Gregory Zuerlein, born on December 27, 1987, is an American professional football placekicker for the New York Jets in the NFL. Hailing from Lincoln, Nebraska, he played college football at Nebraska-Omaha before transferring to Missouri Western.
Throughout his career, he has also played for the St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams and the Dallas Cowboys.
Early Life And Career
Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, Gregory Zuerlein graduated from Lincoln Pius X High School in 2006. As a junior in 2004, he set a Nebraska state record by making 12 field goals in a season, with his longest kick measuring 52 yards.
His impressive performances earned him Nebraska All-State and All-Class honors in both his junior and senior years. In addition to football, Zuerlein played soccer and was recognized as a 2005 Sports Illustrated preseason high school All-American.
Zuerlein, often nicknamed “Legatron” for his powerful kicking, has had a notable NFL career spanning over a decade. In 2022, he joined the New York Jets and played all 17 games, achieving an 81.1% field goal success rate (30 of 37). He set a franchise record with a successful 60-yard field goal against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 13 and became the first Jets kicker to make three 50-yard field goals in consecutive games.
Re-signing with the Jets in March 2023, Zuerlein had an impressive season, appearing in 16 games and converting 92.1% of his field goal attempts (35 of 38), including 5 of 6 from beyond 50 yards. He set a franchise record with 26 consecutive field goals made and tied for the league lead with four game-tying or game-winning kicks. His performance earned him the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award in Week 5 after scoring 17 points against the Denver Broncos.
Despite re-signing with the Jets in March 2024, Zuerlein faced challenges this season. Over eight games, his field goal success rate dropped to 60% (9 of 15). He missed critical field goals in close games against teams like the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots, leading to speculation about his future with the team. Reports indicated that the Jets were considering other kickers due to his struggles.
Throughout his career, Zuerlein has been known for his strong leg and ability to make long-distance kicks. However, like many athletes, he has faced periods of inconsistency. As of March 2025, his status with the Jets remains uncertain, and fans await updates on his professional journey.
4 Things To Know About Gregory Zuerlein
4. Great Nicknames
Greg Zuerlein has some of the best nicknames in the NFL, including “Greg The Leg,” “Legatron,” and “Young GZ.” Over his 10-year career, he has converted 82.2% of his field goal attempts. His reputation as a powerful and reliable kicker has made him a key player for multiple teams, though he has faced challenges in recent seasons.
3. Clutch Kicker
Zuerlein’s field goal conversion rate is around the league average, but he has excelled in clutch situations. According to Jets X-Factor’s Michael Nania, he has made 38 of 45 field goal attempts to tie or take the lead at the end of a game. During his two most recent seasons with the Cowboys, he was especially reliable, going 10 of 11 in such situations.
2. From One DII College To Another
Zuerlein began his college career at the University of Nebraska Omaha, where he played for three seasons until the school discontinued its football and wrestling programs in 2011 to transition to Division I. He then transferred to Missouri Western State University, another Division II school in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. The Rams selected him in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
1. Great At Kickoffs
Zuerlein has excelled at kickoffs throughout his career. In 2021, only 19 of his 100 kickoffs were returned, while 80 resulted in touchbacks.
