the League in Scoring

In 2021, Nick Folk co-led the league in scoring while playing for the New England Patriots.

March 15, 2022: Re-signed with Patriots

On March 15, 2022, Nick Folk re-signed with the Patriots to a two-year, $5 million deal.

August 29, 2023: Traded to the Tennessee Titans

On August 29, 2023, Nick Folk was traded from the New England Patriots to the Tennessee Titans.

2023: Main kickoff specialist

In 2023, Nick Folk became the Patriots’ main kickoff specialist following an injury to Jake Bailey, but struggled, leading to the drafting of Chad Ryland.