Mike Vanderjagt: The Controversial Kicker Whose Record-Setting Career Was Marred by One Miss
He arrived on the scene with a bold persona, wearing spandex and a diamond stud, calling himself “the best kicker in history.” But for Mike Vanderjagt, that reputation was built on more than just bravado. He had the numbers to back it up. Before games, he slipped a dollar bill under his wristband, symbolizing his confidence: “Because I was money,” he says.
Vanderjagt’s journey to becoming the best kicker in NFL history was anything but straightforward. As a soccer phenom, he nearly made the Canadian U-18 national team. As a quarterback, he received a scholarship to Michigan State. Yet, as a kicker, he faced multiple cuts in the CFL and Arena League before finally landing a tryout with the Indianapolis Colts in 1998.
The Rise of the Colts’ Ace Kicker
In Indianapolis, Vanderjagt found his niche. His fluid motion, honed from years of soccer, swiftly became a hallmark of the Colts’ offense. By the early 2000s, Vanderjagt was clutch, cocky, and unapologetic. In 1999, he led the NFL in scoring. Four years later, he set a historic record, becoming the first kicker to finish a full season without a miss: 83 of 83 field goals and extra points.
His confidence was infectious. He taunted opponents and reporters alike, rubbing his thumb over his index finger in symbolic victory. “I was money,” he often reminded everyone. His accuracy earned him the respect of his teammates, and they lived up to his expectations every fourth quarter.
Vanderjagt retired in 2007 with an 86.5 career make percentage, the best in league history at the time. (Donald Miralle / Getty Images)
The Highs and Lows of Confidence and Controversy
Vanderjagt’s confidence sometimes crossed the line. He challenged coaches and even clashed with quarterback Peyton Manning, famously indicating his dissatisfaction with Manning’s on-field enthusiasm. In 2002, Vanderjagt went on a radio show before a playoff game, suggesting the New England Patriots were “ripe for the picking.” The Patriots went on to win that game and the Super Bowl.
However, when peers succeeded, Vanderjagt faced the scrutiny. His contentious interview in Toronto after a playoff loss in 2002 led Peyton Manning to publicly criticize him on national television. Vanderjagt was labeled as a problematic kicker, often remembered for the misses rather than his record-breaking accuracy.
The fallout from this incident soured Vanderjagt’s relationship with the Colts organization. He regretted his comments even before Manning’s backlash became public. Despite a swift reconciliation, missed confidence ahead of the 2006Super Bowl led Vanderjagt’s career in the NFL to a new chapter. Missed from 46 yards in the divisional round against the Steelers, he stepped off the field with his reputation as a winner—or at least an undeniable asset—tarnished.
The Missed Field Goal and Its Lasting Impact
Reflecting on his career, Vanderjagt understands the gravity of that missed kick. In December 2005, during a playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Vanderjagt had a perfect season inside the dome, but the 46-yard field goal attempt in the fourth quarter was a misfire. The stakes were high; the Colts were trailing 21-18 and needed a win to enter the AFC Championship Game. The ball sailed wide right, sealing their fate.
Manning’s and the Colts’ subsequent victory in Super Bowl XLIII, punctuated by a disputed call, triggered a series of unfortunate events. Vanderjagt’s name became synonymous with the missed kicks that prevent teams from reaching glory. After the epic season of 2005, the Colts lost key players and traction. Vanderjagt’s confidence in his mechanics crumbled, leading to mistakes and a loss of form.
Aftermath and Legacy
Following the missed field goal, Vanderjagt parted ways with the Colts. The Colts approached him with a contract for the 2006 season, but Vanderjagt believed better suited elsewhere. He spent three seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, struggling to recapture his form. After being cut in 2007, Vanderjagt’s career in professional football was largely over.
Vanderjagt’s tenure with the Colts saw him becoming the most accurate kicker in NFL history. Despite his achievements, his tenure with the team ended acrimoniously. The Colts honored other players from the era, including Marlon咥, Marvin Harrison, and Dwight Freeney, with induction into the team’s Ring of Honor. Vanderjagt, however, never received a similar invitation.
“Outside of Indianapolis, I’m not known for one kick,” says Vanderjagt, who hasn’t heard from the Colts organization nearly 20 years after his playoff miss. (Bob Rosato / Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
Living with Legacy and Moving Forward
Today, Vanderjagt lives in upstate New York, far removed from the pressures of professional football. He has transitioned into coaching special teams at a local high school, where he aims to instill in young players the same confidence and resilience he cultivated throughout his career. His journey has taught him not to let a single mistake define him.
Though he faces criticism for his controversial moments, Vanderjagt remains proud of his contributions. His career is remembered for his accurate kicks, memorable quotes, and the impact he made on the Indianapolis Colts. Despite his accomplishments, Vanderjagt acknowledges the pain of missing a critical kick. “It’s one kick in a long career where I made a ton of big ones,” he says.
Vanderjagt’s relationship with the Colts remains strained. He hasn’t heard from team management in almost two decades. He enters discussions about his career with a mix of pride and acceptance. Even today, he receives fan mail daily, many noting his contributions beyond the famous or infamous moments. He has built a successful career outside football, running a million-dollar company in sports graphics and speaking at motivational events.
Lessons Learned and Passing on Legacy
As he reflects on his career, Vanderjagt hopes to impart wisdom to young kickers. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and self-confidence. “Miss a big one, and all the makes seem to disappear,” he understands. Vanderjagt’s goal is to ensure his protégés learn from his mistakes and achieve their full potential.
In the end, Vanderjagt’s legacy is one of perseverance. His career, while marked by controversy and the infamous miss, was also defined by a remarkable level of skill and dedication. He is the most accurate kicker in NFL history, a statistic that stands the test of time. “Outside of Indianapolis, I’m not known for one kick,” he repeats, underscoring the broader impact of his career.
If Vanderjagt could give advice to a younger version of himself, he might stress humility and the importance of teamwork. He credits the Colts for giving him the start he needed to become the best kicker in league history. Yet, he also recognizes that professional sports are unforgiving, and sometimes even the best can be cast aside.
Conclusion
Mike Vanderjagt’s career is a testament to the highs and lows of professional football. Despite the controversies and missed opportunities, his record-breaking accuracy cemented his place as a legend in the NFL. Today, Vanderjagt lives a fulfilling life, coaching young players and championing resilience. His story serves as a reminder that success and failure are two sides of the same coin, and how one handles both can define a legacy.
As Vanderjagt looks back on his career, he holds no regrets about the moments he played the impact his achievements believes forthright. His perspective is rooted in the belief that his contributions to the Indianapolis Colts should be remembered for more than just one problematic moment. In the grand scheme of things, Vanderjagt’s legacy is much more than one missed field goal.
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