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Nate Kaeding
Nate Kaeding
from Wikipedia

Nathaniel James Kaeding (born March 26, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes, earning consensus 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,[1] where he played for nine seasons.

Key Information

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

[edit]

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 kicker, and The Des Moines Register named him Iowa High School Athlete of the Year in 2000.[2] In high school, he played in state championship games in three different sports: (basketball, football and soccer) at Iowa City West High School.[3]

College career

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Kaeding attended the University of Iowa, where he played for the Hawkeyes from 2000 to 2003. He earned a teaching certificate in secondary education while at Iowa.[4] He won the Lou Groza Award in 2002 and is the school's all-time leading scorer.

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span
6 ft 0+14 in
(1.84 m)
187 lb
(85 kg)
30+38 in
(0.77 m)
8+78 in
(0.23 m)
All values from NFL Combine[5]

San Diego Chargers

[edit]

During the 2004 season, Kaeding attempted to become the first rookie since the 1970 season to attempt a game-winning field goal in the playoffs in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter or in overtime.[a] His 40-yard field goal attempt on a wet field missed, and the Chargers lost in the wild card round to the New York Jets, who won the game on a Doug Brien field goal.[7]

Kaeding's postseason struggles continued in the 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 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.[8]

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, 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%).[2] His season long of 54 yards came in a Week 15 victory over Cincinnati Bengals. However, in the 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.[7][9] His three misses in the game were a career-high and matched his entire total from the regular season.[2] 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.[7][10]

In 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.[11] Kaeding ended the 2011 season as the NFL's most accurate kicker of all time, converting 86.5% of his field goals attempts.[12][13] He competed for his job in 2012 and beat out Novak, who also had a strong showing.[14] However, Kaeding suffered a right groin injury and was replaced by Novak in the week 4 game against Kansas City.[15] 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.[16][17][18] 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).[7][16]

Miami Dolphins

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On December 21, 2012, Kaeding signed with the Miami Dolphins, replacing incumbent Dan Carpenter, who was out with a groin injury.[19] 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.[20][21] His career percentage dropped to 86.2, falling to second behind Mike Vanderjagt (86.5).[20]

Retirement

[edit]

On April 2, 2013, Kaeding signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[22] However, he suffered another groin injury during the offseason. On May 2, he retired from the NFL, citing "chronic issues" with his groin muscle.[23]

In 2019, he worked with the Minnesota Vikings as a part-time kicking consultant.[24]

Personal life

[edit]

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,[25] as another named Pullman Bar and Diner.

Nate and his wife, Samantha (née Gervich), have two sons, Jack and Wyatt, and a daughter, Tess.[26]

Notes

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Nathaniel "Nate" Kaeding (born March 26, 1982) is a former American football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons, primarily with the San Diego Chargers, and is recognized for his college success at the University of Iowa, where he won the Lou Groza Award as the nation's top kicker in 2002. Kaeding, a native of Iowa City, Iowa, starred for the Iowa Hawkeyes from 2000 to 2003, becoming the program's all-time leading scorer with 373 points through one touchdown, 67 field goals, and 166 extra points. During his senior year in 2003, he converted 17 of 18 field goals and 36 of 37 extra points, leading the team with 93 points and earning consensus All-American honors as a Groza Award finalist. He set the NCAA record for career field goal percentage from 40 yards or longer (minimum 20 made), finishing 21 of 26 in that range. As a junior in 2002, Kaeding's 18 field goals and 57 extra points contributed to 120 total points, the most in a single season in Iowa history at the time, while helping the Hawkeyes to an 8-5 record and a berth in the Alamo Bowl. Drafted by the New York Giants in the third round (65th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft and acquired by the Chargers via trade on draft day, Kaeding quickly established himself as one of the league's most accurate kickers, making 86.2% of his 210 career field goal attempts (181 made) and 99.4% of his extra point attempts (352 of 354) for 895 total points over 115 games. He earned Pro Bowl selections in 2006 and 2009, along with Second-Team All-Pro honors in 2006 and First-Team All-Pro in 2009, after leading the NFL in field goal percentage (91.4%) in 2009 with 32 of 35 makes. Kaeding's tenure with San Diego spanned 2004 to 2011 and included a brief return in 2012, followed by two games with the Miami Dolphins later that year after signing as an injury replacement. Chronic groin injuries hampered his later career, notably sidelining him for the 2011 season and contributing to his struggles in playoffs, where he made only 8 of 15 field goals. Kaeding announced his retirement on May 2, 2013, at age 31, shortly after signing with the but suffering another groin injury during offseason training; his career ranked second in history among kickers with at least two seasons.

