We ❤️ Kickers (In Fantasy Football)

Cool Kicker Facts, RBs on the Rise, and Training Camp Pics

Welcome to the Deep Dive Fantasy Newsletter, a now twice-weekly fantasy football publication coming to your inbox all summer long.

Today’s hot topic is dedicated to most people’s least favorite position, the kicker. These mighty legs get little recognition so here is their time to shine with a section solely comprised of interesting kicker facts.

A Kicker Actually Won the NFL MVP

Yep, you read that correctly. In 1982 when big hair, neon, and leg warmers were all the rage, the NFL was dealing with a shortened season due to labor disputes. When all was said and done, Mark Moseley of the then-Washington Redskins was voted as the NFL MVP becoming the first and only kicker to ever win the prestigious award.

Sadly, the disrespect for kickers has a lengthy past as he told CNN “I don’t even have a trophy or a letter from the NFL or anyone else, other than I was on the front page of The Washington Post, that’s the only thing that I have to prove that I was the NFL MVP.”

Pittsburgh K Chris Boswell Whiffed a Ball Entirely

In Week 9 of the 2016 season, Boswell was attempting a Rabona on-sides kick (where the kicking leg is crossed behind the back of the standing leg) and totally missed the ball. It’s better and more entertaining if I just show you.

Justin Tucker Holds the Record for the Longest Field Goal in NFL History

Back in September of 2021, the Raven launched a walk-off 66-yard field goal to secure a 19-17 win against the 0-2 Lions, which is the longest on record. I’m thinking Baltimore and Detriot can attest that kickers do matter.

A Man With No Toes on His Kicking Foot Nailed a 63-yard Field Goal for the Saints

Tom Dempsey was born with no toes on his right foot and was also missing four fingers on his right hand. Wearing a specially made shoe, he began playing football and wound up on the Green Bay Packers as an offensive lineman who could also kick. After being cut, Dempsey joined the Saints in 1969 as a full-time kicker.

Eerily similar to Justin Tucker’s record-setting kick, the Saints were down 17-16 also to Detroit when Dempsey nailed a 63-yarder which set the record at that time.

Photo Courtesy of the HistoryofTexas.com

There are 4 Kickers in the NFL Pro Hall of Fame

Suck it, kicker haters as four players have made the Hall of Fame since its inception.

  1. Morten Anderson - Inducted in 2017

    Years in NFL: 1982-2007

    All-Decade Teams 80s & 90s

    7 Pro Bowls

  2. George Blanda (also QB)- Inducted in 1981

    Years in NFL: 1949-1958, 1960-1975

    335 Field Goals, 26,925 Passing Yards

  3. Lou Groza (also OL) - Inducted in 1974

    Years in NFL: 1946-1959, 1961-1967

    Nicknamed: The Toe

    1,608 career points

    Kicked Championship-winning FG in 1950

  4. Jan Stenerud - Inducted in 1991

    Years in NFL: 1967-1985

    6 Pro Bowls

    1,699 career points

At 4for4 we’re pro kickers and I have written several articles to assist in the draft process. First, check out Debunking the Randomness of Kickers in Fantasy Football, then read up on the legs to target and avoid for the 2023 season.

🚀 Zamir White, RB - Raiders

With Josh Jacobs not reporting to camp, White has climbed 13 spots in ADP over the last week. The former UGA back is now the RB60 as a 16th-rounder and will likely continue to spike as the projected lead back if Jacobs holds out for any significant time.

🚀 Leonard Fournette, RB - FA

Lenny worked out with the Patriots last week so perhaps drafters were hoping he’d find a home in New England. Fournette’s ADP rose nine draft spots over the last seven days as we all wait and see.

🚀 Ryan Tannehill, QB - Titans

Having an Alpha WR on the roster will do wonders for your draft stock, and once-tossed-aside Tannehill is now in play as a fantasy QB2. Now that DeAndre Hopkins is on board, the QB’s ADP rose 5.5 spots to the 17th round.

🪂 Wan’Dale Robinson, WR - Giants

Recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last November, Robinson was placed on the PUP list by the Giants to start training camp, and his ADP slid 5.7 spots as a result.

🪂 Kadarius Toney, WR - Chiefs

KC coach Andy told reporters that Toney had knee surgery to clean up some cartilage after he tweaked it in practice. He’s likely sidelined for a few weeks giving drafters pause, which has lowered his ADP 5.5 spots down to 7.06.

🪂 Kendre Miller, RB - Saints

The rookie was placed on the active/PUP list on July 18th but was activated on July 24th after passing a physical exam. He’ll likely be worked into practice slowly and for now, is still a good value pick in the 14th round as RB47. He fell 4.5 spots over the last week.

These pics aren’t necessarily of the jacked-hype variety which causes fantasy managers to overreact and overdraft. However, they are fun so here goes.

Damar Hamlin will be a full go at Bills training camp, which is something we all love to see.

Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa was in good spirits at Dolphins camp, showing off a new addition to his arm ink. Tagovailoa is currently the QB11 according to 4for4’s Multi-Site ADP tool and is ranked as our QB13.

YouTube Video of the Week: Players You Won’t Regret Drafting

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Here are some of the latest articles to post on 4for4.com. There’s always something new so be sure to keep dropping by.