The Michael Badgley Chargers: The Kicker Who Made History
Introduction
When it comes to NFL kickers, Michael Badgley is a name that cannot be overlooked. Known for his accuracy and consistency, Badgley has made a name for himself in the league. He played for the Los Angeles Chargers from 2018 to 2020, making history with his impressive performances. In this article, we will take a closer look at Michael Badgley's career and achievements with the Chargers.
Early Career
Michael Badgley was born on July 28, 1995, in Summit, New Jersey. He played college football at the University of Miami, where he became the all-time leading scorer in school history. Badgley signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2018 but was later released. He then signed with the Chargers and made his NFL debut in week six of the 2018 season.
Career Highlights
2018 Season
Badgley made an immediate impact for the Chargers, kicking a game-winning field goal against the Tennessee Titans in his first NFL game. He went on to have a great rookie season, making 15 of 16 field goals and 27 of 28 extra points. Badgley's accuracy and reliability helped the Chargers make it to the playoffs, where he made a 21-yard field goal and two extra points in their wild card win over the Baltimore Ravens.
2019 Season
Badgley's sophomore season was plagued by injuries, causing him to miss the first eight games of the season. Despite this setback, he still managed to make 13 of 16 field goals and all 26 extra points. He was particularly impressive in the playoffs, making all three field goals and three extra points in the Chargers' divisional round loss to the New England Patriots.
2020 Season
Badgley had a solid 2020 season, making 24 of 33 field goals and 43 of 46 extra points. He had some memorable moments, including a game-winning field goal against the Atlanta Falcons in week 14. However, his performance was not as consistent as in previous years, leading to his release from the Chargers in 2021.
Achievements
Rookie Record
During his rookie season, Badgley set a record for the most field goals made by a Chargers kicker in a playoff game with five against the Ravens. He also set a record for the most points scored by a rookie kicker in a single postseason game with 15 points.
Accolades
- AFC Special Teams Player of the Week
