Gary Anderson is a South African-born former NFL kicker who played 23 seasons from 1982 through 2004. He spent most of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and later produced a perfect regular season for the Minnesota Vikings in 1998. Moreover, his 2,434 career points place him among the highest scorers in league history.
However, many fans remember Anderson primarily for one missed field goal in the 1998 NFC Championship Game. That moment mattered, but it represents only a few seconds of a career that included 538 field goals, four Pro Bowls, two first-team All-Pro selections, and recognition on two NFL All-Decade Teams.
Gary Anderson Kicker Quick Facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who is Gary Anderson? | A retired South African-born NFL placekicker |
| When was he born? | July 16, 1959 |
| How old is he? | 67 as of July 16, 2026 |
| Where was he born? | Parys, South Africa |
| Where did he attend college? | Syracuse University |
| Who drafted him? | Buffalo Bills in the seventh round of the 1982 NFL Draft |
| Which team did he play for longest? | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| How many NFL seasons did he play? | 23 |
| How many points did he score? | 2,434 |
| How many field goals did he make? | 538 |
| What was special about 1998? | He made every field goal and extra point in the regular season |
| Is he in the Pro Football Hall of Fame? | No, not as of July 2026 |
Gary Anderson Career Statistics
| Category | Career total |
|---|---|
| NFL seasons | 23 |
| Regular-season games | 353 |
| Field goals made | 538 |
| Field goals attempted | 672 |
| Field-goal percentage | 80.1% |
| Extra points made | 820 |
| Extra points attempted | 827 |
| Extra-point percentage | 99.2% |
| Total points | 2,434 |
| Pro Bowl selections | 4 |
| First-team All-Pro selections | 2 |
Anderson remains third on the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s current list of career scoring leaders. Only Adam Vinatieri and Morten Andersen have scored more NFL points.
Who Is Gary Anderson the Kicker?
Gary Allan Anderson is a former professional football placekicker. Born in South Africa, he moved to the United States as a young man and converted a soccer background into a football career.
After playing at Syracuse, Anderson entered the NFL in 1982. Buffalo drafted him, but Pittsburgh became his first regular-season team. Subsequently, he developed into one of the most dependable and durable specialists of his era.
Anderson played for the Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, and Tennessee Titans. Therefore, he recorded regular-season appearances for five NFL franchises, although some profiles count Buffalo as a sixth team because the Bills drafted him.
His longevity remains remarkable. Anderson appeared in 353 regular-season games and continued playing through age 45. In addition, his career stretched across major changes in kicking technique, field surfaces, roster construction, and special-teams strategy.
How Old Is Gary Anderson?
Gary Anderson was born on July 16, 1959. Therefore, he turned 67 on July 16, 2026.
He played his final NFL season in 2004, when he was 45. As a result, he became one of the oldest players to appear in a league game.
Readers sometimes confuse him with other athletes who share his name. However, the kicker is Gary Allan Anderson, the South African-born Syracuse alumnus who wore No. 1 during much of his NFL career.
Gary Anderson’s Early Life in South Africa
Anderson was born in Parys and grew up in Durban, South Africa. Soccer formed an important part of his athletic background. Consequently, he arrived in the United States with kicking ability even though American football was still relatively unfamiliar to him.
After his family settled in Pennsylvania, Anderson began experimenting with an American football. His leg strength attracted attention, and college programs recognized that his soccer skills could translate to placekicking.
This route was unusual at the time. Nevertheless, internationally born kickers later became a familiar part of NFL history, with Gary Anderson and Danish-born Morten Andersen becoming two of the league’s greatest scorers.
Gary Anderson’s Syracuse Career
Anderson attended Syracuse University, where he played football and also participated in soccer. Over time, he developed the accuracy and composure required for high-pressure field goals.
His best-known college honor came in 1981, when he earned first-team All-American recognition. Furthermore, his Syracuse performance established him as a professional prospect despite the limited value teams usually placed on drafting kickers.
The college experience also helped Anderson adjust to American football’s specialized timing. A successful kick requires coordination among the snapper, holder, blockers, and kicker. Therefore, leg strength alone could not have produced his later consistency.
Who Drafted Gary Anderson?
The Buffalo Bills selected Gary Anderson with the 171st overall choice in the seventh round of the 1982 NFL Draft.
