Justin Tucker

Justin Paul Tucker Bio

Justin Paul Tucker (born November 21, 1989) is an American professional football placekicker who played college football for the Texas Longhorns. He signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2012 and spent 13 seasons with the organization. Regarded as one of the greatest placekickers in NFL history, Tucker previously held the NFL record for longest field goal at 66 yards and ranks among the league leaders in field goal percentage. He was a member of the Ravens team that won Super Bowl XLVII and has earned seven Pro Bowl selections and five first-team All-Pro honors during his career.

Early Life and Background

Justin Tucker was born in Houston, Texas, and attended Westlake High School in Austin, Texas. At Westlake, he played wide receiver, safety, and placekicker for the Chaparrals while also playing soccer from age three until his sophomore year of high school. He was a teammate of future NFL quarterback Nick Foles, tight end Kyle Adams, and linebacker Bryce Hager. Tucker played in the 2008 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, showcasing his talents against top high school players from across the country.

Despite his success as a kicker, Tucker was not invited to the East-West Shrine Game, Senior Bowl, or the NFL Scouting Combine following his college career. He chose to pursue a degree in communications at the University of Texas before switching to recording technology, studying operatic singing under Nikita Storojev at the Sarah and Ernest Butler School of Music. Tucker learned to sing in seven languages including English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Latin, and Russian.

Path to the NFL

Tucker attended the University of Texas at Austin, playing for the Longhorns football team from 2008 to 2011. In 2011, during the final edition of the Texas-Texas A&M rivalry, Tucker kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired, leading Texas to a 27–25 victory. He finished his college career with an 83.3% field goal conversion rate, the third-best in program history at that time.

To promote himself for the NFL draft, Tucker created an unedited five-minute YouTube video demonstrating his kicking ability from various angles and distances. When he went undrafted in 2012, Tucker signed with the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent on May 29. He competed against Billy Cundiff during training camp and won the starting job based on his preseason performance, leading to Cundiff’s release.

Justin Tucker Career

Rookie Season and Early Career (2012–2013)

In his debut season, Tucker proved to be highly accurate, converting all 42 extra point attempts and making 30 of 33 field goals. During a narrow Week 3 victory over the New England Patriots, he kicked the game-winning 27-yard field goal that sparked controversy when replays showed the ball appeared close to sailing wide of the upright. Since field goals were not reviewable at the time, the kick stood as good. In Week 12 against the San Diego Chargers, Tucker kicked both the game-tying and game-winning field goals in a 16–13 road victory.

On January 12, 2013, during the Divisional Round against the Denver Broncos, Tucker kicked a 47-yard field goal in double overtime to win the game 38–35, sending the Ravens to the AFC Championship Game. In Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers, Tucker’s two fourth-quarter field goals secured a 34–31 victory, earning him his first Super Bowl ring. That same year, Tucker became the first kicker in NFL history to make field goals in the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s in a single game during a victory over the Detroit Lions, including a then-record 61-yard field goal in a domed stadium.

Pro Bowl Years and Record-Breaking Performances (2014–2019)

Tucker continued his consistent performance in 2014, converting all 42 extra point attempts and 29 of 34 field goals while earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Month honors. His 2016 season proved to be his best statistically, as he made all but one field goal attempt, leading the league with 38 makes and earning First-team All-Pro recognition for the second time. He signed a franchise tag in February 2016 before agreeing to a four-year, $16.8 million extension in July.

In 2018, Tucker became the first player in NFL history to record six seasons of 30 or more made field goals and was named First-team All-Pro for the third time. He earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors multiple times throughout his career, establishing himself as one of the most reliable kickers in the league.

Contract Extension and Historic Season (2019–2021)

On April 24, 2019, Tucker signed a four-year, $23.05 million contract extension, keeping him with the Ravens through the 2023 season. In the 2019 season, he converted 28 of 29 field goal attempts and was named First-team All-Pro for the fourth time. He led the NFL in extra point attempts and makes, earning his third career Pro Bowl selection.

