When you think about NFL kickers, the image that often comes to mind is someone tall and imposing, a powerful athlete capable of booming kicks from 50 yards out. But the reality of the position is a bit more nuanced, and sometimes, size isn't the only measure of a player's impact. Take Garrett Hartley, for instance. Standing at 5'8" and weighing in at 195 lbs, he's not exactly towering over the competition. Yet, this frame carried him through five seasons in the league, a testament to the fact that accuracy, nerve, and technique can often outweigh sheer physical presence.
Hartley's career, as detailed in the B/R NFL 1000 rankings, paints a picture of a kicker who, despite flashes of brilliance, struggled with consistency. He's the guy who famously made three field goals of 40 or more yards in a single Super Bowl – a feat that etched his name in history. That kind of clutch performance is what teams dream of. It speaks to a mental fortitude, a ability to perform under the most intense pressure.
However, the film study and the numbers from his 2013 season with the New Orleans Saints told a different story. Eight misses in just 30 attempts that year highlighted a significant reliability issue. It wasn't just about making the long ones; it was about converting the shorter, more routine kicks that build confidence and keep drives alive. His struggles weren't confined to just one type of miss, either. The reference material points out that even a 26-yard attempt and a blocked 36-yarder in a crucial Week 15 game against the Rams ultimately led to his release.
Power was another area where Hartley, despite a 55-yarder from beyond 50 yards, wasn't consistently known for. While he played his home games in the controlled environment of the Superdome, he wasn't typically called upon for kickoffs, suggesting his leg strength might not have been top-tier for that specific duty. This isn't to say he lacked a strong leg entirely, but rather that his overall kicking game, particularly from distance, wasn't a defining strength.
Ultimately, Hartley's story is a reminder that the NFL is a league of fine margins. A kicker's role is incredibly specialized, demanding a unique blend of physical skill and mental toughness. While his 5'8", 195 lb frame might not fit the stereotypical mold, his journey, marked by both historic highs and challenging lows, offers a compelling look at the unpredictable nature of professional football and the diverse profiles of the athletes who compete within it.