David Akers, a professional football placekicker, enjoyed a lengthy career in the National Football League (NFL). Born on December 9, 1974, in Lexington, Kentucky, Akers attended the University of Louisville, where he played college football. Despite a solid college career, he went undrafted in the 1997 NFL Draft. However, his persistence and skill eventually led him to the NFL, where he would become one of the league's most reliable kickers.
Akers began his NFL journey with the Washington Redskins, signing as an undrafted free agent in 1998. His time with the Redskins was brief, and he spent the majority of the season on the practice squad. The following year, he had a short stint with the Atlanta Falcons but did not see any game action. It wasn't until he joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 1999 that his career truly began to take off.
With the Eagles, Akers found stability and success. He quickly established himself as a dependable kicker, known for his accuracy and strong leg. Over the course of his tenure with the Eagles, which lasted until 2010, Akers became the franchise's all-time leading scorer. He was selected to the Pro Bowl five times during his time in Philadelphia and was named to the NFL All-Decade Team for the 2000s.
Akers' consistency was a key asset for the Eagles, and he played a crucial role in many of the team's successes during the early 2000s. He was part of the Eagles' squad that reached Super Bowl XXXIX, although they ultimately fell to the New England Patriots. Despite the loss, Akers' performance throughout the season and playoffs was commendable.
In 2011, Akers signed with the San Francisco 49ers, where he continued to excel. His first season with the 49ers was particularly impressive, as he set an NFL record for the most points scored by a kicker in a single season, with 166 points. That year, he also broke the record for the most field goals made in a season, with 44 successful attempts. His outstanding performance earned him another Pro Bowl selection.
Akers' time with the 49ers included another Super Bowl appearance, this time in Super Bowl XLVII against the Baltimore Ravens. Although the 49ers did not win, Akers' contributions throughout the season were vital to the team's success.
In 2013, Akers joined the Detroit Lions for what would be his final season in the NFL. While his performance was not as prolific as in previous years, he remained a reliable option for the Lions. After the 2013 season, Akers decided to retire from professional football.
Throughout his career, Akers was known for his strong work ethic and ability to perform under pressure.
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