Mark Moseley, a professional American football placekicker, is best remembered for his time in the National Football League (NFL) where he played for several teams, most notably the Washington Redskins. Born on March 12, 1948, in Laneville, Texas, Moseley attended Stephen F. Austin State University, where he honed his skills in football, eventually catching the attention of NFL scouts.
Moseley's professional career began when he was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 14th round of the 1970 NFL Draft. His tenure with the Eagles was short-lived, and he soon found himself playing for the Houston Oilers. However, it was with the Washington Redskins that Moseley truly found his footing. Joining the Redskins in 1974, he became an integral part of the team, known for his reliability and consistency as a kicker.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Moseley's career was his performance during the 1982 NFL season. That year, he became the first and only placekicker to win the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. The season was shortened due to a players' strike, but Moseley's accuracy and clutch performances were instrumental in leading the Redskins to a successful season. He converted 20 of 21 field goal attempts, setting a then-record for field goal percentage in a season. His efforts helped propel the Redskins to a Super Bowl XVII victory over the Miami Dolphins, further cementing his legacy in the sport.
Moseley's kicking style was distinctive; he was one of the last straight-on kickers in the NFL, a technique that was becoming increasingly rare as soccer-style kicking gained popularity. Despite the changing trends, Moseley's straight-on approach proved effective throughout his career.
After his time with the Redskins, Moseley briefly played for the Cleveland Browns before retiring from professional football in 1986. Over the course of his career, he amassed a total of 1,382 points, ranking him among the top scorers in NFL history at the time of his retirement.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Moseley was known for his work ethic and professionalism.
🏈