However, Buffalo released him before the regular season. The Pittsburgh Steelers then acquired him, and he began his NFL career there in 1982.
This sequence explains a frequent statistical misunderstanding. Buffalo belongs in Anderson’s transaction history, but the Bills do not belong in his regular-season playing record. Instead, his five playing teams were Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Minnesota, and Tennessee.
Gary Anderson’s NFL Team Timeline
| Seasons | Team | Career context |
|---|---|---|
| 1982-1994 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Franchise scoring leader and longest tenure |
| 1995-1996 | Philadelphia Eagles | Two seasons and a playoff appearance |
| 1997 | San Francisco 49ers | Reached the NFC Championship Game |
| 1998-2002 | Minnesota Vikings | Perfect 1998 regular season and five-year run |
| 2003-2004 | Tennessee Titans | Final two NFL seasons |
Anderson spent 13 seasons with Pittsburgh before playing 10 more seasons across four teams. Therefore, his career was not simply a brief late-stage tour. He remained a productive kicker well into his forties.
Gary Anderson’s Pittsburgh Steelers Career
Pittsburgh became the foundation of Anderson’s professional legacy. From 1982 through 1994, he made 309 field goals and 416 extra points for the franchise.
Those kicks produced 1,343 points. As of July 2026, Anderson remains the Steelers’ all-time scoring leader, although current kicker Chris Boswell has moved closer to the record.
A Dependable Scorer
Anderson quickly became a reliable part of Pittsburgh’s offense. In 1983, his second season, he earned the first of his four Pro Bowl selections. Later, he made 33 field goals and scored 139 points in 1985.
The 1985 performance earned him first-team All-Pro recognition. In addition, it demonstrated how valuable a consistent kicker could be to a team that frequently played close, defense-driven games.
According to the official Steelers scoring records, Anderson remains the franchise leader in points and field goals. Although the team’s online historical table has not updated every active-player total, Anderson’s 1,343-point mark remains above Boswell’s 1,250 points through the 2025 season.
His Long Pittsburgh Tenure
Anderson appeared in 197 regular-season games for the Steelers. That extended run gave him opportunities to play under Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher, two of the most important coaches in franchise history.
However, Anderson joined Pittsburgh after the team’s four Super Bowl victories of the 1970s. Consequently, he did not receive a championship ring from that dynasty.
Pittsburgh moved on after the 1994 season. Still, Anderson’s team scoring record and 13-year tenure keep him firmly connected to Steelers history.
Gary Anderson With the Eagles and 49ers
Anderson joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 1995 and remained for two seasons. Although those years receive less attention, he made 47 of 59 field-goal attempts and helped Philadelphia reach the postseason.
Next, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers for the 1997 season. The 49ers reached the NFC Championship Game, where Green Bay defeated them 23-10.
Anderson made 29 field goals that season. However, San Francisco moved in another direction afterward, creating the opportunity that led to the most famous year of his career.
Gary Anderson’s Perfect 1998 Regular Season
Anderson joined the Minnesota Vikings in 1998 and immediately produced a historic season. He converted all 35 field-goal attempts and all 59 extra-point attempts during the regular season.
Therefore, he finished 94-for-94 on kicks and scored 164 points. He became the first NFL kicker to complete a regular season without missing either a field goal or an extra point.
The achievement matched an extraordinary Minnesota offense. The Vikings finished 15-1 and scored 556 points behind Randall Cunningham, Randy Moss, Cris Carter, and Robert Smith. The Vikings’ official review of the 1998 season confirms Anderson’s 35-for-35 field-goal performance.
Why the Season Was So Difficult to Repeat
Perfect kicking requires more than a strong leg. A kicker must handle changing distances, pressure, field conditions, timing, and the occasional imperfect snap or hold.
Moreover, Anderson attempted 12 regular-season field goals from 40 to 49 yards and made all of them. The Vikings played their home games indoors, but half of an NFL schedule still takes place on the road.
His performance earned another Pro Bowl selection and his second first-team All-Pro honor. In addition, it secured his place on the NFL’s 1990s All-Decade Team.
What Happened in the 1998 NFC Championship Game?
Minnesota hosted the Atlanta Falcons on January 17, 1999, with a place in Super Bowl XXXIII at stake. The Vikings led 27-20 late in the fourth quarter.