Early life

Youth and family

Nate Kaeding was born on March 26, 1982, in Iowa City, Iowa. He is the son of Larry and Terry Kaeding, both natives of Muscatine, Iowa. Kaeding grew up in the Coralville area adjacent to Iowa City, immersed in a community with strong ties to University of Iowa athletics that fostered his early interest in football. As a young child, he participated in such as soccer before transitioning toward organized football activities.

High school career

Nate Kaeding attended in , from 1996 to 2000. As a multi-sport , he lettered in football, , and soccer, with a particular emphasis on placekicking in football. His involvement in these sports showcased his versatility and athletic prowess, culminating in state championships across multiple disciplines during his senior year. In football, Kaeding served as the kicker for the Trojans, contributing to back-to-back Class 4A state championships in and 1999. The 1998 title came with a 38-10 victory over Dowling Catholic in the championship game, while the 1999 win marked the team's 26th consecutive victory and second straight title. Over his high school career, he converted 21 field goals and 153 of 160 extra points, earning two-time all-state honors in and 1999. Kaeding's senior year in 1999-2000 highlighted his impact, as he helped secure the football state title alongside championships in basketball and soccer. These achievements across sports led to his recognition as The Des Moines Register's High School in 2000.

College career

University of Iowa

Nate Kaeding joined the football team as a walk-on kicker in 2000. Although he appeared in 12 games as a true that season, recording 14 field goals out of 22 attempts, Kaeding transitioned to the full-time starter role beginning in and remained there through his senior year in 2003. Over his four seasons with the Hawkeyes, he participated in 50 games, helping the program compile a 32-18 record during a period of resurgence under head coach . In his campaign of 2001, Kaeding converted 12 of 16 s (75.0%) and 49 of 50 extra points (98.0%), accounting for 85 of Iowa's points in an 8-5 season (including bowl). His efforts were pivotal in the Hawkeyes' first bowl appearance in eight years, the against Texas, where he sealed a 19-16 victory with a 47-yard game-winning as time expired. Kaeding elevated his performance during his junior year in 2002, making 21 of 24 field goals (87.5%)—including a career-long 55-yarder against Purdue—and 57 of 58 extra points (98.3%), for a total of 120 points that paced the Big Ten. He achieved a personal best with four field goals in a single game against Penn State, contributing to a 26-23 win. The 11-2 Hawkeyes advanced to the Orange Bowl, where Kaeding added one field goal in a 38-17 loss to USC. As a senior in 2003, Kaeding maintained elite accuracy, succeeding on 20 of 21 field goals (95.2%) and 40 of 41 extra points (97.6%), totaling 100 kicking points and once again leading Big Ten scorers. Iowa posted a 10-3 mark and capped the year with a 37-17 Outback Bowl triumph over , bolstered by his reliable kicking. Kaeding's overall college statistics reflect his consistency and impact: 67 field goals out of 83 attempts (80.7%), 166 extra points out of 169 attempts (98.2%), one rushing , and 373 total points—a Hawkeyes record at the time of his 2004 graduation. These figures underscored his role in three bowl games, including two victories, during Iowa's back-to-back-to-back postseason streak.

Awards and records

During his time at the , Nate Kaeding earned numerous accolades recognizing his excellence as a . In 2002, he won the , presented annually to the top college in football, after converting 21 of 24 attempts, including a career-long 55-yard kick. That same year, Kaeding received first-team All-American honors from multiple selectors, including , , Pro Football Writers of America, College & Information Network , and . He was also named a consensus first-team All-American in 2003 by major outlets such as the , , and the . Kaeding was a two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2002 and 2003, earning the honor from conference coaches and media for his consistent performance, including a 91.1% success rate across those seasons. In 2003, he additionally received Academic All-Big Ten recognition for maintaining strong academic standing while contributing to the team's success. Kaeding graduated as Iowa's all-time leading scorer with 373 points from 67 , 166 extra points, and one rushing , a mark that stood until it was surpassed by Drew Stevens in 2025. Among his notable records at , Kaeding set the single-season mark with 21 makes in 2002, surpassing the previous benchmark and contributing to the Hawkeyes' co-Big Ten championship. He also established an Iowa record with 22 consecutive field goals made spanning the 2001 and 2002 seasons. Kaeding connected on multiple field goals from 50 yards or longer during his career, including two such makes in 2002 (51 and 55 yards), highlighting his long-range accuracy.