The 2021 season featured Tucker’s most historic moment when he kicked an NFL record 66-yard game-winning field goal as time expired in a Week 3 victory over the Detroit Lions. This record stood until November 2025. Tucker finished the 2021 season converting 35 of 37 field goal attempts and was named First-team All-Pro for the fifth time in his career.

Elite Status and Recent Seasons (2022–2024)

On August 8, 2022, Tucker signed a four-year extension worth $24 million, making him the highest-paid kicker in the league at that time. During the 2022 season, he became the Ravens’ all-time leading scorer with a 42-yard field goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He led the NFL in field goals attempted and made, earning his sixth career Pro Bowl selection.

In 2023, despite a down year statistically, Tucker was named to his fifth straight Pro Bowl. His best performance came in Week 6 against the Tennessee Titans in London, where he converted all six field goal attempts during a 24–16 victory. The 2024 season saw Tucker struggle with consistency, as he went 22 of 30 on field goal attempts. During Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals, he secured his first game-winning field goal since 2022 with a 24-yard kick in overtime of a 41–38 comeback victory.

Driving Style and Strengths

Tucker is known for his exceptional leg strength, which allowed him to attempt and convert long-distance field goals that most kickers cannot reach. His consistency in clutch situations and ability to perform under pressure have made him a reliable weapon for the Ravens throughout his career. His strong work ethic and preparation have enabled him to maintain high accuracy despite the physical demands of the position.

Notable Events and Milestones

Throughout his career, Tucker has set multiple franchise and league records. His 66-yard field goal in 2021 broke the NFL’s all-time longest field goal record. He has earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors on numerous occasions and has been recognized as one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history with an 89.1% career field goal percentage.

Justin Tucker Career Wins

Tucker has accumulated impressive statistics over his 13 NFL seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. His career totals include 417 field goals made on 468 attempts, 524 extra points made on 532 attempts, and 1,775 total points scored. His career field goal percentage of 89.1% ranks among the highest in NFL history.

NFL Highlights

Throughout his career, Tucker has earned seven Pro Bowl selections and five First-team All-Pro honors. He was part of the Ravens’ Super Bowl XLVII championship team in 2012 and was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. His ability to deliver in crucial moments has resulted in numerous game-winning kicks and overtime victories throughout his career with the Ravens.

Other Achievements

Beyond his NFL accomplishments, Tucker has made significant contributions off the field as a classically trained bass-baritone opera singer. He has performed with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Opera Orchestra of New York and won the Most Valuable Performer competition among NFL players with his rendition of Ave Maria.

Justin Tucker Family

Family Background and Personal Life

Tucker is a devout Catholic and makes the sign of the cross before every kick, demonstrating the importance of his faith in his daily routine. His unique combination of athletic ability and musical talent has made him a distinctive figure in the NFL. He studied at the University of Texas School of Music, where he developed his operatic singing skills alongside his football career.

Personal Life

Tucker married Amanda Bass in March 2015. The couple has a son together. In addition to his football career, Tucker has appeared in Royal Farms commercials since 2015 and has participated in various charitable efforts, including a benefit concert for Catholic Charities with the Concert Artists of Baltimore.

2025 Season Performance

In May 2025, the Baltimore Ravens released Tucker after 13 seasons with the organization. Earlier that year, allegations regarding Tucker’s conduct during massage sessions were published by The Baltimore Banner, leading to an NFL investigation. In June 2025, the NFL announced a 10-game suspension for Tucker following the investigation. Tucker released statements denying the allegations while also apologizing to anyone who felt he did not treat them professionally. He chose not to appeal the suspension, stating his hope to move past the situation and return to football.

Following the conclusion of his suspension, Tucker had a tryout with the New Orleans Saints but was not signed. He subsequently had a tryout with the Indianapolis Colts, who instead signed Blake Grupe. The future of Tucker’s NFL career remains uncertain as he works to return to professional football.