Mike Nugent's journey in professional football began when he was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. As a placekicker, Nugent quickly demonstrated his abilities on the field, becoming a reliable option for the Jets. During his rookie season, he converted 22 of 28 field goal attempts and all 31 extra point attempts, establishing himself as a dependable kicker.
Nugent's tenure with the Jets lasted until 2008, during which he consistently delivered solid performances. However, an injury in 2008 limited his playing time, and he was subsequently released by the team. In 2009, Nugent signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but his stint there was short-lived, as he played only four games before being released.
The following year, Nugent found a new opportunity with the Cincinnati Bengals. Joining the Bengals in 2010 marked a turning point in his career, as he became a mainstay in their special teams unit. Over the next seven seasons, Nugent became known for his accuracy and consistency, converting numerous game-winning kicks and setting franchise records. In 2011, he achieved a career-high field goal percentage of 86.8%, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable kicker.
Nugent's time with the Bengals was not without challenges. In 2014, he missed a potential game-winning field goal in a playoff game against the San Diego Chargers, a moment that was a setback in an otherwise steady career. Despite this, he remained a trusted figure in the Bengals' lineup until 2016, when he was released after a series of missed extra points.
After leaving the Bengals, Nugent continued his career with several teams, including the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and Oakland Raiders. His ability to adapt and perform under pressure allowed him to remain a sought-after kicker in the league. In 2019, Nugent joined the New England Patriots, stepping in as a replacement for the injured Stephen Gostkowski. Although his time with the Patriots was brief, he contributed to the team's success during his tenure.
Throughout his career, Nugent was known for his professionalism and work ethic. He played in over 160 NFL games, amassing more than 1,200 points and maintaining a field goal percentage above 80%. His longevity in the league is a testament to his skill and reliability as a kicker.
In 2020, Nugent signed with the Arizona Cardinals, but his time with the team was limited, and he did not appear in any regular-season games. Following this, he stepped away from professional football, concluding a career that spanned over a decade and saw him play for multiple teams across the NFL.
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