August 30, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers (2) misses the field goal against the San Diego Chargers during the second quarter at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE
Former University of Louisville kicker David Akers booted his way into the NFL record books on Sunday afternoon. The Kentucky native drilled a 63-yard field goal in the closing moments of the first half of San Francisco’s Week 1 win over Green Bay at Lambeau Field. Akers line drive kick hit the cross bar and bounced through the uprights. Akers joined three other kickers who have hit one from 63 yards, Tom Dempsey (New Orleans Saints 1970), Jason Elam (Denver Broncos 1998) and Sebastian Janokowski (Oakland Raiders 2011). Before Sunday’s record-tying kick, Akers longest field goal was from 57 yards.
The 6 time pro-bowler was undrafted out of college, spent most of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles (2000-2010) before signing with San Francisco prior to the 2011 season. Akers who played at Louisville from 1993 – 1996 holds the school record with 36 field goals and is second on the all-time scoring list with 219 points. His longest field goal as a Cardinal was 51 yards. Congrats David!