With just over two minutes remaining, Anderson attempted a 38-yard field goal. A successful kick would have extended the lead to 10 points. However, he missed wide left.
Atlanta then drove for a tying touchdown. Later, Morten Andersen made a 38-yard field goal in overtime, giving the Falcons a 30-27 victory. The Falcons’ official game account documents the miss, comeback, and winning kick.
Did Gary Anderson’s Miss Cost the Vikings the Game?
The missed field goal clearly changed the situation. If Anderson had converted it, Atlanta would have needed two scores with little time remaining.
Nevertheless, the miss did not end the game immediately. Minnesota’s defense still allowed an eight-play touchdown drive. Afterward, the Vikings had another possession in regulation and opportunities in overtime.
The offense also lost a fumble shortly before the missed kick and scored only seven second-half points. Meanwhile, Atlanta entered the game with a 14-2 record and had already demonstrated that it was a strong opponent.
Therefore, it is fair to call Anderson’s miss a major turning point. It is not fair to assign him sole responsibility for a team defeat that required many plays and several missed opportunities.
Was the 1998 Season Still Perfect?
Yes, Anderson’s regular season remained perfect. Regular-season and postseason statistics are recorded separately.
He made every field goal and extra point during Minnesota’s 16-game regular-season schedule. However, he missed one field goal during the playoffs. Both statements are accurate.
This distinction often disappears in short summaries. Consequently, some readers assume the word “perfect” ignores the championship game, when it actually describes a specific statistical period.
Gary Anderson’s Later Vikings Seasons
Anderson remained with Minnesota through 2002. His results varied after the remarkable 1998 campaign, including a difficult 1999 season in which he made 19 of 30 field goals.
However, he recovered to convert 22 of 23 attempts in 2000. That year, he also moved past George Blanda to become the NFL’s career scoring leader at the time.
By staying with Minnesota for five seasons, Anderson showed that his Vikings career extended beyond one famous miss. He made 109 regular-season field goals for the franchise and continued scoring into his early forties.
Gary Anderson’s Tennessee Titans Years
Anderson joined the Tennessee Titans in 2003. At age 44, he made 27 of 31 field-goal attempts and helped Tennessee reach the playoffs.
He returned for one final season in 2004. Although his percentage declined, he still converted 17 field goals and appeared in 15 games at age 45.
Anderson then retired with 2,434 points. At that moment, he held the NFL career scoring record. Morten Andersen later passed him, and Adam Vinatieri eventually moved ahead of both kickers.
Gary Anderson’s Awards and Records
Anderson’s career included achievements across three decades:
- 2,434 career points
- 538 field goals
- 820 extra points
- 353 regular-season games
- Four Pro Bowl selections
- Two first-team All-Pro selections
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
- Perfect field-goal and extra-point record during the 1998 regular season
- Pittsburgh Steelers career scoring record
His selection to both All-Decade Teams is particularly important. The official NFL’s 1990s All-Decade Team notes that Anderson continued performing at an elite level after also earning recognition for the 1980s.
Furthermore, his scoring rank has remained remarkably stable. At the start of the 2026 season, he still stands third despite retiring more than two decades earlier.
Is Gary Anderson in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
No. Gary Anderson has not been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as of July 2026.
He advanced during the early 2026 Hall of Fame voting process. However, he did not reach the final group of inductees.
The official Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 included Adam Vinatieri, who became another rare kicker selected for enshrinement. Anderson’s omission does not erase his achievements, but statistical standing alone does not guarantee election.
The Case for Anderson
Supporters can point to his career points, longevity, four Pro Bowls, two first-team All-Pro honors, and two All-Decade selections. Moreover, he remained productive across 23 seasons and once retired as the league’s scoring leader.
Why Election Is Difficult
The Hall of Fame has historically selected few players who worked exclusively as kickers. Voters may also prioritize postseason moments and championships, areas where Anderson’s record lacks the famous successes associated with Vinatieri.
Unfortunately, the 1998 miss also shapes public memory. Nevertheless, Hall of Fame evaluation should consider an entire career rather than one attempt.
Did the Steelers Retire Gary Anderson’s Number?
No. The Pittsburgh Steelers have not officially retired Anderson’s No. 1 jersey.
