Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson (born June 17, 1970) is an American former professional football placekicker who spent his entire 21-season National Football League (NFL) career with the Detroit Lions from 1992 to 2012, holding the league record for the most seasons played with a single team.[1][2][3] Born in Spokane, Washington, Hanson excelled as a kicker at Washington State University, where he set school records for career extra points made (139) and was a two-time First-Team All-American, earning unanimous honors in 1989 and first-team honors in 1991 from the Football Writers Association of America.[4][3] Selected by the Lions in the second round (56th overall) of the 1992 NFL Draft, he quickly established himself as a reliable performer, converting 495 of 601 field goal attempts (82.4%) and 665 of 673 extra points over his career, amassing 2,150 total points to rank fourth in NFL history at the time of his retirement.[1][5][2] Hanson earned two Pro Bowl selections in 1997 and 1999, and his longevity and consistency with the Lions—appearing in 327 games, the fifth-most in league history—made him a franchise icon. In 2024, he was nominated for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2025.[5] Post-retirement, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2020, recognizing his outstanding collegiate achievements.[3][6]Early Life
Childhood and Family
Jason Hanson was born on June 17, 1970, in Spokane, Washington, to parents Douglas and Cheryl Hanson.[7][8] He grew up in the Spokane area alongside his younger brother, Travis Hanson, who also pursued kicking in college.[7][9] The family had no prior connections to professional football, but Douglas and Cheryl actively supported their sons' athletic endeavors from an early age.[7][8] As a child, Hanson's primary passion was soccer, where he played for multiple club teams, honing skills that later translated to football kicking.[8][9] This interest shifted toward football during his high school years at Mead High School in Spokane, with his family's encouragement playing a key role in his development.[8][10]High School Career
Jason Hanson attended Mead High School in Spokane, Washington, where he graduated in 1988.[8] During his time there, he competed in football as a placekicker, earning two varsity letters in the sport while also lettering three times in soccer and once in basketball. He also played quarterback, wide receiver, and punter on the football team.[11][8] His soccer experience helped shape his kicking technique, providing a foundation for his precision and power on the gridiron.[11] Hanson emerged as a standout kicker at Mead. As a senior, he earned first-team All-State honors as a kicker from the Washington Sportswriters Association and All-Greater Spokane League honors, recognizing his exceptional performance and reliability in high-pressure situations. He maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average and was named the top scholar-athlete in the Greater Spokane League.[8][12] Despite his impressive high school achievements, Hanson did not receive any scholarship offers and walked on to Washington State University, where his raw talent and untapped potential quickly became evident to coaches.[13] His development at Mead laid the groundwork for a remarkable collegiate and professional trajectory, highlighting his dedication and natural ability as a specialist.[14]College Career
Washington State University
Jason Hanson enrolled at Washington State University in 1988 as a walk-on kicker from Mead High School in Spokane, Washington, after receiving no scholarship offers despite his high school performance. He was named Freshman All-American that year.[15] He quickly earned a spot on the Cougars football team, serving as the starting placekicker from his freshman year through 1991 and also handling kickoffs and punts in his early seasons.[16][9] During the 1988 season, under head coach Dennis Erickson, the Cougars achieved a 9-3 record and qualified for the Aloha Bowl, where Hanson contributed a crucial 33-yard field goal and three extra points in a narrow 24-22 victory over Houston.[17] His reliable kicking helped stabilize the special teams unit amid the team's competitive Pac-10 schedule. In the subsequent years under new head coach Mike Price, the program faced challenges, posting records of 6-5 in 1989, 3-8 in 1990, and 4-7 in 1991, often struggling in conference play.[18] Despite these difficulties, Hanson remained a consistent performer. He also connected on a 62-yard field goal against UNLV in 1991, providing critical scoring in losses and close games during the Cougars' tougher seasons.[16] His dependability on special teams offered a bright spot for the team amid ongoing program rebuilding efforts.[18]Collegiate Achievements
