Greg Zuerlein Biography: Gregory Zuerlein was born on December 27, 1987, and is an American professional football placekicker for the New York Jets in the National Football League (NFL). Hailing from Lincoln, Nebraska, he played college football at both Nebraska-Omaha and Missouri Western. Zuerlein has previously been with the St. Louis and Los Angeles Rams, as well as the Dallas Cowboys.
Greg Zuerlein Biography 2024
- Born: 27 December 1987 (age 36 years), Lincoln, Nebraska, United States
- Current team: New York Jets (#9 / Placekicker)
- Spouse: Megan Kreifels (m. 2013)
- Dates joined: 2022 (New York Jets), March 2020 (Dallas Cowboys), 2012 (Los Angeles Rams)
- Education: University of Nebraska Omaha, Missouri Western State University, Pius X Catholic High School
- Parents: Gene Zuerlein, Eileen Zuerlein
- Height: 1.83 m
Greg Zuerlein Biography 2024 Details
Born: | December 27, 1987 (age 36) Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S. |
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Height: | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
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Weight: | 195 lb (88 kg) |
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High school: | Pius X (Lincoln, Nebraska) |
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College: | Nebraska–Omaha (2006–2010) Missouri Western (2011) |
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NFL draft: | 2012 / round: 6 / pick: 171 |
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Category | Football Biographies |
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Early Life
Zuerlein grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska, and graduated from Lincoln Pius X High School in 2006. During his junior year in 2004, he set a Nebraska state record by successfully converting 12 out of 16 field goal attempts, with a longest kick of 52 yards. His impressive performance earned him Nebraska All-State and All-Class honors in both his junior and senior years. In addition to football, he also played soccer and was recognized as a Sports Illustrated preseason high school All-American in 2005.
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College Career
Gregory Zuerlein received a football scholarship to the NCAA Division II University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO). During his sophomore year in 2008, he set a school record by making 61 consecutive extra points. In his junior year (2009), he broke several school records, including 17 field goals in a single season (finishing 17-for-23) and a career total of 131 extra points. He achieved a career-long field goal of 52 yards against West Texas A&M University in the Kanza Bowl, ending the season just nine field goals shy of the school’s all-time record of 45.
Due to a hip injury, Zuerlein was given a medical redshirt for the 2010 season. After UNO canceled its football program in 2011, he transferred to Missouri Western State University, another member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. There, he set the NCAA Division II record with 21 consecutive field goals, including nine that exceeded 50 yards. He also set a school record with a 58-yard field goal against Northwest Missouri State University, accomplishing this twice.
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Professional Career
- Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
- Weight: 187 lb (85 kg)
- Arm Length: 29+5⁄8 in (0.75 m)
- Hand Span: 9 in (0.23 m)
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.85 s
St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams
Zuerlein was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the sixth round (171st overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft. He made history as the first non-Football Bowl Subdivision kicker to be drafted since Stephen Gostkowski in 2006, and the first below the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision since Paul Ernster in 2005. Shortly after drafting Zuerlein, the Rams released their primary kicker, Josh Brown, who was in the final year of a $14.5 million contract.
Zuerlein made his NFL debut in the season opener against the Detroit Lions, successfully converting two extra points and three field goals in a 27–23 loss. In Week 3, he achieved a 56-yard field goal against the Chicago Bears, the longest ever at Soldier Field. The following week, he broke the franchise record with a 60-yard field goal against the Seattle Seahawks, surpassing his earlier 58-yard kick in the same game. This made him the first player in NFL history to convert both a 60-yard field goal and a 50-plus yard kick in the same game, earning him the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award.
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Greg Zuerlein 2024 Salary, Contract & Net Worth
In 2024, Greg Zuerlein is expected to earn a total of $4,200,000 with the New York Jets. Their base salary is $1,210,000 and their signing bonus is $2,890,000. Greg Zuerlein’s net worth is $25,349,379. Greg Zuerlein is a 36-year-old kicker currently playing for the New York Jets in the NFL. With 13 years of experience in professional football, he was drafted in the sixth round as the 171st overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Zuerlein played his college football at Missouri Western State University and is represented by agent Tom Condon of CAA Football.