Greg Zuerlein

Zuerlein was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, and graduated from Lincoln Pius X in 2006. As a junior in 2004, Zuerlein set a Nebraska state record for field goals in a season, converting 12-of-16 attempts with a long of 52 yards.

His successful play would earn him Nebraska All-State and All-Class honors as a junior and senior.{{Cite web |title=Rookie Profile: K Greg Zuerlein |url=http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Rookie-Profile-K-Greg-Zuerlein/8d396c86-1aac-4eaf-ba75-cd151c814270 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721214430/http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Rookie-Profile-K-Greg-Zuerlein/8d396c86-1aac-4eaf-ba75-cd151c814270 |archive-date=July 21, 2012 |access-date=October 4, 2012 |website=St. Louis Rams}}

He also practiced soccer and was a 2005 Sports Illustrated preseason high school All-American.

Zuerlein accepted a football scholarship from the NCAA Division II University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO). As a sophomore in 2008, he set a school record with 61 consecutive extra points made.

As a junior in 2009, he set school records with 17 field goals in a single-season (17-for-23) extra points in a career with 131. He made a career-long 52-yard field goal against West Texas A&M University in the Kanza Bowl. He finished the season 9 field goals shy of the school all-time career record of 45.

As a senior in 2010, he was given a medical redshirt with a hip injury.

In 2011, UNO canceled its football program so Zuerlein was forced to transfer to another Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association school, Missouri Western State University.{{Cite web |last=Lavigne |first=Paula |date=May 6, 2011 |title=OTL: UNO cuts sports |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/otl/news/story?id=6488960 |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} There, he set the NCAA Division II record of 21 consecutive field goals, nine of which were beyond 50 yards. He set the school record with a 58-yard field goal against Northwest Missouri State University twice. He had a .952 field goal percentage by making 23 of 24 attempts, which was the highest of any NCAA player in any division with 12 or more attempts in 2011 as he averaged 10.7 points per game.{{Cite web |last=Bibber |first=Ryan Van |date=April 28, 2012 |title=2012 NFL Draft Results: Rams Select K Greg Zuerlein With 6th-Round Pick |url=https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2012/4/28/2983915/2012-nfl-draft-results-rams-greg-zuerlein-6th-round |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Turf Show Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Sipple |first=Steven M. |date=April 28, 2012 |title=Pius X grad Zuerlein gets sixth-round call from Rams |url=http://journalstar.com/sports/football/professional/pius-x-grad-zuerlein-gets-sixth-round-call-from-rams/article_c618e6cc-ef4b-5b7e-af6d-61ccf5dbe582.html |access-date=April 29, 2012 |website=Lincoln Journal Star |publisher=Journalstar.com}}

{{NFL predraft

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| note = Sources:{{Cite web |title=Greg Zuerlein 2012 NFL Draft Profile |url=https://insider.espn.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28051 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805044127/http://insider.espn.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28051 |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 5, 2016 |access-date=September 26, 2022 |website=ESPN}}{{Cite web |title=Greg Zuerlein, Combine Results, K – Missouri Western |url=https://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?i=1030 |access-date=September 26, 2022 |website=nflcombineresults.com}}{{Cite web |title=2012 Draft Scout Greg Zuerlein, Missouri Western NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=86559&DraftYear=2012 |access-date=September 26, 2022 |website=draftscout.com}}

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Zuerlein was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the sixth round (171st overall) of the 2012 NFL draft.{{Cite web |title=2012 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/draft.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was the first non-Football Bowl Subdivision kicker to be drafted since Stephen Gostkowski in 2006, and the first below the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision since Paul Ernster in 2005. The Rams cut their primary kicker Josh Brown, who was in the final year of his $14.5 million five-year deal, the same weekend they drafted Zuerlein.{{Cite web |date=April 28, 2012 |title=St. Louis Rams to release veteran kicker Josh Brown |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7868185/st-louis-rams-release-veteran-kicker-josh-brown |access-date=April 29, 2012 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}