Professional career

San Diego Chargers

Kaeding was selected by the in the third round, 65th overall, of the out of the , where his accuracy as a collegian helped elevate his draft stock. He quickly established himself as the team's primary , stepping into the role as a and contributing to a Chargers squad that reached the playoffs in his debut season. Over nine seasons with from 2004 to 2012, Kaeding appeared in 113 regular-season games, demonstrating consistent reliability with 180 successful field goals out of 207 attempts for an 87.0% conversion rate, alongside 349 of 351 extra points (99.4%). His performance peaked in 2009, when he achieved a career-high 32 field goals on 35 attempts (91.4%), leading the in scoring with 146 points and earning first-team honors as well as a selection—his second such nod after 2006, when he was also named second-team . Kaeding's range was highlighted by a 57-yard career-long field goal against the in 2008, and he surpassed 100 points in seven seasons (2004: 114; 2005: 112; 2006: 136; 2007: 118; 2008: 127; 2009: 146; 2010: 109), underscoring his role in powering the Chargers' high-octane offenses led by quarterbacks like . In the postseason, Kaeding's tenure with San Diego spanned eight games across five appearances, where he converted 8 of 15 field goal attempts (53.3%) and all 18 extra points. While he delivered in key moments, such as a perfect 4-for-4 effort (including from 40 yards) in the 2007 AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots—a 21-12 loss—his playoff record included notable struggles, like a missed 54-yard game-winner at the end of the 2006 divisional playoff against the same opponent and three misses (from 36, 40, and 57 yards) in a 17-14 divisional defeat to the New York Jets following the 2009 season. These efforts contributed to the Chargers' four playoff berths during his time, though the team advanced past the divisional round only once.

Miami Dolphins

On December 21, 2012, the Miami Dolphins signed veteran kicker Nate Kaeding to replace Dan Carpenter, who had been placed on injured reserve with a groin injury sustained in practice. This came shortly after Kaeding's release from the San Diego Chargers earlier that season due to his own groin injury. Kaeding, a two-time Pro Bowl selection known for his career field goal accuracy, joined the team for the final two games of the regular season. Kaeding appeared in two games for the Dolphins. In Week 16 against the on December 23, he converted 3 of 3 extra points and was 1 of 2 on attempts, making a 45-yard kick in the third quarter but having a 46-yard attempt blocked in the first quarter. The following week, in a 28-0 loss to the on December 30, Kaeding had no extra point attempts but missed his only try, a 41-yarder in the second quarter that sailed wide left. Overall, in his brief tenure, Kaeding went 1 for 3 on s and 3 for 3 on extra points. The Dolphins did not retain Kaeding after the 2012 season, releasing him as part of roster moves in early 2013.

Injuries and retirement

Kaeding's professional career was increasingly disrupted by recurring injuries starting in 2010. During warm-ups before the Chargers' Week 6 game against the on October 17, 2010, he strained his , which forced him to miss the remainder of the season after appearing in five games. In 2011, a torn (ACL) in his left knee during the season-opening kickoff against the Minnesota Vikings sidelined him for the remainder of the season after appearing in the opener. The groin problems persisted into 2012, when Kaeding strained his right adductor during practice on September 28, prior to the Chargers' Week 5 matchup with the ; he had been perfect on s (7-for-7) in the first three games before the injury. Placed on injured reserve on October 22, he did not play again for that year, and the team released him from IR on after he passed a physical, effectively ending his tenure with the Chargers after eight seasons. Kaeding signed with the on December 21 to replace the injured and appeared in the final two games of the 2012 season, going 1-for-3 on attempts amid lingering pain that limited his effectiveness. In April 2013, Kaeding signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a backup kicker, but during preparations for the upcoming season, he reaggravated his right adductor injury, prompting his retirement announcement on May 2. "Over the last three years I've struggled with recurring muscle injuries in my kicking leg," Kaeding stated, adding that the latest setback confirmed he could no longer meet the NFL's demands for consistency and durability. These injuries, particularly the groin strains affecting his kicking leg's adductor muscles—key for stabilizing and powering the kicking motion—ultimately prevented a full recovery despite rehabilitation efforts, as such soft-tissue injuries in athletes often recur due to the repetitive, high-force nature of kicking. Over his nine-year NFL career, primarily with the Chargers, Kaeding appeared in 115 games, converting 181 of 210 field goals (86.2 percent) and 352 of 354 extra points (99.4 percent) for 895 total points. In announcing his , he reflected on the frustration of ending his career this way but expressed excitement for returning home to Iowa City with his family to begin a new chapter. His postseason performances, including several missed field goals in key games, were also exacerbated by these accumulating injuries.