During his four seasons at Washington State University from 1988 to 1991, Jason Hanson established himself as one of the most prolific kickers in college football history, finishing his career with 63 field goals made out of 96 attempted (65.6%) and 139 extra points out of 144 attempted, for a total of 328 points scored.[16][17] These figures set multiple Washington State school records, including most field goals made and second-most points scored, while his 39 career field goals of 40 yards or longer and 20 of 50 yards or longer remain NCAA records.[3][10] Hanson's season-by-season performance showcased consistent excellence, particularly in 1989 as a sophomore when he earned unanimous All-American honors after converting 21 of 27 field goals, including five from 50 yards or more, and setting a then-school record with a 58-yard field goal.[15] He earned third-team All-American honors in 1990. In 1991 as a senior, he capped his career with a 62-yard field goal against UNLV—the longest in Washington State and Pac-10 history without a tee—and was named a First-Team All-American for both kicking and punting.[3] He received four First-Team All-Pac-10 selections from 1989 to 1991 (including as both kicker and punter in 1990), setting a conference record with a 57.1% success rate on field goals of 50 yards or longer.[3][15][4] Academically, Hanson was a three-time selection to the All-Pac-10 Academic Team and a three-time CoSIDA Academic All-American (1989–1991), culminating in his recognition as a National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete in 1991 and recipient of the NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship.[10][15] In 2020, Hanson was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, becoming the fifth Washington State player and the school's first unanimous All-American to receive the honor, in recognition of his groundbreaking kicking achievements and academic excellence.[3][16]Professional Career
NFL Draft and Early Years
Jason Hanson was selected by the Detroit Lions in the second round (56th overall) of the 1992 NFL Draft, a relatively high pick for a placekicker at the time.[5] His strong collegiate performance at Washington State, including multiple records for long field goals, helped elevate his draft stock despite the position's typical later-round status.[19] As a rookie in 1992, Hanson stepped in to replace veteran kicker Eddie Murray, who had retired after the previous season, and quickly became the Lions' primary placekicker.[2] He converted 21 of 26 field goal attempts (80.8%) over 16 games, contributing 93 points to the team's offense.[5] His performance earned him the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) Offensive Rookie of the Year award and a selection to the PFWA All-Rookie Team, recognizing his immediate impact.[20] Hanson faced adjustment challenges early in his career, including inconsistencies under NFL pressure, such as missing two field goals in a 13-10 loss to the Washington Redskins in Week 3, where the Lions fell short by just three points.[21] Despite these hurdles, he demonstrated resilience and accuracy from various distances, with successful kicks up to 52 yards, helping solidify his role on a Lions team that reached the playoffs that year. By the end of his rookie campaign, Hanson's steady contributions marked a promising start to his professional tenure.[22]Detroit Lions Tenure
