Jan Stenerud, a Norwegian-born athlete, transitioned from skiing to American football, becoming one of the most recognized placekickers in the history of the sport. Born in Fetsund, Norway, Stenerud initially excelled in ski jumping, a sport that brought him to the United States on a scholarship to Montana State University. It was there that his journey into football began, almost by accident.

While attending Montana State, Stenerud was noticed by the football team's assistant coach while practicing his kicking on the field. His powerful and accurate kicks caught the coach's attention, leading to an invitation to join the football team. Stenerud's soccer-style kicking, which was relatively new to American football at the time, set him apart from traditional straight-on kickers. His unique style and consistent performance earned him a place on the team, and he quickly became a standout player.

Stenerud's college career was impressive enough to catch the eye of professional scouts, and he was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 1966 AFL Draft. Joining the Chiefs marked the beginning of a long and storied professional career. Stenerud's kicking prowess was instrumental in the Chiefs' success during his tenure with the team. He played a crucial role in helping the Chiefs secure a victory in Super Bowl IV, where his three field goals contributed significantly to the team's win over the Minnesota Vikings.

Throughout his time with the Chiefs, Stenerud was known for his reliability and accuracy. He became one of the first placekickers to be used exclusively for kicking duties, a practice that would become standard in the NFL. His ability to perform under pressure and his consistency in scoring points made him an invaluable asset to the team.

After spending 13 seasons with the Chiefs, Stenerud moved on to play for the Green Bay Packers and later the Minnesota Vikings. His tenure with these teams further solidified his reputation as one of the best kickers in the league. Stenerud's career statistics are a testament to his skill; he scored over 1,699 points and made 373 field goals, with a field goal percentage of 66.8%.

Stenerud's influence on the game extended beyond his on-field performance. He helped popularize the soccer-style kicking technique, which has since become the standard in professional football. His success paved the way for future generations of kickers, many of whom adopted his style and approach to the game.

In recognition of his achievements, Stenerud was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991, becoming the first pure placekicker to receive this honor. His induction highlighted the importance of the kicking game in football and acknowledged his role in shaping the position.

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