John Carney is a distinguished former professional Football placekicker who made a significant impact in the National Football League (NFL) over a remarkable career spanning more than two decades. He began his journey at the University of Notre Dame, where he showcased his exceptional talent as a kicker, earning a spot on the university’s all-time team. His collegiate success paved the way for his entry into the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals in 1987.
Carney’s professional career took off with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he quickly established himself as a reliable kicker. His tenure with the San Diego Chargers marked a high point in his career; he was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1994 and became the NFL scoring leader that season. Carney’s consistency and accuracy were hallmarks of his game, culminating in a remarkable field goal percentage of 82.4% and a total of 2,062 points scored throughout his career.
In addition to his time with the Chargers, Carney had successful stints with the New Orleans Saints, where he was instrumental in their Super Bowl XLIV victory, and the New York Giants, earning another Pro Bowl selection in 2008. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver crucial kicks made him a valuable asset to every team he played for.
After retiring, Carney continued to contribute to the sport as a kicking consultant for the Saints, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience with the next generation of kickers. His legacy as one of the NFL’s most accomplished kickers is firmly established, and he remains a respected figure in the Football community.