File:Greg Zuerlein (American football) 2012.jpg

Zuerlein made his NFL debut in the season opener against the Detroit Lions and converted two extra point attempts and three field goal attempts in the 27–23 loss.{{Cite web |title=St. Louis Rams at Detroit Lions – September 9th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209090det.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 3, against the Chicago Bears, he made a 56-yard field goal, the longest at Soldier Field.{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=September 18, 2012 |title=Bears cruise behind strong defensive effort |url=http://www.chicagobears./news/article-1/Bears-cruise-behind-strong-defensive-effort/3aec02ce-f85e-47b8-afbe-56979e61a798 |access-date=September 24, 2012 |website=ChicagoBears.com}} In Week 4, he hit a 60-yard field goal against the Seattle Seahawks, which beat the franchise record of 58 yards, set by Zuerlein earlier in the same game.{{Cite web |title=Greg Zuerlein makes St. Louis Rams-record 60-yard field goal |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000067617/article/greg-zuerlein-makes-st-louis-ramsrecord-60yard-field-goal |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327093919/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000067617/article/greg-zuerlein-makes-st-louis-ramsrecord-60yard-field-goal |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=NFL.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} The kick broke Jeff Wilkins' 14-year record. He became the first player in NFL history to make a 60-yard field goal and a 50-plus yarder in the same game.{{Cite web |last=Battista |first=Judy |author-link=Judy Battista |date=October 20, 2012 |title=The Rams' Greg Zuerlein Has Potential of Record Proportions |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/21/sports/football/the-rams-greg-zuerlein-has-potential-of-record-proportions.html |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}} He was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his effort against the Seahawks.{{Cite web |title=2012 NFL Week 4 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/week_4.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 6, Zuerlein missed three field goals wide left, the first two from 37 and 52 yards, and the final one at 66 yards to tie the game against the Miami Dolphins.{{Cite web |title=St. Louis Rams at Miami Dolphins – October 14th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201210140mia.htm |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 13, Zuerlein made a 54-yard field goal with 26 seconds remaining in overtime to give the Rams a 16–13 victory over the San Francisco 49ers at the Edward Jones Dome. It was the second longest successful field goal in NFL overtime history, three yards short of the NFL overtime record, which is held by Sebastian Janikowski.{{Cite web |title=Greg Zuerlein's 54-yard field goal in overtime lifts St. Louis Rams past San Francisco 49ers – NY Daily News |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/rams-ride-overtime-fg-victory-niners-article-1.1211972 |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=nydailynews.com|date=December 2, 2012 }} He earned another NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award for his game against the 49ers.{{Cite web |title=2012 NFL Week 13 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/week_13.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In 2012, he attempted 13 field goals of 50 yards or longer, converting seven. Overall, in his rookie season, he converted all 26 extra point attempts and 23 of 31 field goal attempts.{{Cite web |title=Greg Zuerlein 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/Z/ZuerGr00/gamelog/2012/ |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Zuerlein started the 2013 season off converting all four field goal attempts and one extra point attempt in the 27–24 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.{{Cite web |title=Arizona Cardinals at St. Louis Rams – September 8th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309080ram.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The 13 points he scored in the season opener was his highest scoring in one game on the season. Overall, he was a reliable kicker when called upon, converting all 34 extra point attempts and 26 of 28 field goal attempts in the 2013 season as the Rams finished with a 7–9 record.{{Cite web |title=Greg Zuerlein 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/Z/ZuerGr00.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2013 St. Louis Rams Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/ram/2013.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

In Week 2, Zuerlein converted four field goal attempts and one extra point to help provide the difference in the 19–17 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.{{Cite web |title=St. Louis Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – September 14th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409140tam.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 11, against the Denver Broncos, he converted all five field goal attempts and one extra point in the 22–7 victory.{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at St. Louis Rams – November 16th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411160ram.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for the third time in his career.{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Week 11 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/week_11.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Overall, he finished the 2014 season converting 34 of 35 extra points and 24 of 30 field goal attempts.{{Cite web |title=Greg Zuerlein 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/Z/ZuerGr00.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

