Dan Bailey, a professional American football placekicker, began his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys. Born on January 26, 1988, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Bailey attended Oklahoma State University, where he played college football for the Cowboys. His performance in college earned him the Lou Groza Award in 2010, which is given annually to the nation's top collegiate placekicker.
Bailey entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2011, signing with the Dallas Cowboys. Despite the challenges faced by undrafted players, he quickly established himself as a reliable kicker. In his rookie season, Bailey made 32 of 37 field goal attempts, setting a franchise record for the most field goals made by a rookie. His accuracy and consistency earned him the trust of the coaching staff and fans alike.
Throughout his tenure with the Cowboys, Bailey was known for his precision and calm demeanor under pressure. He became one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, consistently ranking among the league's best in field goal percentage. In 2015, he was selected to the Pro Bowl, further cementing his reputation as one of the top kickers in the league.
Bailey's time with the Cowboys was marked by several memorable moments, including game-winning kicks and clutch performances in critical situations. His ability to deliver in high-pressure scenarios made him a valuable asset to the team. However, in 2017, Bailey experienced a dip in performance due to a groin injury, which affected his accuracy and reliability.
In 2018, the Cowboys released Bailey, a decision that surprised many fans and analysts. Shortly thereafter, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings, where he continued his professional career. With the Vikings, Bailey worked to regain his form and consistency. Over the next few seasons, he delivered solid performances, helping the team in various crucial games.
Bailey's career with the Vikings had its ups and downs, with periods of strong performance interspersed with occasional struggles. Despite these challenges, he remained a respected figure in the league for his professionalism and skill as a kicker. His tenure with the Vikings concluded after the 2020 season.
Throughout his career, Bailey was known for his strong leg and ability to perform under pressure.
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