Sam Ficken
{{Short description|American football player (born 1992)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Sam Ficken
| image = Sam Ficken (cropped) (cropped).jpg
| caption = Ficken with the New York Jets in 2019
| current_team =
| number =
| position = Placekicker
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|12|14}}
| birth_place = Valparaiso, Indiana, U.S.
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 1
| weight_lbs = 192
| high_school = Valparaiso {{nowrap|(Valparaiso, Indiana)}}
| college = Penn State (2011–2014)
| undraftedyear = 2015
| pastteams =
- Jacksonville Jaguars ({{NFL Year|2016}})*
- Kansas City Chiefs ({{NFL Year|2017}})*
- Los Angeles Rams ({{NFL Year|2017}}–{{NFL Year|2018}})
- Seattle Seahawks ({{NFL Year|2019}})*
- Green Bay Packers ({{NFL Year|2019}})*
- New York Jets ({{NFL Year|2019}}–{{NFL Year|2020}})
- Tennessee Titans ({{NFL Year|2021}})
- Detroit Lions ({{NFL Year|2022}})*
| status =
| highlights =
- Second-team All-Big Ten (2014)
| statweek =
| statseason =
| statlabel1 = Field goals made
| statvalue1 = 26
| statlabel2 = Field goal attempts
| statvalue2 = 37
| statlabel3 = Field goal %
| statvalue3 = 70.2
| statlabel4 = Longest field goal
| statvalue4 = 54
| statlabel5 = Touchbacks
| statvalue5 = 45
| pfr = FickSa00
}}
Samuel James Ficken (born December 14, 1992) is an American professional football placekicker. He played college football at Penn State. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015, and has also been a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions.
Early life
Ficken, a former soccer player, was born in Valparaiso, Indiana, and attended Valparaiso High School, where he was named first-team Associated Press Class 5A all-state kicker. He also was a member of the all-area team. Ficken made 13 field goals during his senior year, including a school-record 52-yard kick. He also had 45 touchbacks on kickoffs.
College career
Ficken saw little action in 2011 behind veteran starting kicker, Anthony Fera. He hit an extra point after touchdown in the opener against Indiana State, as well as kicking off once. He missed his first collegiate field goal attempt in a game against Temple, but rebounded with a completed field goal against Eastern Michigan.{{Cite web |title=Sam Ficken Stats, News, Videos, Pictures, Bio – Penn State Nittany Lions |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2582139/sam-ficken |access-date=January 7, 2013 |publisher=ESPN}} Besides two more kickoffs, Ficken did not play for the remainder of the year.{{Cite web |title=Sam Ficken Profile – Penn state Official Athletic Site |url=http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/sam_ficken_770193.html |access-date=January 7, 2013 |publisher=Pennsylvania State University |archive-date=March 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327054614/http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/sam_ficken_770193.html |url-status=dead }}
Ficken became the starting kicker in 2012. Ficken started the year off poorly, missing 7 of his first 11 field goals (including one from the one yard line in a game against Illinois, as well as missing 4 out of 5 in a one-point loss to Virginia{{Cite web |last=Pencek |first=Matthew |date=September 10, 2012 |title=Sam Ficken's bad day recalls Penn State kicker Ray Tarasi and redemption |url=http://blog.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/2012/09/sam_ficken_bad_day_penn_state.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309033524/http://blog.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/2012/09/sam_ficken_bad_day_penn_state.html |archive-date=March 9, 2013 |access-date=January 27, 2013 |publisher=PennLive LLC}}). However, after being mentored by starting Chicago Bears placekicker Robbie Gould, he finished the year by hitting ten straight successful field goals, putting him 14 for 21 on the year. Ficken also completed 39 of 41 extra-point attempts (one was blocked, the other one was a miss). He was named the Big Ten Conference Special Teams Player of the Week on November 26, 2012, after a 3 for 3 game against the Wisconsin Badgers, one of which was the game-winning kick in overtime.{{Cite web |last=Kaplan |first=Emily |date=November 26, 2012 |title=Penn State's Jordan Hill, Sam Ficken honored by Big Ten |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inq-pennstate/Penn-States-Jordan-Hill-Sam-Ficken-honored-by-Big-Ten.html |access-date=January 7, 2013 |website=Philadelphia Daily News}}
Ficken made 15 consecutive field goals from October 27, 2012, to September 14, 2013, breaking the Penn State record for consecutive field goals made.{{Cite web |last=Moyer |first=Josh |title=Sam Ficken goes from goat to hero |date=October 9, 2013 |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/9799146/sam-ficken-went-penn-state-goat-hero-11-weeks |access-date=November 16, 2014 |publisher=ESPN}}
To start the 2014 season, Ficken kicked a last-second, game-winning field goal in the Croke Park Classic.{{Cite web |last=Crowe |first=Aisling |date=August 31, 2014 |title=Croke Park lights up as sport and theatre collide |url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/other-sports/croke-park-lights-up-as-sport-and-theatre-collide-30549413.html |access-date=November 16, 2014 |website=The Irish Independent}} During the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College, Ficken tied the game with a 44-yard field goal and kicked the game-winning point after touchdown in overtime.
