Jason Hanson Career Summary and Key Statistics
Jason Hanson is a retired NFL kicker best known for his long tenure with the Detroit Lions. His career stats reflect consistent performance across more than two decades in the league. Hanson ranks among the top scorers in NFL history, with a career field goal percentage above 86% according to Pro Football Reference. His accuracy from inside 40 yards remained among the league's best during his prime years.
Over his career, Hanson accumulated over 2,000 points, placing him in the upper tier of NFL kickers for total scoring. He played his entire career with the Detroit Lions before retiring after the 2012 season. His stats include more than 400 field goals made and a high volume of extra points, reflecting his role as the primary scoring weapon for the Lions in numerous games.
Jason Hanson Season-by-Season Performance and Milestones
Hanson's best statistical seasons came in the early 2000s, when he regularly posted field goal percentages above 90%. He led the NFL in field goals made in multiple years, with his peak accuracy often tied to his reliability in clutch situations. His performance during the 2002 season was particularly strong, as he converted over 90% of his field goal attempts that year.
Among his career milestones, Hanson set multiple franchise records for the Detroit Lions in field goals made and consecutive extra points. He also recorded several 50-plus-yard field goals in a single season, demonstrating his leg strength later in his career. His consistency made him a fixture in the Lions' lineup and a reliable option in close games.
Jason Hanson Legacy and Historical NFL Kicker Context
Hanson's legacy is defined by his durability and accuracy over a long career. He is often cited in discussions of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, with his career field goal percentage placing him in the top tier of all-time kickers. His stats are frequently compared with other elite kickers such as Adam Vinatieri and Morten Andersen.
For broader context on NFL kicker performance and historical rankings, the Pro Football Hall of Fame and related statistical resources provide detailed comparisons across eras. Hanson's career numbers also align with the evolution of kicker roles in modern offenses, where reliability from short and mid-range has become a premium skill. His stats remain a benchmark for long-tenured NFL kickers.