John Carney's journey in professional football is a testament to longevity and skill in the demanding role of a placekicker. Born on April 20, 1964, in Hartford, Connecticut, Carney attended Notre Dame, where he played college football and honed his kicking abilities. His professional career began when he entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Cincinnati Bengals in 1987. Although he did not play a game for the Bengals, this opportunity marked the start of a career that would span over two decades.
Carney's first significant playing time came with the San Diego Chargers, where he joined the team in 1990. Over the next 11 seasons, he became a reliable presence on the field, setting numerous records for the franchise. His accuracy and consistency in field goals and extra points were instrumental in many of the Chargers' victories during the 1990s. In 1994, Carney was part of the Chargers team that reached Super Bowl XXIX, although they were defeated by the San Francisco 49ers.
After his long tenure with the Chargers, Carney moved to the New Orleans Saints in 2001. His time with the Saints further solidified his reputation as one of the league's most dependable kickers. In 2003, he was selected for the Pro Bowl, an acknowledgment of his outstanding performance that season. Carney's ability to deliver under pressure was a valuable asset for the Saints, and he played a crucial role in several tight games.
Carney's career continued with stints at various teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Kansas City Chiefs. However, it was with the New York Giants that he experienced a remarkable resurgence. Joining the Giants in 2008, Carney filled in for the injured Lawrence Tynes and delivered an exceptional season. He was named to the Pro Bowl for the second time and was also selected as a First-team All-Pro, highlighting his exceptional performance at the age of 44.
In 2009, Carney returned to the Saints, where he was part of the team during their Super Bowl XLIV-winning season, although he did not play in the postseason. His final NFL appearance came with the Saints in 2010, marking the end of an illustrious career that saw him become one of the highest-scoring players in NFL history.
Throughout his career, Carney was known for his meticulous preparation and ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
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