In the 2015 season opener against the Seahawks, Zuerlein converted all four extra point attempts and both field goal attempts in the 34–31 overtime victory.{{Cite web |title=Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams – September 13th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201509130ram.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 5, against the Green Bay Packers, he converted one of four field goal attempts in the 24–10 loss, the first time since his rookie season that he missed three in a single game.{{Cite web |title=St. Louis Rams at Green Bay Packers – October 11th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201510110gnb.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 9, against the Minnesota Vikings, he converted four of five field goal attempts for a season-high 12 points scored in the 21–18 loss.{{Cite web |title=St. Louis Rams at Minnesota Vikings – November 8th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511080min.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Zuerlein missed two games due to a groin injury.{{Cite web |date=December 4, 2015 |title=Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein has not practiced all week |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2015/12/04/rams-kicker-greg-zuerlein-has-not-practiced-all-week/76798724/ |access-date=September 5, 2019 |website=USAToday.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} Overall, he finished the 2015 season with 26 of 28 extra points converted and 20 of 30 field goals converted.{{Cite web |title=Greg Zuerlein 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/Z/ZuerGr00.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

File:Greg Zuerlein (American football).JPG

The Rams made the decision to move from St. Louis to Los Angeles prior to the 2016 season.{{Cite web |date=January 13, 2016 |title=California love: Rams head back to L.A. for '16 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14558668 |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} On April 15, 2016, Zuerlein signed a one-year contract to return to the Los Angeles Rams.{{Cite web |last=Wagoner |first=Nick |date=April 15, 2016 |title='Legatron' agrees to 1-year deal to kick for Rams |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/15212041/greg-zuerlein-agrees-terms-one-year-deal-los-angeles-rams |access-date=May 9, 2016 |website=ESPN.com}} After the Rams were shut out against the 49ers in Week 1, Zuerlein provided all the scoring in the 9–3 victory over the Seahawks in Week 2.{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers – September 12th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609120sfo.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams – September 18th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609180ram.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 5, against the Buffalo Bills, he converted all four field goal attempts and one extra point in the 30–19 loss.{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams – October 9th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610090ram.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Overall, he finished the 2016 season converting all 23 extra point attempts and 19 of 22 field goal attempts.{{Cite web |title=Greg Zuerlein 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/Z/ZuerGr00.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The Rams' offense did not provide a lot of opportunities for Zuerlein compared to the past and he scored a career-low 80 points on the 4–12 season.{{Cite web |title=2016 Los Angeles Rams Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/ram/2016.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On March 14, 2017, Zuerlein signed a three-year contract extension with the Rams.{{Cite web |last=Simmons |first=Myles |date=March 14, 2017 |title=Rams Agree to Terms with K Greg Zuerlein |url=http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Rams-Agree-to-Terms-with-K-Greg-Zuerlein/73335c24-0079-4827-8a7c-f3440f049601 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=TheRams.com}}