Professional career
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 1 1/2
| weight = 191
| dash =
| ten split =
| twenty split =
| shuttle =
| cone drill =
| vertical =
| broad ft =
| broad in =
| bench =
| arm span = 31
| hand span = 9
| wonderlic =
| note = All values from NFL Combine{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/sam-ficken/32004649-4366-5846-45de-011b65870e45 |title=Sam Ficken Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |website=NFL.com |access-date=February 25, 2022}}{{Cite web |url=http://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=94379&DraftYear=2015 |title=Sam Ficken, Penn State, K, 2015 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football |website=draftscout.com |access-date=February 25, 2022}}
}}
After going undrafted during the 2015 NFL draft, Ficken attended the Kansas City Chiefs minicamp in May 2015, but was not signed.{{Cite web |date=April 28, 2015 |title=Penn State's Sam Ficken plans to follow Robbie Gould's model for NFL success |url=http://www.mcall.com/sports/college/psu/mc-penn-state-football-nfl-draft-ficken-20150428-story.html#page=1 |access-date=June 13, 2015 |website=mcall.com |archive-date=May 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527044023/http://www.mcall.com/sports/college/psu/mc-penn-state-football-nfl-draft-ficken-20150428-story.html#page=1 |url-status=dead }}
=Jacksonville Jaguars=
Ficken was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars on July 25, 2016.{{cite news |last1=Pa.) (TNS) |first1=Centre Daily Times (State College |title=BRIEF: Jaguars sign former Penn State kicker Sam Ficken |url=https://www.goerie.com/story/sports/nfl/2016/07/26/brief-jaguars-sign-former-penn/25178351007/ |work=Erie Times-News}} On August 29, he was waived by the Jaguars.{{Cite web |last=Oehser |first=John |date=August 29, 2016 |title=CB Demetrius McCray among eight players waived |url=http://www.jaguars.com/news/article-JaguarsNews/CB-Demetrius-McCray-among-eight-players-waived/0c9d6aab-26b7-43e5-b801-6928129601be |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809171559/http://www.jaguars.com/news/article-JaguarsNews/CB-Demetrius-McCray-among-eight-players-waived/0c9d6aab-26b7-43e5-b801-6928129601be |archive-date=August 9, 2017 |website=Jaguars.com}}
=Kansas City Chiefs=
On August 8, 2017, Ficken signed with the Chiefs after an injury to Cairo Santos.{{Cite web |last=Thorman |first=Joel |date=August 9, 2017 |title=With Cairo Santos nursing an injury, Chiefs sign former Penn State kicker |url=https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2017/8/9/16117814/with-cairo-santos-nursing-an-injury-chiefs-sign-former-penn-state-kicker |access-date=September 30, 2020 |website=ArrowheadPride.com}} He was waived on September 2.{{Cite web |date=September 2, 2017 |title=Chiefs Roster Down to NFL Mandated 53 |url=http://www.chiefs.com/news/article-2/Chiefs-Roster-Down-to-NFL-Mandated-53/29056cc8-800b-4a3f-be18-d873f2470e6b |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180603165651/http://www.chiefs.com/news/article-2/Chiefs-Roster-Down-to-NFL-Mandated-53/29056cc8-800b-4a3f-be18-d873f2470e6b |archive-date=June 3, 2018 |website=Chiefs.com}}
=Los Angeles Rams=
On December 20, 2017, Ficken was signed by the Los Angeles Rams to replace injured Pro Bowl kicker Greg Zuerlein.{{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/20180619024139/http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Rams-Place-Greg-Zuerlein-on-IR-Sign-Ficken/2f9d68d1-45f5-4e7f-aec7-389166416619 |archive-date=June 19, 2018 |website=TheRams.com}} On April 16, 2018, Ficken signed his exclusive rights tender, staying with the Rams.{{Cite news |last=Simmons |first=Myles |date=April 16, 2018 |title=Rams Sign Three Exclusive Rights Free Agents |work=TheRams.com |url=http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Rams-Sign-Three-Exclusive-Rights-Free-Agents/37e9efa7-27f7-4b91-ba98-b647deeaa9b1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424202338/http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Rams-Sign-Three-Exclusive-Rights-Free-Agents/37e9efa7-27f7-4b91-ba98-b647deeaa9b1 |archive-date=April 24, 2018}} He was waived on August 31.{{Cite web |last=Dennis |first=Clarence |date=August 31, 2018 |title=Rams Make Initial Roster Cuts |url=https://www.therams.com/news/Rams-Make-Initial-Roster-Cuts |access-date=September 30, 2020 |website=TheRams.com}} Ficken was re-signed on September 17 following another injury to Greg Zuerlein.{{Cite web |date=September 17, 2018 |title=Rams Sign K Sam Ficken, Place WR Mike Thomas on IR |url=https://www.therams.com/news/rams-sign-k-sam-ficken-place-wr-mike-thomas-on-ir |website=TheRams.com |access-date=September 18, 2018 |archive-date=September 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918054548/https://www.therams.com/news/rams-sign-k-sam-ficken-place-wr-mike-thomas-on-ir |url-status=dead }} On September 23, Ficken made five extra points in a 35–23 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Ficken was released by the Rams on October 2, after just two games, in which he missed two of his three field goal attempts.{{Cite web |last=DaSilva |first=Cameron |date=October 2, 2018 |title=Rams release Sam Ficken, work out two veteran kickers |url=https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2018/10/02/nfl-los-angeles-rams-sam-ficken-release-kicker-greg-zuerlein/ |website=The Rams Wire}}
