NFL Kicking Resources & Glossary

Statistics Glossary

Click on any term below to view its definition

RK (Rank)

Overall position based on total field goals made. This is the primary sorting metric for the dataset, showing which kickers contributed the most successful field goals to their teams during the 2025 season.

FGM (Field Goals Made)

Total successful field goals. This is the primary scoring metric for kickers and shows the volume of points they've contributed to their team. Each field goal is worth 3 points, so a kicker with 44 FGM has contributed 132 points.

FGA (Field Goal Attempts)

Total field goal attempts. This represents how many opportunities a kicker has had, which can indicate both team offensive performance (stalling drives) and coaching trust in the kicker's abilities. Higher volume can also mean more chances for misses.

FG% (Field Goal Percentage)

FGM divided by FGA, expressed as a percentage. This is the key accuracy metric that shows reliability and consistency. Elite kickers typically maintain above 85% for a full season. The league average usually hovers around 83-84%.

LNG (Longest)

The longest successful field goal (in yards). This demonstrates a kicker's maximum range and leg strength, which is crucial for late-game situations where teams need points from long distance. The NFL record is 66 yards, set by Justin Tucker in 2021.

20-29 Yards

Short-range field goals - shows makes and attempts from 20-29 yards. These are considered "automatic" kicks that all NFL kickers should make consistently. Missing from this range is considered a significant mistake and can indicate mechanical issues.

30-39 Yards

Mid-range field goals - shows makes and attempts from 30-39 yards. This is still within the comfort zone for most kickers but starts to show differences in consistency. Elite kickers maintain near-perfect accuracy in this range.

40-49 Yards

Long-range field goals - shows makes and attempts from 40-49 yards. This range begins to separate good kickers from elite ones and requires both proper technique and sufficient leg power. Accuracy typically drops to 75-85% in this range.

50+ Yards

Extra-long range field goals - shows makes and attempts from 50 yards or more. Only kickers with exceptional leg strength attempt these regularly. Success rate is typically much lower (60-70% for elite kickers), and many coaches won't attempt kicks beyond 55 yards except in desperation.

High Performer

Kickers in the top tier of rankings who demonstrate both volume and accuracy across all ranges. These players combine consistency in short/mid range with the ability to convert difficult long-range attempts when needed.

Low Performer

Kickers who show lower accuracy percentages or struggle in specific range categories compared to league leaders. This doesn't mean they're bad kickers, but rather that they have weaknesses that separate them from elite performers.

Efficiency

The ratio of successful attempts to total attempts, typically measured by FG%. High efficiency means fewer missed opportunities and more reliable scoring. Teams with efficient kickers can trust field goal attempts more confidently in crucial situations.

Volume

The total number of field goal attempts a kicker gets. High volume can indicate offensive struggles (frequently stalling in field goal range rather than scoring touchdowns) or coaching confidence in the kicker. It also provides more opportunities to accumulate made field goals despite lower percentages.

Range

A kicker's effective distance capability, often determined by their longest successful kick and success rate from 50+ yards. Kickers with greater range give coaches more strategic options in late-game scenarios and at the end of halves.

Consistency

The ability to maintain accuracy across all ranges and throughout the season. Consistent kickers are more valuable than those with occasional brilliance but frequent misses. It's measured by looking at success rates within each yardage bracket.