NFF National Scholar-Athletes

Jason Hanson

  • School
    Washington State
  • Induction
    1991
A four-year star kicker for Washington State, Jason Hanson set every kicking record possible and still holds school bests for career extra points made (139), career field goals made (63), career 50+ yard field goals made (20), field goals made by a freshman (15), field goals made by a sophomore (21), single-game 50+ yard field goals made (2), longest field goal made (62) and single-season 50+ yard field goals made (7). A two-time First Team All-American, he earned consensus All-America honors in 1989 after booting 21-of-27 field goals and 36-of-37 extra points.

In 1988, Hanson helped the Cougars to a 9-3 record and his 33-yard field goal and three extra points in the 1988 Aloha Bowl were crucial to Washington State’s 24-22 victory over Houston. A three-time First Team All-Pac-10 selection, Hanson was selected for the Hula Bowl and the East-West Shrine Game. He added punting duties to his list in his junior season, leading the NCAA with a punt average of 45.4 yards. Hanson converted 139-of-144 extra points and 63-of-96 field goals for a total of 328 points. He also booted 114 punts for 4,924 yards and an average of 43.2.

A three-time First Team Academic All-American and Academic All-Pac-10 selection, he compiled a 3.78 GPA in zoology and was the Pac-10 Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 1990. Hanson was selected in the second round (56th overall) of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions and shattered former Tennessee/Houston Oilers offensive lineman Bruce Matthews’ record of most games with one team (296), playing in 327 games with the Lions from 1992-2012. He ranks third in NFL history in points scored (2,150) and field goals made (495) and seventh in extra points made (665). A two-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro selection, Hanson converted 495-of-601 field goals (82.4 percent) and 665-of-673 extra points (98.8 percent) in his 21-year career. He holds NFL records for career 40+ yard field goals (189) and career 50+ yard field goals (52). In 2013, the Detroit Lions inducted him to their Ring of Honor.

Since NFL retirement, he remains active in his community and coaches youth kickers.