On September 10, 2017, in the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts, Zuerlein converted three field goals and five extra points in a 46–9 home victory.{{Cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Rams – September 10th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100ram.htm |access-date=October 6, 2017 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}} He tied with Oakland Raiders' kicker Giorgio Tavecchio for the most points scored by a kicker in Week 1 with 14.{{Cite web |title=Most Field Goals In One Game, Rams franchise history |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/most-field-goals-in-one-game-by-a-ram |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=StatMuse |language=en}} On October 1, 2017, Zuerlein broke the Rams record for the most field goals in a game going 7-for-7 (surpassing Jeff Wilkins in 2006) against the Dallas Cowboys in the Rams 35–30 upset win, earning him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for the fourth time in his career.{{Cite web |date=October 4, 2017 |title=Deshaun Watson, Todd Gurley among Players of Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/deshaun-watson-todd-gurley-among-players-of-week-0ap3000000856627 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=NFL.com}} On November 2, 2017, Zuerlein received the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month award for his strong performances in October.{{Cite web |date=November 2, 2017 |title=Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month |url=http://www.foxsports.com/west/story/greg-zuerlein-los-angeles-rams-kicker-named-nfc-special-teams-player-of-month-for-october-110217 |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=FOX Sports |language=en-US}} In Week 10, Zuerlein converted all four field goals, including a 50-yarder in a 33–7 win over the Houston Texans, earning him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for the second time in the 2017 season.{{Cite web |last=Maya |first=Adam |date=November 15, 2017 |title=Tom Brady, Cam Newton among Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/tom-brady-cam-newton-among-players-of-the-week-0ap3000000877642 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=NFL.com}} On December 20, 2017, Zuerlein was placed on injured reserve due to a back injury.{{Cite web |last=Simmons |first=Myles |date=December 20, 2017 |title=Rams Place Greg Zuerlein on IR, Sign Ficken |url=http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Rams-Place-Greg-Zuerlein-on-IR-Sign-Ficken/2f9d68d1-45f5-4e7f-aec7-389166416619 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051104/http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Rams-Place-Greg-Zuerlein-on-IR-Sign-Ficken/2f9d68d1-45f5-4e7f-aec7-389166416619 |archive-date=December 22, 2017 |access-date=December 21, 2017 |website=TheRams.com}} This news came a day after it was announced the Zuerlein was named to his first Pro Bowl.{{Cite web |date=January 22, 2018 |title=Updated player rosters for 2018 Pro Bowl in Orlando |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/updated-player-rosters-for-2018-pro-bowl-in-orlando-0ap3000000895772 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}} In addition, he earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for November.{{Cite web |last=Simmons |first=Myles |date=November 29, 2017 |title=Zuerlein Named November NFC Special Teams Player of the Month |url=https://www.therams.com/news/zuerlein-named-november-nfc-special-teams-player-of-the-month-19873763?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=www.therams.com |language=en-US}} He was later named as a First-team All-Pro.{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/allpro.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He finished the season leading the league in scoring with 158 points and 11.3 points per game.{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Scoring Summary |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/scoring.htm |access-date=February 25, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

In the 2018 season opener, Zuerlein converted all three extra point attempts and converted four of five field goal attempts, including a 55-yarder in a 33–13 win over the Raiders on Monday Night Football, earning him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for the sixth time in his career.{{Cite web |last=Teope |first=Herbie |date=September 12, 2018 |title=Mahomes, Fitzpatrick among Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/mahomes-fitzpatrick-among-players-of-the-week-0ap3000000961268 |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=NFL.com}} He suffered a groin injury in pregame warmups before the Week 2 game against the Cardinals.{{Cite news |last=DaSilva |first=Cameron |date=September 19, 2018 |title=Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein out 3–6 weeks with groin injury |language=en-US |work=Rams Wire |url=https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2018/09/19/nfl-rams-greg-zuerlein-injury-return-weeks/ |access-date=October 1, 2018}} He returned to action in Week 7 against the 49ers, converting four extra point attempts and three field goal attempts in the 39–10 victory.{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers – October 21st, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201810210sfo.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 11, against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football, he converted six of seven extra point attempts and three field goal attempts in the historic 54–51 victory.{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Rams – November 19th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201811190ram.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the regular season finale against the 49ers, he converted all six extra point attempts and both field goal attempts in the 48–32 victory.{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams – December 30th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201812300ram.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Overall, he finished the 2018 season converting 35 of 36 extra point attempts and 27 of 31 field goal attempts.{{Cite web |title=Greg Zuerlein 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/Z/ZuerGr00.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The Rams won the NFC West and earned the #2-seed in the NFC Playoffs.{{Cite web |title=2018 Los Angeles Rams Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/ram/2018.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

