David Akers Retirement Date and Final NFL Season
David Akers officially announced his retirement from the NFL after the 2013 season, ending a career that spanned multiple franchises and included one of the most productive kicking periods in league history. He last played regular-season football in December 2013 while with the San Francisco 49ers, and the team confirmed his departure shortly afterward, closing the chapter on a tenure defined by consistent performance and long-range accuracy. At the time of his exit, Akers held multiple field goal records and had cemented his status among the premier kickers of his generation, with his final seasons under the spotlight of Super Bowl contention and high-pressure playoff kicks.
His retirement decision followed a final season in which he appeared in all 16 regular-season games and contributed to San Francisco's push to the NFC Championship Game, converting crucial field goals and extra points while dealing with the physical toll of a 15-year career. The announcement was framed as a planned, health-conscious move rather than a sudden forced exit, with Akers citing the cumulative impact of kicks, training cycles, and the desire to transition while still in strong physical and mental shape. This timing allowed him to leave on his own terms and begin shaping the next phase of his life away from the field.
David Akers NFL Career Highlights and Records
Key Statistics and Accolades
Over his career, Akers connected on 386 field goals and recorded 563 extra points, compiling over 1,700 career points and earning multiple Pro Bowl selections along with All-Pro honors. He set franchise records for the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, including the longest field goal in Eagles history at the time of his kick, and his consistency from inside 50 yards made him one of the most reliable scoring options in the league during his prime years.
Akers was also known for clutch performances in postseason games, where his leg helped Philadelphia and San Francisco win tight contests and advance deep into the playoffs, including a Super Bowl appearance with the 49ers in the 2012 season. His combination of distance, accuracy, and durability earned him recognition among the all-time great kickers, and his numbers remain benchmarks for current players entering the league, with analysts frequently citing his career as a standard for longevity and production at the position.
Life After Retirement and Current Activities
Post-NFL Career and Public Appearances
After retiring, Akers transitioned into broadcasting and media roles, providing analysis and commentary on NFL games while also engaging in business ventures and philanthropic efforts tied to his longtime communities in Philadelphia and the Bay Area. He has remained visible in the sports world through appearances on major networks and digital platforms, sharing insights on kicking technique, player development, and the evolving strategy around field goal and extra point decisions in modern football.
He has also focused on family life and personal projects, maintaining a low-key but steady public profile while occasionally participating in charity events, alumni gatherings, and youth football clinics that emphasize technique, fitness, and the mental side of the game. His post-career path reflects a deliberate shift from the intensity of professional competition to a broader role that leverages his experience and public recognition without relying on constant media attention, and his legacy as one of the top kickers of his era continues to be referenced in discussions of all-time NFL greats at the position.