Jason Hanson spent his entire 21-year NFL career with the Detroit Lions, from 1992 to 2012, establishing himself as the franchise's longest-tenured player and embodying unwavering loyalty during periods of team rebuilding and extended playoff absences.[2] His tenure spanned two eras: the first decade at the Silverdome, where the Lions achieved multiple playoff berths, and the subsequent years at Ford Field amid franchise challenges, including a 0-16 season in 2008 and a 9-year playoff drought from 2003 to 2011.[2][23] Despite these struggles, Hanson remained a constant, playing in 327 of 336 possible games and providing stability as the team cycled through coaches and rosters.[2] Hanson's reliability shone in clutch situations, particularly with long-range and game-winning field goals that often proved decisive in divisional contests. He connected on 52 field goals of 50 yards or longer during his career, a mark that highlighted his powerful leg and precision under pressure.[5] Notable among his 19 game-winning kicks were a 48-yard game-winning field goal as time expired against the Minnesota Vikings in 1993, securing a divisional victory, and a 37-yard game-winning field goal in overtime against the Atlanta Falcons in 1994 after sustaining a leg injury earlier in the game.[24] These moments underscored his ability to deliver in high-stakes scenarios, even as the Lions navigated inconsistent offensive support. Demonstrating remarkable durability, Hanson played through significant injuries, including a 2009 arthroscopic knee surgery on his left knee sustained during training camp, which he overcame to appear in all 16 regular-season games that year.[25] His resilience extended into later seasons, as he maintained effectiveness into his 40s, contributing to the Lions' 2011 playoff return after a decade-long absence and solidifying his role as a pillar of perseverance amid the franchise's ups and downs.[26][23]Retirement
After the 2012 season, Jason Hanson announced his retirement from the NFL on April 4, 2013, concluding a 21-year career exclusively with the Detroit Lions.[27] The decision was primarily driven by a persistent heel injury that had plagued him late in the season, leading him to state that he did not want to "perform in a compromised way."[27] In his final year, Hanson demonstrated his reliability by converting 32 of 36 field goal attempts for an 88.9% success rate, highlighted by a 53-yard make against the St. Louis Rams in Week 1.[27] Hanson's farewell was marked by widespread tributes from the Lions organization and fans, recognizing his unparalleled loyalty and consistency. The team inducted him into their Ring of Honor during a press conference on April 9, 2013, celebrating his role as the franchise's all-time leading scorer with 2,150 points.[28] Reflecting on his tenure, Hanson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play all 327 games— an NFL record for games with a single team— in Detroit, noting the emotional weight of leaving after two decades of service.[29]Career Statistics
Regular Season Performance
Jason Hanson enjoyed a distinguished 21-year regular season career as the placekicker for the Detroit Lions from 1992 to 2012, amassing career totals of 495 field goals made out of 601 attempts for an 82.4% success rate, 665 extra points out of 673 attempts for a 98.8% success rate, and 2,150 total points, which ranked fourth in NFL history at the time of his retirement.[30][31] His scoring output provided a reliable foundation for the Lions' offense throughout his tenure, often accounting for a significant portion of the team's points in multiple seasons.[30] The following table summarizes Hanson's year-by-year regular season kicking performance:[30]| Season | Games Played | FGM/FGA | FG% | XPM/XPA | XP% | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | 16 | 21/26 | 80.8 | 30/30 | 100 | 93 |
| 1993 | 16 | 34/43 | 79.1 | 28/28 | 100 | 130 |
| 1994 | 16 | 18/27 | 66.7 | 39/40 | 97.5 | 93 |
| 1995 | 16 | 28/34 | 82.4 | 48/48 | 100 | 132 |
| 1996 | 16 | 12/17 | 70.6 | 36/36 | 100 | 72 |
| 1997 | 16 | 26/29 | 89.7 | 39/40 | 97.5 | 117 |
| 1998 | 16 | 29/33 | 87.9 | 27/29 | 93.1 | 114 |
| 1999 | 16 | 26/32 | 81.3 | 28/29 | 96.6 | 106 |
| 2000 | 16 | 24/30 | 80.0 | 29/29 | 100 | 101 |
| 2001 | 16 | 21/30 | 70.0 | 23/23 | 100 | 86 |
| 2002 | 16 | 23/28 | 82.1 | 31/31 | 100 | 100 |
| 2003 | 16 | 22/23 | 95.7 | 26/27 | 96.3 | 92 |
| 2004 | 16 | 24/28 | 85.7 | 28/28 | 100 | 100 |
| 2005 | 15 | 19/24 | 79.2 | 27/27 | 100 | 84 |
| 2006 | 16 | 29/33 | 87.9 | 30/30 | 100 | 117 |
| 2007 | 16 | 29/35 | 82.9 | 35/36 | 97.2 | 122 |
| 2008 | 16 | 21/22 | 95.5 | 25/26 | 96.2 | 88 |
| 2009 | 16 | 21/28 | 75.0 | 25/25 | 100 | 88 |
| 2010 | 8 | 12/14 | 85.7 | 19/19 | 100 | 55 |
| 2011 | 16 | 24/29 | 82.8 | 54/54 | 100 | 126 |
| 2012 | 16 | 32/36 | 88.9 | 38/38 | 100 | 134 |