Jason Hanson
No headshot available
Career Summary
Jason Hanson spent his entire 21-season NFL career as Detroit's kicker.
He scored 2,150 points in 327 regular-season games, combining longevity with two Pro Bowl selections.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
Early Life
Hanson is a native of Spokane, Washington.
His football career took him to Washington State, where he developed as both a kicker and punter.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
College Career
Hanson earned All-America honors as both a kicker and punter at Washington State.
He became the school's first unanimous All-American as a sophomore and kicked a 62-yard field goal against UNLV in 1991. His academic honors included three first-team Academic All-America selections.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
Path to the NFL
Detroit selected Hanson in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft.
The selection began a professional career spent entirely with the Lions, lasting through the 2012 season.
Section reviewed
NFL Career
Hanson handled Detroit's kicking duties from 1992 through 2012.
He made 495 field goals during that span. His 327 appearances demonstrate the unusual length of his service with one franchise.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
Career Accomplishments
Hanson earned two Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro recognition in 1997.
His career scoring total reached 2,150 points, all with Detroit.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
Playing Style
Hanson combined accuracy with long-range kicking ability.
He converted 82.4 percent of his NFL field-goal attempts. His collegiate record included 20 successful kicks from at least 50 yards.
Section reviewed
Legacy
Hanson's career established an enduring standard for longevity in Detroit.
Washington State's 2021 tribute identified him as the first player to appear in 300 games for one franchise. Detroit inducted him into its ring of honor in 2013.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
Post-Career
Hanson received College Football Hall of Fame recognition after retiring from the NFL.
A member of the 2020 class, he was formally inducted in December 2021 alongside the delayed 2020 and 2021 classes.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
15693, 00-0006800, 1970-06-17, Jason Hanson, Jason, Hanson
MFT PLAYER RANKINGS
Current player ranking
Compare current players by position using the transparent MFT statistical model.