Tip #1: If you’re a parent of a young athlete, encourage them to be a kicker. The path to the NFL is less competitive than for quarterbacks—only about 32 kickers make it each year, but there’s also way less competition for college scholarships. It’s like choosing to be a shortstop in baseball: niche, but potentially lucrative.
Tip #2: Watch the kicker during the bye week. The real money is in accuracy, not leg strength. The best kickers (like Justin Tucker) have an 90%+ field goal rate, which translates directly into contract value. If you ever meet a kicker, ask them about their process—they’re often the most Zen players on the team.
Tip #3: Never taunt the kicker. It’s bad karma. The same guy who’s mellow during practice can become a silent assassin in overtime. Remember the 2026 NFC Championship? The kicker won it, and his bonus was probably a new truck.
Highest-Paid Kickers in the NFL: Where Does Chargers Kicker Cameron
