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Nate Kaeding
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{{Short description|American football player (born 1982)}} {{pp-move}} {{Use American English|date=December 2020}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}} {{Infobox NFL biography | name = Nate Kaeding | image = Nate Kaeding 2011.jpg | alt = | caption = Kaeding with the San Diego Chargers in 2011 | number = 10, 9 | position = [[Placekicker]] | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1982|3|26|mf=y}} | birth_place = [[Iowa City, Iowa]], U.S. | death_date = | death_place = | height_ft = 6 | height_in = 0 | weight_lb = 187 | high_school = [[Iowa City West High School|Iowa City West]] | college = [[Iowa Hawkeyes football|Iowa]] (2000–2003) | draftyear = 2004 | draftround = 3 | draftpick = 65 | pastteams = * [[San Diego Chargers]] ({{NFL Year|2004|2012}}) * [[Miami Dolphins]] (2012) * [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] ({{NFL Year|2013}})* | pastcoaching = * [[Minnesota Vikings]] ({{NFL Year|2019}}) <br> Kicking consultant | highlights = * First-team [[All-Pro]] ([[2009 All-Pro Team|2009]]) * Second-team All-Pro ([[2006 All-Pro Team|2006]]) * 2× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[2007 Pro Bowl|2006]], [[2010 Pro Bowl|2009]]) * [[List of National Football League annual scoring leaders|NFL scoring leader]] ({{NFL Year|2009}}) * [[PFWA All-Rookie Team]] ([[PFWA All-Rookie Team#2004|2004]]) * [[Lou Groza Award]] (2002) * Consensus [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] ([[2003 College Football All-America Team|2003]]) * First-team All-American ([[2002 College Football All-America Team|2002]]) * 2× First-team [[List of All-Big Ten Conference football teams|All-Big Ten]] ([[2002 All-Big Ten Conference football team|2002]], [[2003 All-Big Ten Conference football team|2003]]) | statlabel1 = [[Field goal]]s made | statvalue1 = 181 | statlabel2 = Field goals attempted | statvalue2 = 210 | statlabel3 = Field goal percentage | statvalue3 = 86.2% | statlabel4 = Longest field goal | statvalue4 = 57 | statlabel5 = [[Conversion (gridiron football)|Extra points]] made | statvalue5 = 352 | statlabel6 = Extra points attempted | statvalue6 = 354 | statlabel7 = Extra point percentage | statvalue7 = 99.4% | statlabel8 = Points scored | statvalue8 = 895 | pfr = K/kaedinat01 }} '''Nathaniel James Kaeding''' (born March 26, 1982) is an American former professional [[American football|football]] player who was a [[placekicker]] in the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He played [[college football]] for the [[Iowa Hawkeyes football|Iowa Hawkeyes]], earning consensus [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] honors and winning the [[Lou Groza Award]]. He was selected in the third round of the [[2004 NFL draft]] by the [[San Diego Chargers]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/draft.htm |title=2004 NFL Draft Listing |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=2023-05-06}}</ref> where he played for nine seasons. During his career, he was twice named both to the [[Pro Bowl]] and the [[All-Pro]] team. However, he struggled in the playoffs, making just 8 of 15 (53.3%) field goals. He was released by San Diego midway through the 2012 season after a groin injury. He finished the season with the [[Miami Dolphins]] before retiring. ==Early life== Kaeding was born in [[Iowa City, Iowa]]. He attended [[Iowa City West High School]], and played [[high school football]] for their Trojans team. He won two state championships as the team's [[placekicker|kicker]], and ''[[The Des Moines Register]]'' named him Iowa High School Athlete of the Year in 2000.<ref name=howlett_07062016/> In high school, he played in state championship games in three different sports: ([[basketball]], football and [[soccer]]) at [[Iowa City West High School]].<ref name="nflNKaeding">{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/players/natekaeding/profile?id=KAE109286|title=National Football League|publisher=Nate Kaeding|access-date=December 13, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201092417/http://www.nfl.com/players/natekaeding/profile?id=KAE109286|archive-date=December 1, 2010}}</ref> ==College career== Kaeding attended the [[University of Iowa]], where he played for the [[Iowa Hawkeyes football|Hawkeyes]] from 2000 to 2003. He earned a teaching certificate in secondary education while at Iowa.<ref name="chargersNKaeding">{{cite web|url=http://www.chargers.com/team/roster/nate-kaeding/4ac961d2-0787-41ea-b680-910f6eacfcaa/|title=San Diego Chargers|publisher=Nate Kaeding|access-date=December 22, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118162748/http://www.chargers.com/team/roster/Nate-Kaeding/4ac961d2-0787-41ea-b680-910f6eacfcaa|archive-date=November 18, 2012}}</ref> He won the [[Lou Groza Award]] in [[2002 Iowa Hawkeyes football team|2002]] and is [[Iowa Hawkeyes football statistical leaders#Scoring|the school's all-time leading scorer]]. ==Professional career== {{NFL predraft | height ft = 6 | height in = 0 1/4 | weight = 187 | arm span = 30 3/8 | hand span = 8 7/8 | note = All values from [[NFL Combine]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=1001&DraftYear=2004 |title=Nate Kaeding, Iowa, K, 2004 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football |website=DraftScout.com |access-date=January 27, 2022}}</ref> }} ===San Diego Chargers=== During the [[2004 San Diego Chargers season|2004 season]], Kaeding attempted to become the first rookie since the 1970 season to attempt a game-winning [[Field goal (football)|field goal]] in the [[NFL playoffs, 2004-05#AFC: New York Jets 20, San Diego Chargers 17 (OT)|playoffs]] in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter or in overtime.