Mike Lansford

Professional football placekicker for Los Angeles Rams 1980–90.

What is Mike Lansford known for?

Mike Lansford, born on July 20, 1958 in Monterey Park, California, is a former professional American football placekicker, notable for his ten-year career in the National Football League (NFL) with the Los Angeles Rams from 1980 to 1990.

Lansford was known for his accuracy and being a clutch kicker more than his leg strength. Despite only succeeding in 4 out of 17 attempts on field goals of 50 yards or more, he was successful on nearly 75% of his attempts within 45 yards, demonstrating his precision. Most notably, he never missed a last-minute game-tying or winning field goal. One of his most historic plays was a 42-yard field goal at the decisive moments of the 1983 season's final game against the New Orleans Saints, which gave the Rams a win and got them into the playoffs over the Saints.

In his illustrious career, Lansford not only made last-minute field goals to win against teams like the Cardinals in 1984, the 49ers in 1986, and the Bears in 1986 but also kicked a 50-yarder against the Bears in the same year. He carried on his streak with a game-winning field goal in overtime against the Saints in 1989. As of 2021, Lansford's contribution of 789 career points placed him at the 97th position in the all-time NFL scoring record.

Lansford certainly left a unique mark as one of only seven barefooted kickers in NFL history, leading the league in 1989 with 51 extra points. His NFL stats boast 217 field goals attempted, with 158 being successful, giving him a field goal percentage of 72.8. His career-long field goal was a commendable 52 yards.

Off the field, Lansford got married to Teresa Nelleson around 1984/1985 and later married Jill Haus-Lansford. His professional life, intertwined with personal achievements, has made him a remarkable figure in the history of American football.

Explore more about Mike Lansford's professional stats at NFL.com and Pro Football Reference.