=Seattle Seahawks=
On January 11, 2019, Ficken signed a reserve/future contract with the Seattle Seahawks.{{Cite web |last=Condotta |first=Bob |date=January 11, 2019 |title=With Sebastian Janikowski's future uncertain, Seahawks sign kicker Sam Ficken |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seahawks-sign-kicker-sam-ficken-with-janikowskis-future-uncertain/ |access-date=September 30, 2020 |website=The Seattle Times}} He was waived by the Seahawks on April 13.{{Cite web |last=Alper |first=Josh |date=April 12, 2019 |title=Seahawks waive Sam Ficken, Emmanuel Beal |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/04/12/seahawks-waive-sam-ficken-emmanuel-beal/ |access-date=September 30, 2020 |website=Pro Football Talk |publisher=NBC Sports}}
=Green Bay Packers=
On April 15, 2019, Ficken was claimed off waivers by the Green Bay Packers.{{Cite web |date=April 15, 2019 |title=Packers claim K Sam Ficken |url=https://www.packers.com/news/packers-claim-k-sam-ficken |access-date=September 30, 2020 |website=Packers.com}} On August 31, Ficken was waived by the Packers.{{Cite web |date=August 31, 2019 |title=Packers announce roster moves |url=https://www.packers.com/news/packers-announce-roster-moves-x5219 |access-date=September 30, 2020 |website=Packers.com}}
=New York Jets=
Ficken was signed by the New York Jets on September 10, 2019.{{Cite web |last=Greenberg |first=Ethan |date=September 10, 2019 |title=Jets Sign K Sam Ficken |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-sign-k-sam-ficken |access-date=September 10, 2019 |website=NewYorkJets.com}}
Ficken re-signed with the Jets on April 23, 2020.{{Cite news |last=Greenberg |first=Ethan |date=April 23, 2020 |title=Jets Sign 4 Exclusive Rights Free Agents |work=NewYorkJets.com |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-sign-4-exclusive-rights-free-agents |access-date=April 23, 2020}} He was placed on injured reserve on November 24, with a groin injury.{{Cite web |last=Greenberg, Ethan |date=November 24, 2020 |title=Jets Sign RB Josh Adams, Place La'Mical Perine on Injured Reserve |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-sign-rb-josh-adams-place-la-mical-perine-on-injured-reserve |website=NewYorkJets.com}} On December 19, Ficken was activated off of injured reserve.{{Cite news |last=Greenberg, Ethan |date=December 19, 2020 |title=Jets Activate K Sam Ficken from Injured Reserve |work=NewYorkJets.com |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-activate-k-sam-ficken-from-injured-reserve |access-date=February 3, 2021 |archive-date=January 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120085259/https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-activate-k-sam-ficken-from-injured-reserve |url-status=dead }} On January 2, 2021, Ficken was waived by the Jets in favor of Chase McLaughlin for the final game of the season.{{Cite news |last=Greenberg, Ethan |date=January 2, 2021 |title=Jets Activate RG Greg Van Roten from Injured Reserve, Waive K Sam Ficken |work=NewYorkJets.com |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-activate-rg-greg-van-roten-from-injured-reserve-waive-k-sam-ficken |access-date=February 15, 2021}} Ficken had missed a field goal and an extra point against the Cleveland Browns in his last game with the Jets. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Jets on January 4.{{Cite web |last=Greenberg |first=Ethan |date=January 4, 2021 |title=Jets Sign 9 Players to Reserve/Future Deals |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-sign-9-players-to-reserve-future-deals |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=NewYorkJets.com}} Ficken was waived on July 30.
=Tennessee Titans=
On August 1, 2021, Ficken was claimed off waivers by the Tennessee Titans.{{Cite web |last=Alper |first=Josh |date=August 1, 2021 |title=Titans claim Sam Ficken off waivers |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/08/01/titans-claim-sam-ficken-off-waivers/ |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=NBCSports.com}} He was placed on injured reserve on September 11.
=Detroit Lions=
On October 11, 2022, Ficken signed with the practice squad of the Detroit Lions.{{Cite tweet |user=Lions |number=1579940439896952832 |title=#Lions sign K Sam Ficken to the Practice Squad}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://gopsusports.com/sports/football/roster/sam-ficken/1830 Penn State Nittany Lions bio]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ficken, Sam}}
Category:American football placekickers
Category:Detroit Lions players
Category:Green Bay Packers players
Category:Jacksonville Jaguars players
Category:Kansas City Chiefs players
Category:Los Angeles Rams players
Category:New York Jets players
Category:Penn State Nittany Lions football players
Category:People from Valparaiso, Indiana
Category:Players of American football from Indiana
Category:Seattle Seahawks players