In the Divisional Round against the Cowboys, he converted three extra-point attempts and three of four field-goal attempts in the 30–22 victory.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams – January 12th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201901120ram.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the 2019 NFC Championship Game against the New Orleans Saints, Zuerlein was instrumental in the Rams' overtime win, hitting all four of his field-goal attempts.{{Cite web |last1=Shpigel |first1=Ben |last2=Cacciola |first2=Scott |last3=Schonbrun |first3=Zach |date=January 20, 2019 |title=In the Din of the Dome, the Rams Beat the Saints in Overtime |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/20/sports/football/nfl-playoffs-live-nfc-championship-rams-vs-saints.html |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}} This included a 48-yard field goal near the end of regulation to send the game into overtime, and then a 57-yard field goal to win the game in sudden death overtime, sending his team to the Super Bowl LIII. The winning kick tied the record for the longest successful field goal in NFL overtime history.{{Cite web |last=Just |first=Amie |date=January 21, 2019 |title=Greg Zuerlein's 57-yard field goal longest game-winner in playoff history |url=https://www.nola.com/saints/2019/01/greg-zuerleins-57-yard-field-goal-longest-game-winner-in-playoff-history.html |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=nola.com |language=en-US}} In Super Bowl LIII against the New England Patriots, Zuerlein made a 53-yard field goal late in the third quarter to score the first Rams’ points and tie the game at 3–3. With 8 seconds left in the game and his team down 13–3, he missed a 48-yard field goal that would’ve set up his team for a desperation attempt to tie or win the game with an ensuing onside kick recovery and a Hail Mary pass. The Rams lost 13–3.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LIII – Los Angeles Rams vs. New England Patriots – February 3rd, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201902030ram.htm |access-date=February 9, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference}}

In the 2019 season, Zuerlein converted 24 of 33 field goal attempts and all 42 extra point attempts.{{Cite web |title=Greg Zuerlein 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/Z/ZuerGr00/gamelog/2019/ |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On March 30, 2020, the Cowboys signed Zuerlein to a three-year, $7.5 million contract.{{Cite web |last=Helman |first=David |date=March 27, 2020 |title=Cowboys Agree To Terms With Pro Bowl K Zuerlein |url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/cowboys-agree-to-terms-with-pro-bowl-k-zuerlein |access-date=March 27, 2020 |website=DallasCowboys.com}} The signing reunited him with former Rams special teams coordinator John Fassel.

In the season opener, he made a 33-yard field goal, but also had a 53-yard miss in the second quarter of the 17–20 loss against the Los Angeles Rams.

In the second game, Zuerlein was still struggling from a lack of consistency and missed 2 additional field goals, before capping off a historic comeback over the Atlanta Falcons, by kicking a 46-yard field goal to win it 40–39 as time expired. The Cowboys were down 20–0 at the end of the first quarter and 29–10 at halftime. With 1:49 minutes left to play in a 37–39 ball game, Zuerlein kicked an onside kick which the Cowboys recovered, giving them the opportunity to have the final winning drive.{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2020 |title=Cowboys' rally stuns Falcons 40–39 in McCarthy's home debut |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401220249 |access-date=September 20, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} The style of kick he used, would later come to be known as the "Watermelon Kick".{{Cite web |date=September 21, 2020 |title=Telling The Story Of The Watermelon Kick |url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/telling-the-story-of-the-watermelon-kick |website=Dallascowboys.com}}

In the twelfth game against the Baltimore Ravens, he connected on his first field goal attempt, but missed the next three in a 17–34 loss.

Overall, Zuerlein converted 34 of a league leading and career-high 41 field goal attempts (82.9%) and went 33-of-36 (91.7%) on extra point attempts.{{Cite web |title=Greg Zuerlein 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/Z/ZuerGr00/gamelog/2020/ |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Six of his seven misses were on attempts from over 50 yards, as he only made 3 of his 9 attempts beyond that mark.

Zuerlein had back surgery during the offseason, which forced him to rest and only kick one field goal attempt (56-yard miss) in the preseason, with Hunter Niswander and Lirim Hajrullahu handling the kicking and kickoff duties. On August 25, 2021, he was taken off the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list (PUP).{{Cite web |date=August 25, 2021 |title=Greg Zuerlein Passes Physical, Returning From PUP |url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/greg-zuerlein-passes-physical-returning-from-pup |website=Dallascowboys.com}}

In the season opener, even though Zuerlein made three field goals, he also missed a field goal and an extra point, which included a 60-yard field goal near the end of the first half of the 29–31 loss to the Buccaneers.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=September 10, 2021 |title=Cowboys kicker Greg Zuerlein on misses: 'No excuses... If I did my job, we win that game' |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/cowboys-kicker-greg-zuerlein-on-misses-no-excuses-if-i-did-my-job-we-win-that-ga |access-date=September 10, 2021 |website=NFL.com}}

In Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers, although he was facing scrutiny in the press for his performance, he was able to make a 56-yard field goal as time expired, to close a 20–17 win.{{Cite web |last=Burnett |first=Cameron |date=September 19, 2021 |title=WATCH: Zuerlein makes game-winning 56-yard FG to get first win of 2021 |url=https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/2021/09/19/watch-zuerlein-makes-game-winning-56-yard-fg-to-get-first-win-of-2021/ |access-date=February 18, 2024 |website=Cowboys Wire|publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}

In Week 6, he made a 49-yard field goal in the rain against the Patriots, to force overtime in an eventual 35–29 win.{{Cite magazine |last=D'Abate |first=Mike |date=October 17, 2021 |title=Dallas-Downer: Patriots Fall to Cowboys 35–29 in Overtime Thriller |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/patriots/news/patriots-fall-to-cowboys-35-29-in-overtime-thriller |access-date=February 18, 2024 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en}}

In Week 8, he missed a 43-yard field goal early in the game against the Vikings, but also made two field goals in the 20–16 win.

On November 9, 2021, he was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.{{Cite web |date=November 9, 2021 |title=Greg Zuerlein Placed On Reserve/COVID-19 List |url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/greg-zuerlein-placed-on-reserve-covid-19-list |website=Dallascowboys.com}} He was replaced with Hajrullahu for the Week 10 game against the Falcons.

In Week 12 on Thanksgiving day, he missed a 59-yard field goal and an extra point attempt, forcing him to make a 45-yard field goal in the final seconds to reach overtime against the Las Vegas Raiders, although the team eventually lost 33–36.

In Week 16 against the Washington Football Team, he converted a career-high eight extra point attempts.{{Cite web |title=Washington Football Team at Dallas Cowboys – December 26th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202112260dal.htm |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

In Week 17, he missed a 43-yard field goal in the first quarter, which ended being the difference in a 22–25 loss against the Cardinals.

Overall, Zuerlein was 29–of–35 (82.9%) on field goal attempts and 42–of–48 (87.5%) on extra-point attempts.{{Cite web |title=Greg Zuerlein 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/Z/ZuerGr00/gamelog/2021/ |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He missed 6 field goals (three were over 50 yards) and 6 extra points (led the NFL). He also missed at least one field goal in three of the team's five regular-season losses.

On March 11, 2022, Zuerlein was released by the Cowboys in a salary cap move.{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Rob |date=March 11, 2022 |title=Veteran Kicker Greg Zuerlein Released By Cowboys |url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/veteran-kicker-greg-zuerlein-released-by-cowboys |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=DallasCowboys.com}} Zuerlein played in 32 regular-season games for the Cowboys and missed either a field goal or an extra point in 15 of them (47%).

On March 26, 2022, Zuerlein signed a one-year contract with the New York Jets.{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Eric |date=March 26, 2022 |title=Jets Sign Veteran Kicker Greg Zuerlein |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-sign-veteran-kicker-greg-zuerlein |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=NewYorkJets.com}} He beat out Eddy Piñeiro for the placekicker job in the preseason.{{Cite web |last=Cimini |first=Rich |date=August 23, 2022 |title=Zuerlein wins job as Jets release kicker Pineiro |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34448938/new-york-jets-release-eddy-pineiro-veteran-greg-zuerlein-wins-kicking-job |access-date=February 18, 2024 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

In both Week 2 and Week 12, he tied a club record by making a 57-yard field goal. In Week 13 against the Vikings, he set the franchise record for the longest field goal made (60 yards).{{Cite web |last=Konareski |first=Dominic |date=December 4, 2022 |title=Greg Zuerlein Sets Jets Franchise Record With 60-Yard Field Goal |url=https://www.newyorksportsshow.com/post/greg-zuerlein-sets-jets-franchise-record-with-60-yard-field-goal |access-date=February 18, 2024 |website=New York Sports Show |language=en}}

In his first year with the team, Zuerlein became the first Jet to make three 50+ yard field goals in two consecutive games (Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns and Week 3 against the Bengals.) In Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals, he became the third Jet to make two 50+ yard field goals in a single game.