{{#tag:ref|[[Jim O'Brien (American football)|Jim O'Brien]] won [[Super Bowl V]] for the [[Baltimore Colts (1953–1983)|Baltimore Colts]] on a 32-yard field goal with five seconds left in the fourth quarter.<ref>{{cite news|title=N.Y. Jets 20, San Diego 17|date=January 8, 2005|newspaper=USA today|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/scores105/105008/20050108NFL--SANDIEGO--0.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407151648/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/scores105/105008/20050108NFL--SANDIEGO--0.htm|archive-date=April 7, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>|group=lower-alpha}} His 40-yard field goal attempt on a wet field missed, and the Chargers lost in the [[NFL Wild card|wild card]] round to the [[New York Jets]], who won the game on a [[Doug Brien]] field goal.<ref name=ap_10302012/> Kaeding's postseason struggles continued in the [[NFL playoffs, 2006-07|2006 NFL Playoffs]], when he missed a potential game tying 54-yard field goal attempt against the [[New England Patriots]]. He had not missed a field goal at home in the previous two years prior to that 54-yard attempt. He was selected to his first [[Pro Bowl]] that season, where he kicked the game-winning 21-yard field goal with four seconds left in [[2007 Pro Bowl|the game]]. Kaeding suffered a fractured [[fibula]] when he made a tackle on the opening kickoff against the Denver Broncos on December 24, 2007, and played the final 5 games of the season with the fractured fibula.<ref>{{cite web |last=Acee |first=Kevin |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20080126-9999-1s26chargers.html |title=San Diego Chargers - Kaeding played on fractured left leg |publisher=SignOnSanDiego.com |date=January 26, 2008 |access-date=October 23, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604004515/http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20080126-9999-1s26chargers.html |archive-date=June 4, 2011 }}</ref> [[File:Nate Kaeding.jpg |thumb|upright|left|Kaeding in 2008]] In the 2007 playoffs, Kaeding missed a field goal each in the Wild Card weekend game against Tennessee (which San Diego won) and against the Indianapolis Colts (which San Diego also won). His streak of consecutive playoff games with a missed field goal stood at 4 but was ended with a made field goal from 40 yards against New England. In [[2009 San Diego Chargers season|2009]], Kaeding was tied for the NFL lead for most field goals made (32) and was one of only four to convert on over 90% of his attempts (91.4%).<ref name=howlett_07062016/> His season long of 54 yards came in a Week 15 victory over [[Cincinnati Bengals]]. However, in the [[2009-10 NFL playoffs#AFC: New York Jets 17, San Diego Chargers 14|AFC Divisional Round]] against the [[New York Jets]], Kaeding's postseason struggles continued as he missed all three of his attempted field goals, from 36, 57, and 40 yards; the Chargers lost the game 17–14.<ref name=ap_10302012/><ref>{{cite web|title=New York Jets at San Diego Chargers - January 17, 2010|work=pro-football-reference.com|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201001170sdg.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113163225/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201001170sdg.htm|archive-date=November 13, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> His three misses in the game were a career-high and matched his entire total from the regular season.<ref name=howlett_07062016>{{cite news|last=Howlett|first=Dylan|title=Pity The Kicker|date=July 7, 2016|website=SI.com|url=http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2016/07/06/nfl-kickers-nate-kaeding-san-diego-chargers|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205193536/http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2016/07/06/nfl-kickers-nate-kaeding-san-diego-chargers|archive-date=February 5, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In his postseason career, Kaeding was 3-for-9 on field goal attempts at home and 8-for-15 (53.3%) overall in eight playoff games.<ref name=ap_10302012/><ref>{{cite web|title=Kaeding struggles in playoff loss|date=January 18, 2012|work=kffl.com|url=http://www.kffl.com/gnews.php?id=623800|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308221358/http://www.kffl.com/gnews.php?id=623800|archive-date=March 8, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[2011 San Diego Chargers season|2011]], Kaeding was injured on the first play of the season when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament, causing him to miss the duration of the season and necessitated the signing of [[Nick Novak]]. Kaeding ended the 2011 season as the NFL's most accurate kicker of all time, converting 86.5% of his field goals attempts.