Post-retirement activities

Coaching and instruction

Following his retirement from professional football in 2013 due to chronic groin injuries, Nate Kaeding transitioned into coaching roles that allowed him to share his expertise in placekicking. In May 2019, the Minnesota Vikings hired Kaeding as a part-time kicking consultant, marking his return to the NFL in a mentorship capacity. In this role, he provided guidance to the team's kickers, punters, and long snappers, focusing on technique refinement and performance under pressure during practices and the 2019 season. Kaeding's involvement helped address the Vikings' special teams challenges, drawing on his nine-year NFL career where he achieved an 86.2% field goal success rate. His tenure with the team extended into the 2020 offseason but remained part-time, with no further full-time NFL coaching positions reported as of 2025. Kaeding serves as the chief instructor at Midwest Kicking Camps, a program founded in 1971 that trains aspiring kickers, punters, and long snappers. He leads sessions for high school and college prospects, emphasizing fundamentals like ball contact, alignment, and mental preparation, informed by his own experiences as a two-time All-American at the . The camps, held annually across the Midwest, limit enrollment to ensure personalized instruction and have featured Kaeding since at least 2013, with him continuing in this capacity through recent years. Beyond these commitments, Kaeding has participated in occasional guest clinics, offering insights to and collegiate athletes on kicking and game-day execution, though he has not pursued permanent roles outside of special teams consulting.

Business ventures

After retiring from the , Nate Kaeding returned to City and pursued a in from the University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business, earning his MBA in 2015. This education equipped him with skills in marketing, branding, and entrepreneurship, which he applied to the . Kaeding co-founded Gold Cap Hospitality in Iowa City with partners including Ben Smart, focusing on upscale dining concepts that emphasize local authenticity and community integration. The group draws inspiration from Kaeding's NFL experiences traveling to food-centric cities like New Orleans, Boston, and Chicago, adapting those influences to create venues that elevate Iowa City's culinary landscape beyond its traditional college-town bars. Under Gold Cap, Kaeding co-owns several establishments in downtown Iowa City. Pullman Bar & , which opened in January , offers a modern take on American diner fare with an upscale twist, featuring locally sourced ingredients and a vibrant atmosphere. St. Burch Tavern, rebranded and launched in April 2018 at the former Atlas Restaurant site, provides tavern-style with classic elements, including oysters and craft cocktails. In August 2023, the group acquired the historic Hamburg Inn No. 2, a dating back to 1945 known for its political clientele, reopening it in October 2023 with preserved charm and updated menu items like gourmet burgers and breakfast options. Prior to fully committing to Gold Cap, Kaeding was involved in Short's Burgers & Shine, a casual burger spot he helped launch in 2008 while still playing professionally, serving as a part-owner until around 2020 as the business expanded. Through these ventures, Gold Cap Hospitality has contributed to reshaping downtown Iowa City's food scene by fostering elevated, destination-worthy dining that attracts regional tourists and integrates into the community's cultural fabric, aiming to make its restaurants synonymous with the local experience. As of 2025, Kaeding has expanded his role to include real estate development with Gold Cap.

Personal life

Family

Nate Kaeding married Samantha Gervich on July 16, 2005, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in . Kaeding and his wife have three children: sons Jack and Wyatt, and daughter Tess. The family resides in , where Kaeding has focused his post-NFL life.

Other interests

In January 2008, while playing for the , Kaeding began writing weekly movie reviews for CorridorBUZZ, a daily arts and entertainment serving the City and Cedar Rapids areas. His contributions provided insights into films from a professional athlete's perspective, reflecting his interest in cinema as a creative outlet during his NFL career. During his NFL tenure, Kaeding developed a passion for , extensively visiting numerous stadiums and exploring host cities across the league, which broadened his appreciation for diverse cultures and locales. This avid exploration continued to influence his post-retirement life, fostering a continued interest in experiential pursuits beyond sports. In Iowa City, Kaeding engages with local arts and community events, supporting cultural initiatives that enhance the area's vibrancy through participation in public forums and development efforts. Kaeding has been involved in several philanthropy efforts, including co-founding the Food With Love project in 2020 to address food insecurity during the and partnering with HAVlife Johnson County in 2022 to launch a fund supporting access to youth athletics. In 2017, he helped unveil a new at Hayes Elementary School through the Dreambuilders Foundation. Kaeding occasionally delivers engagements on topics including sports performance and transitions to , drawing from his experiences as an athlete and entrepreneur to inspire audiences. These talks highlight his perspective on resilience and adaptability in professional spheres.

References

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