John Potter
No headshot available
Career Summary
John Potter was a Western Michigan kicker selected by Buffalo in the seventh round of the 2012 NFL Draft who played nine NFL games for Buffalo and Washington.
John Potter developed into an accurate Western Michigan kicker and academic standout before Buffalo selected him in 2012. He later appeared for Buffalo and Washington across two NFL seasons.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
- wmubroncos.com — John Potter - Football - Western Michigan University Athletics
- wmich.edu — White, Potter, Nowak and Parker are headed to the NFL | Western Michigan University
- www.nfl.com — John Potter Stats Summary | NFL.com
- www.pro-football-reference.com — John Potter Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com
Early Life
Potter was born January 24, 1990, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and grew up in Grand Haven.
Professional records list Potter’s birth in Kalamazoo, while Western Michigan identified him as a Grand Haven native.
Section reviewed
High School
At Grand Haven High School, Potter was an all-state kicker and accomplished track athlete.
Potter made 11 of 13 field goals as a Grand Haven senior, earned first-team all-area and Associated Press all-state honors, and won conference and regional high-jump titles.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
College Career
Potter kicked for Western Michigan from 2008 through 2011, scoring 325 points and making 47 field goals.
Potter’s four college seasons yielded 184 made extra points, 47 field goals and 325 points. He was also a first-team Academic All-American.
Section reviewed
Path to the NFL
Buffalo selected Potter in the seventh round, 251st overall, of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Western Michigan reported Potter was selected 251st overall by the Bills in the 2012 draft.
Section reviewed
NFL Career
Potter played six games for Buffalo in 2012 and three for Washington in 2013, making three of four field goals and all seven extra points for Washington.
Potter’s NFL career spanned nine games. In 2013 with Washington, he made three of four field-goal attempts, including a long of 43 yards, and converted all seven extra points.
Section reviewed
Career Accomplishments
Potter earned first-team Academic All-America recognition and became a seventh-round NFL Draft pick.
Western Michigan recognized Potter as a first-team Academic All-American, and Buffalo made him a seventh-round draft selection in 2012.
Section reviewed
Playing Style
Potter was a strong-legged kicker whose touchbacks were a notable part of his early NFL role.
At Western Michigan, Potter had 39 career touchbacks and three kickoffs through the uprights. Buffalo used him heavily on kickoffs in 2012.
Section reviewed
Legacy
Potter’s legacy at Western Michigan includes four years of scoring production, academic excellence and an NFL draft selection.
Potter remains part of Western Michigan’s NFL history after a four-year kicking career that produced 325 points and academic All-America recognition.
Section reviewed
23643, 00-0029318, 1990-01-24, John Potter, John, Potter
MFT PLAYER RANKINGS
Current player ranking
Compare current players by position using the transparent MFT statistical model.