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chargers K Kaeding out for season after hurting left knee on opening kickoff |date=September 12, 2011 |agency=[[Associated Press]] |work=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/chargers-k-kaeding-out-for-season-after-hurting-left-knee-on-opening-kickoff/2011/09/12/gIQAAYBTNK_story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230025917/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/chargers-k-kaeding-out-for-season-after-hurting-left-knee-on-opening-kickoff/2011/09/12/gIQAAYBTNK_story.html |archive-date=December 30, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Acee |first=Kevin |title=Kaeding ahead of schedule, looks forward to resuming role |date=January 17, 2012 |newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune |url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/jan/17/kaeding-ahead-schedule-looks-forward-resuming-role/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203104952/https://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/jan/17/kaeding-ahead-schedule-looks-forward-resuming-role/ |archive-date=February 3, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He competed for his job in [[2012 San Diego Chargers season|2012]] and beat out Novak, who also had a strong showing.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gehlken|first=Michael|title=VETERANS CESAIRE, HESTER AMONG CHARGERS' 22 CUTS|date=September 1, 2012|newspaper=U-T San Diego|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/sep/01/tp-veterans-cesaire-hester-among-chargers-22-cuts/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927212155/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/sep/01/tp-veterans-cesaire-hester-among-chargers-22-cuts/|archive-date=September 27, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Kaeding suffered a right groin injury and was replaced by Novak in the week 4 game against [[Kansas City Chiefs|Kansas City]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Gehlken|first=Michael|title=Chargers going with 3 corners against Chiefs|date=September 29, 2012|newspaper=U-T San Diego|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/sep/29/chargers-go-3-corners-against-chiefs/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927212151/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/sep/29/chargers-go-3-corners-against-chiefs/|archive-date=September 27, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> After missing three games, Kaeding was placed on [[injured reserve]] with a minor injury designation that required the Chargers to release him after he recovered.<ref name=gehlken_10302012>{{cite news|last=Gehlken|first=Michael|title=Nate Kaeding passes physical, no longer a Charger|date=October 30, 2012|newspaper=U-T San Diego|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/oct/30/nate-kaeding-passes-physical-be-waived/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927212153/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/oct/30/nate-kaeding-passes-physical-be-waived/|archive-date=September 27, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/bears-defeat-lions-to-maintain-nfc-north-lead-1.4142679 |title=Bears defeat Lions to maintain NFC North lead |publisher=[[Newsday]] |quote=The Chargers placed kicker Nate Kaeding on injured reserve and plan to release him after he recovers from a groin injury . . . |access-date=October 23, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928112716/http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/bears-defeat-lions-to-maintain-nfc-north-lead-1.4142679 |archive-date=September 28, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Gehlken|first1=Michael|last2=Acee|first2=Kevin|title=KAEDING'S DAYS AS CHARGERS KICKER ARE OVER|date=October 23, 2012|newspaper=U-T San Diego|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/oct/23/tp-kaedings-days-as-chargers-kicker-are-over/?print&page=all|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929165223/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/oct/23/tp-kaedings-days-as-chargers-kicker-are-over/?print&page=all|archive-date=September 29, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> On October 30, Kaeding became an [[unrestricted free agent]] after he was released by the Chargers upon a physical; he collected over $1 million in termination pay. Kaeding made all seven of his field goal attempts with the Chargers in 2012, and left the team as the most accurate kicker in NFL history at 87% (180-of-207).<ref name=ap_10302012>{{cite news|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nate-kaeding-waived-by-san-diego-chargers-after-injury-0ap1000000088111|agency=Associated Press|title=Nate Kaeding waived by San Diego Chargers after injury|work=NFL.com|date=October 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101163050/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000088111/article/nate-kaeding-waived-by-san-diego-chargers-after-injury|archive-date=November 1, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=gehlken_10302012/> ===Miami Dolphins=== On December 21, 2012, Kaeding signed with the [[Miami Dolphins]], replacing incumbent [[Dan Carpenter]], who was out with a groin injury.