How Stephen Gostkowski built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Stephen Gostkowski is a former NFL placekicker, primarily known for his time with the New England Patriots. Drafted by the Patriots in 2006, he became their all-time leading scorer and played a key role in multiple Super Bowl victories. Gostkowski spent 14 seasons with New England before finishing his career with the Tennessee Titans. He retired after 15 seasons in the NFL.
August 23, 2006: Won Patriots Kicker Job
On August 23, 2006, the New England Patriots released Martín Gramática, giving the kicker job to rookie Stephen Gostkowski.
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November 26, 2006: Longest Regular-Season Kick
On November 26, 2006, Stephen Gostkowski made the longest regular-season kick of his young career, a 52-yard kick against the Chicago Bears, which is also the longest kick ever made at Gillette Stadium.
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2006: Missed Extra Point
During the AFC Championship Game in 2006, Gostkowski missed an extra point, his first since 2006 and only the second of his career, ending a streak of 523 consecutive successful attempts.
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2006: Drafted by New England Patriots
In 2006, Stephen Gostkowski was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round as the 118th overall pick.
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August 26, 2010: Signed Contract Extension with Patriots
On August 26, 2010, Stephen Gostkowski signed a four-year contract extension with the New England Patriots, adding four years to his existing contract.
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2011: Scoring Record
The 2016 season marked the first time since 2011 that Gostkowski did not lead the NFL in scoring.
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2013: First Home Miss
In 2013, Gostkowski had not missed a field goal at home since Week 2 of the 2013 Season.
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January 11, 2014: Punted for the Patriots
On January 11, 2014, during the AFC Divisional Round against the Indianapolis Colts, Stephen Gostkowski took over the role of punter for the Patriots after Ryan Allen was injured.
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November 30, 2014: Missed Field Goal
On November 30, 2014, Gostkowski missed a 54-yard field goal attempt during a game against the Buffalo Bills. This marked his first miss since November 30, 2014, and his first miss at home since Week 2 of the 2013 season.
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2015: Pro Bowl and All-Pro Selection
In 2015, Gostkowski was named one of the starting kickers for the Pro Bowl, marking his third consecutive nomination and fourth overall. He was also named the kicker on the 2015 AP All-Pro first team, receiving 47 of 50 votes.
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2016: Special Teams Player of the Week
In 2016, Gostkowski earned Special Teams Player of the Week in Week 13 for making all four field goal attempts including three over 45 yards and converted two extra points.
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2016: End of Regular-Season Streak
In 2016, Gostkowski missed an extra point in Week 6 against the Cincinnati Bengals to end his record regular-season streak at 479.
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2017: Pepsi Commercial Appearance
During the 2017 playoffs, Gostkowski appeared in a Pepsi commercial, joining the ranks of wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Antonio Brown.
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2017: Regular Season Performance
In the 2017 regular season, Gostkowski made 45-of-47 extra point attempts and 37-of-40 field goal attempts. His 156 points was the second highest total of any player in the NFL.
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April 9, 2019: Re-Signing with Patriots
On April 9, 2019, Gostkowski re-signed with the Patriots on a two-year, $8.5 million deal.
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October 2, 2019: Placed on Injured Reserve
On October 2, 2019, Gostkowski was placed on injured reserve due to a left hip injury. Mike Nugent, Nick Folk and Kai Forbath were signed as his replacement.
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March 23, 2020: Released by the Patriots
On March 23, 2020, Gostkowski was released by the Patriots after 14 seasons with the team.
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September 3, 2020: Signed by Tennessee Titans
On September 3, 2020, Gostkowski signed a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans, reuniting with his former teammate Mike Vrabel. In his debut, he struggled but kicked the game-winning field goal.
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October 1, 2020: AFC Special Teams Player of the Month
On October 1, 2020, Gostkowski was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for his performance in September.
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2020: Free Agency
Following the 2020 season, Gostkowski was not re-signed by the Titans, making him a free agent.
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2021: Free Agency
Going into the 2021 season, Gostkowski was a free agent.
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2022: Retirement
In 2022, Gostkowski retired after fifteen seasons due to a persistent knee injury.
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