He finished the season with 30-of-37 field goals (81.1%) and 28-of-29 extra points (96.6%).{{Cite web |title=Greg Zuerlein 2022 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/Z/ZuerGr00/gamelog/2022/ |access-date=February 18, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On March 16, 2023, Zuerlein re-signed with the Jets on another one-year contract.{{cite web|url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-re-sign-k-greg-zuerlein|title=Jets Re-Sign K Greg Zuerlein

|date=March 16, 2023|accessdate=March 17, 2023|first=Ethan|last=Greenberg|work=NewYorkJets.com}} In Week 5 against the Denver Broncos, he made 5-of-5 field goal attempts and both extra points kicks for a total of 17 points (fifth-most points in a single-game by a Jets kicker), while contributing to the 31–21 win and receiving AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.{{Cite web |last=Lange |first=Randy |date=October 11, 2023 |title=Jets K Greg Zuerlein Named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-greg-zuerlein-afc-special-teams-player-of-the-week-10-11-2023 |access-date=October 12, 2023 |website=New York Jets}}

Zuerlein played in 16 games and had the best season by a kicker in franchise history, converting 92.1% of his field goal attempts (35-of-38), 15-of-16 extra point attempts and 5-of-6 kicks from 50-plus yards.{{Cite web |title=Greg Zuerlein 2023 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/Z/ZuerGr00/gamelog/2023/ |access-date=February 18, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He also set a club record with 26 consecutive field goals made, tied for the lead in the NFL with 4 game-tying/game-winning field goals, ranked fourth in the league in touchback percentage (90.6%) and was named a Pro Bowl alternate.

On March 16, 2024, Zuerlein re-signed with the Jets on a two-year deal.{{Cite web |last=Pullano |first=John |date=March 16, 2024 |title=Jets Re-Sign Kicker Greg Zuerlein |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-re-sign-greg-zuerlein-03-16-2024 |access-date=2024-05-03 |website=NewYorkJets.com}} In Week 4 against the Denver Broncos, the Jets had a chance to move to a 3–1 record but suffered a 10–9 loss, when Zuerlein's potential game-winning kick from 50 yards went wide right, after he made 3 previous field goal attempts (23, 35 and 40 yards) in the rain.{{Cite web |last=Greenberg |first=Ethan |last2=Allen |first2=Eric |date=2024-10-19 |title=Jets ST Coordinator Brant Boyer ‘We Have Not Lost Faith’ in K Greg Zuerlein |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-not-lost-faith-kicker-greg-zuerlein |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=New York Jets}} In Week 8 against the New England Patriots, he missed a field goal and an extra point, contributing to the 22–25 loss.

He was placed on injured reserve with a left knee injury on October 30.{{Cite web |last=Pullano |first=John |date=2024-10-30 |title=Jets Sign Kickers Riley Patterson & Spencer Shrader to Practice Squad, Place K Greg Zuerlein on IR |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-sign-marcelino-mcrary-ball-place-greg-zuerlein-injured-reserve-10-30-2024 |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=New York Jets}} He was activated on December 28.{{cite web | last=Pullano | first=John | title=Jets Activate K Greg Zuerlein | website=New York Jets | date=2024-12-28 | url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-activate-greg-zuerlein-12-28-2024 | access-date=2025-01-23}} In Week 17 against the Buffalo Bills, he did not participate in the contest at all, with Thomas Morstead handling the kickoffs. Two day later, he was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury on December 31, ending his season after playing in only eight games.{{Cite web |last=Greenberg |first=Ethan |last2=Pullano |first2=John |date=2024-12-31 |title=Jets Sign K Greg Joseph, Claim DL Phidarian Mathis & LB Jamin Davis |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-sign-greg-joseph-claim-phidarian-mathis-jamin-davis |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=New York Jets}} He had the worst statistically season of his career, making 60% of his field-goal attempts (9-of-15) and 93% of his extra points attempts (13-of-14).{{Cite web |title=Greg Zuerlein 2024 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/Z/ZuerGr00/gamelog/2024/ |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}

