Ryan Longwell's journey in professional football began when he entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent. Born on August 16, 1974, in Seattle, Washington, Longwell attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he played college football as a placekicker and punter. Despite a solid college career, he was not selected in the 1997 NFL Draft. However, his talent did not go unnoticed, and he was signed by the San Francisco 49ers, though he did not make the final roster.
His professional career truly took off when he joined the Green Bay Packers later in 1997. Longwell quickly established himself as a reliable kicker, earning the starting position and becoming an integral part of the team. During his tenure with the Packers, he became the franchise's all-time leading scorer, a testament to his consistency and skill. Longwell's accuracy and ability to perform under pressure made him a valuable asset to the team, contributing to their success during his time there.
In 2006, Longwell signed with the Minnesota Vikings, continuing to demonstrate his proficiency as a kicker. His tenure with the Vikings further solidified his reputation as one of the league's most dependable kickers. Longwell's ability to deliver in critical moments was evident throughout his career, and he played a crucial role in many of the Vikings' victories during his time with the team.
Throughout his career, Longwell was known for his strong leg and precise kicking. He consistently ranked among the league leaders in field goal percentage, showcasing his technical skill and mental toughness. His career field goal percentage of over 83% places him among the top kickers in NFL history.
Longwell's career spanned over a decade and a half, during which he played in numerous high-stakes games, including playoff appearances. His experience and poise were invaluable to his teams, and he was often relied upon in clutch situations. Despite the pressure that comes with being a kicker in the NFL, Longwell maintained a calm demeanor and delivered when it mattered most.
After leaving the Vikings, Longwell briefly joined the Seattle Seahawks in 2013, though he did not play in any regular-season games for the team. He officially retired from professional football in 2013, leaving behind a legacy of reliability and excellence in the kicking game.
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