The team rarely issued No. 1 for many years, which helped create the rumor. However, a number staying out of circulation is not the same as formal retirement.
Therefore, articles should not state that Pittsburgh retired his jersey. His franchise scoring record remains a strong honor on its own.
Are Gary Anderson and Morten Andersen Related?
No. Gary Anderson and Morten Andersen are not related.
Their names are easy to confuse because both were foreign-born kickers with exceptionally long NFL careers. However, Gary was born in South Africa and spells his surname Anderson. Morten was born in Denmark and spells his surname Andersen.
Their careers also crossed in a memorable way. Gary missed the late field goal in the 1998 NFC Championship Game, while Morten made Atlanta’s winning kick in overtime.
What Did Gary Anderson Do After Retiring?
After leaving the NFL, Anderson largely stepped away from national sports attention. Public profiles connected him with Canmore, Alberta, where he pursued outdoor interests such as fly fishing and became involved with youth sports.
A McGill University profile of his son Austin reported that the Anderson family moved to Canmore after Gary first retired. It also identified his sons as Austin and Douglas.
However, current details about Anderson’s daily work and residence remain private. Therefore, an updated biography should avoid presenting an older coaching or guiding role as a confirmed 2026 occupation.
Why Is Gary Anderson Still Remembered?
Anderson remains memorable for two very different reasons. First, he built one of the greatest statistical careers by an NFL kicker. Second, his most famous miss occurred during one of the most dramatic playoff losses in Vikings history.
The contrast makes his story unusually powerful. A player can perform almost flawlessly for months, yet one late kick can dominate public memory for decades.
Still, the complete record deserves attention. Anderson scored 2,434 points, made 538 field goals, played 23 seasons, and earned honors in both the 1980s and 1990s. Ultimately, those achievements provide a fairer measure of his career than one missed attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gary Anderson Kicker
1. Who is Gary Anderson the kicker?
Gary Anderson is a retired South African-born NFL placekicker. He played 23 seasons and is best known for his long Steelers career and perfect 1998 regular season with Minnesota.
2. How old is Gary Anderson?
Anderson was born on July 16, 1959. Therefore, he is 67 years old as of July 16, 2026.
3. Where was Gary Anderson born?
He was born in Parys, South Africa, and grew up in Durban. Later, his family moved to Pennsylvania in the United States.
4. Which NFL teams did Gary Anderson play for?
He played regular-season games for the Steelers, Eagles, 49ers, Vikings, and Titans. Although Buffalo drafted him, the Bills released him before the 1982 regular season.
5. What are Gary Anderson’s career stats?
Anderson made 538 of 672 field goals and 820 of 827 extra points. In addition, he scored 2,434 points across 353 regular-season games.
6. What was Gary Anderson’s perfect season?
In 1998, he made all 35 field goals and all 59 extra points during the regular season. Consequently, he converted all 94 kicks and scored 164 points.
7. What field goal did Gary Anderson miss?
He missed a 38-yard attempt late in the 1998 NFC Championship Game against Atlanta. The Falcons subsequently tied the game and won 30-27 in overtime.
8. Is Gary Anderson in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
No. He has received consideration in the voting process, but he had not been elected as of July 2026.
9. Did Gary Anderson win a Super Bowl?
No. Anderson played on several playoff teams and reached conference championship games with San Francisco and Minnesota. However, he never played on a Super Bowl champion.
10. What is Gary Anderson doing now?
Anderson has maintained a quiet retirement connected publicly with family, fly fishing, and youth sports in Canada. Nevertheless, reliable sources do not confirm a specific current occupation in 2026.
Conclusion
Gary Anderson was one of the NFL’s most productive and durable kickers. Born in South Africa, he developed at Syracuse and then played 23 professional seasons with five regular-season teams.
His numbers remain exceptional. Anderson made 538 field goals, scored 2,434 points, earned four Pro Bowl selections, and landed on two All-Decade Teams. Moreover, he remains Pittsburgh’s career scoring leader and ranks third on the NFL’s all-time scoring list entering the 2026 season.
The missed field goal against Atlanta will always form part of his story. However, it should not replace the rest of that story. Ultimately, Gary Anderson’s full career reflects longevity, precision, resilience, and a level of sustained scoring that few players have matched.
