Olindo Mare, a professional American football placekicker, began his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins. Born on June 6, 1973, in Hollywood, Florida, Mare attended MacArthur High School before playing college football at Syracuse University. His journey to the NFL was not straightforward, as he went undrafted in the 1996 NFL Draft. However, his persistence paid off when he signed with the New York Giants as a free agent, although he did not play a regular-season game with them.
Mare's breakthrough came when he joined the Miami Dolphins in 1997. Over the next decade, he became a reliable kicker for the team, known for his strong leg and accuracy. During his tenure with the Dolphins, Mare set several franchise records, including the most field goals in a season and the longest field goal made. His ability to perform under pressure was evident in numerous games, where his kicks often decided the outcome.
In 2007, Mare was traded to the New Orleans Saints. His time with the Saints was brief, lasting only one season. Despite the short stint, he continued to demonstrate his skills as a kicker, contributing to the team's scoring efforts.
The following year, Mare signed with the Seattle Seahawks. His tenure with the Seahawks was marked by consistency and reliability. Mare played three seasons in Seattle, where he continued to be a dependable scoring option. His performance with the Seahawks included several game-winning field goals, further solidifying his reputation as a clutch performer.
In 2011, Mare joined the Carolina Panthers. His time with the Panthers was highlighted by his ability to handle both field goal and kickoff duties. Mare's experience and skill were valuable assets to the team, and he played a crucial role in several close games.
Mare's final NFL season was with the Chicago Bears in 2012. Although his time with the Bears was short, he managed to contribute to the team's efforts during the season. After his stint with the Bears, Mare retired from professional football.
Throughout his career, Olindo Mare was known for his strong leg and accuracy, making him a reliable kicker for every team he played with.
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