<ref>{{cite news|last=Walker|first=James|title=Dolphins sign kicker Nate Kaeding|date=December 21, 2012|work=ESPN.com|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/68783/dolphins-sign-kicker-nate-kaeding|access-date=December 21, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121224031307/http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/68783/dolphins-sign-kicker-nate-kaeding|archive-date=December 24, 2012}}</ref> He missed two of three field goals as a Dolphin, making a 45-yard attempt while missing from 41 and having a 46-yard attempt blocked.<ref name=beasley>{{cite news|last=Beasley|first=Adam H.|title=Davone Bess, Nolan Carroll end year on shelf for Miami Dolphins|date=December 30, 2012|newspaper=Miami Herald|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/12/31/3162064/davone-bess-nolan-carroll-end.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122184051/http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/12/31/3162064/davone-bess-nolan-carroll-end.html|archive-date=January 22, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=David|first=Craig|title=Report Card: Bush, bunch of turnovers too much for Bills|date=December 23, 2012|newspaper=Sun-Sentinel|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2012-12-23/sports/fl-dolphins-report-cards-1224-20121223_1_ryan-tannehill-defensive-coordinator-kevin-coyle-safety-reshad-jones|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016232238/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2012-12-23/sports/fl-dolphins-report-cards-1224-20121223_1_ryan-tannehill-defensive-coordinator-kevin-coyle-safety-reshad-jones|archive-date=October 16, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> His career percentage dropped to 86.2, falling to second behind [[Mike Vanderjagt]] (86.5).<ref name=beasley/> ===Retirement=== On April 2, 2013, Kaeding signed with the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Rosenthal|first=Gregg|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/steve-smith-nate-kaeding-to-tampa-bay-buccaneers-0ap1000000156494|title=Steve Smith, Nate Kaeding join Tampa Bay Buccaneers|publisher=[[National Football League]]|date=April 2, 2013|access-date=April 2, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404140707/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000156494/article/steve-smith-nate-kaeding-join-tampa-bay-buccaneers|archive-date=April 4, 2013}}</ref> However, he suffered another groin injury during the offseason. On May 2, he retired from the NFL, citing "chronic issues" with his groin muscle.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nate Kaeding to retire from NFL|date=May 2, 2013|newspaper=Press-Citizen|url=http://www.press-citizen.com/needlogin?type=login&redirecturl=http://www.press-citizen.com/article/20130502/NEWS01/130502006/Nate-Kaeding-retire-from-NFL?nclick_check=1}}{{dead link|date=June 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In 2019, he worked with the [[Minnesota Vikings]] as a part-time kicking consultant.<ref>{{cite news|first=Herbie|last=Teope|title=Vikings hire ex-kicker Nate Kaeding as consultant|date=March 29, 2019|website=NFL.com|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/vikings-hire-ex-kicker-nate-kaeding-as-consultant-0ap3000001032237|access-date=February 5, 2021}}</ref> ==Personal life== In January 2008, Kaeding began writing weekly movie reviews for CorridorBUZZ, a daily arts & entertainment web site serving the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids, Iowa corridor. He co-owns a restaurant in Iowa City called Short's Burgers as well,<ref name="s067">{{cite web | last=O’Leary | first=Josh | title=Football lessons pay off for Kaeding | website=The Des Moines Register | date=2014-05-17 | url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/tech/2014/05/17/nate-kaeding-lessons-pay/9207963/ | access-date=2024-10-12}}</ref> as another named Pullman Bar and Diner. Nate and his wife, Samantha (née Gervich), have two sons, Jack and Wyatt, and a daughter, Tess.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hawkcentral.com/2012/11/08/bryce-millers-3-for-3-breaking-hawkeye-baby-news-and-iowa-football-stat-stunner/|title=Iowa Hawkeyes news, game analysis, stats, photos, videos - Hawk Central|website=Hawk Central|access-date=April 26, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723121702/http://hawkcentral.com/2012/11/08/bryce-millers-3-for-3-breaking-hawkeye-baby-news-and-iowa-football-stat-stunner/|archive-date=July 23, 2013}}</ref> ==Notes== {{reflist|group=lower-alpha}} ==References== {{Reflist|30em}} ==External links== * {{Footballstats |nfl=nate-kaeding|pfr=K/kaedinat01}} *{{commons category-inline}} {{Lou Groza Award}} {{2003 NCAA Division I-A College Football Consensus All-Americans}} {{Chargers2004DraftPicks}} {{NFL scoring leaders}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Kaeding, Nate}} [[Category:1982 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:American football placekickers]] [[Category:Iowa Hawkeyes football players]] [[Category:Miami Dolphins players]] [[Category:San Diego Chargers players]] [[Category:All-American college football players]] [[Category:American Conference Pro Bowl players]] [[Category:Players of American football from Iowa City, Iowa]] [[Category:Iowa City West High School alumni]] [[Category:Minnesota Vikings coaches]] [[Category:Tampa Bay Buccaneers players]]
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