On May 16, 2025, the Jets released Zuerlein after three seasons.{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=Eric |title=Jets Sign DE Michael Fletcher |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-sign-michael-fletcher-release-greg-zuerlein-05-16-2025 |website=newyorkjets.com |access-date=17 May 2025}}{{cite web | last=Alper | first=Josh | title=Jets release Greg Zuerlein | website=NBC Sports | date=2025-05-16 | url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/jets-release-greg-zuerlein | access-date=2025-05-16}}

• First-team All-Pro – 2017
• 6x NFC Special Teams Player of the Week – (2012 – Week 4, Week 13; 2014 – Week 11; 2017 – Week 4, Week 10; 2018 – Week 1)
• AFC Special Teams Player of the Week – (2023 – Week 5)
• NFC Special Teams Player of the Month – October (2017), November (2017)
• Longest field goal in Rams history: 61 yards{{Cite web |last=Wagoner |first=Nick |date=November 8, 2016 |title=Greg Zuerlein makes 61-yard field goal |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/23345/greg-zuerlein-makes-61-yard-field-goal |access-date=June 24, 2016 |website=ESPN.com}}
• First player in NFL history to make a 60-yard field goal and a 50-plus-yard field goal in one game
• First player in NFL history to make two field goals of 58-plus yards in one game
• Longest field goal in the third quarter: 60 yards
• Rams record for most field goals in one game: 7 (surpassed Jeff Wilkins)
• Most field goals per game, season – 2.79 (39 field goals/14 games), (2017)
• Most games in a season with 14-plus points – 7 (2017)

Zuerlein and his wife Megan are devout Catholics{{Cite web |date=December 30, 2013 |title=Zuerlein's Faith in the NFL |url=https://catholicexchange.com/zuerleins-faith-nfl |access-date=October 1, 2019 |website=Catholic Exchange |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Beattie |first=Trent |date=November 12, 2016 |title=Kicking Field Goals From St. Louis to Los Angeles: Record-setting Rams' kicker Greg Zuerlein |url=http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/kicking-field-goals-from-st.-louis-to-los-angeles |access-date=November 12, 2016 |website=National Catholic Register |publisher=EWTN News, Inc.}} and have five children together.{{Cite web |last=Orfanides |first=Effie |date=February 3, 2019 |title=Megan Zuerlein, Greg's Wife: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know |url=https://heavy.com/sports/2019/02/greg-zuerlein-wife-megan/ |access-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Heavy.com}}{{Better source needed|date=September 2021}}

For his kicking ability, Zuerlein has been nicknamed "The Leg" (commonly referred to as 'Greg The Leg') and "Legatron" since his rookie season.{{Cite web |last=Carpenter |first=Les |date=October 11, 2012 |title=Rams rookie Greg Zuerlein has become a kicking sensation and has the nicknames to back it up |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/nfl--rams-rookie-greg-zuerlein-is-becoming-a-kicking-sensation-and-has-the-nicknames-to-back-it-up.html |access-date=October 4, 2019 |website=yahoo.com}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• {{Footballstats |nfl=greg-zuerlein|espn=14993|yahoo=25881|pfr=Z/ZuerGr00}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20160624220105/http://www.omavs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=31400&ATCLID=208685580 Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks bio]
• [https://gogriffons.com/sports/football/roster/greg-zuerlein/109 Missouri Western State Griffons bio]

{{St. Louis Rams 2012 NFL Draft selections}}

{{NFL scoring leaders}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Zuerlein, Greg}}

Category:1987 births

Category:Living people

Category:American Roman Catholics

Category:American football placekickers

Category:Catholics from Nebraska

Category:Dallas Cowboys players

Category:Los Angeles Rams players

Category:Missouri Western Griffons football players

Category:National Conference Pro Bowl players

Category:Nebraska–Omaha Mavericks football players

Category:Players of American football from Lincoln, Nebraska

Category:St. Louis Rams players

Category:New York Jets players

Category:American people of German descent