PITTSBURGH – For all the attention the stars of the Pittsburgh Steelers receive on offense and defense, there is one man who has quietly built his legacy by being as steady as the black and gold itself. At 34 years old, kicker Chris Boswell continues to prove why he is one of the most reliable specialists in the NFL. Ranked the second-best kicker in the league and in the top 3 percent of his position according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Boswell is more than just a foot in Pittsburgh. He is a weapon, a leader, and a reminder that greatness sometimes comes one kick at a time.
A Career of Reliability
Boswell entered the NFL undrafted out of Rice in 2014, and his journey to becoming a cornerstone for one of football’s proudest franchises was anything but easy. After bouncing between offseason rosters and practice squads, he finally landed in Pittsburgh in 2015. From the moment he arrived, he established himself as a difference-maker.
In his very first season with the Steelers, Boswell set a franchise record by making 29 field goals as a rookie, a sign of things to come. His accuracy under pressure immediately caught the attention of coaches, teammates, and fans. In the years since, he has built a reputation for being one of the most dependable kickers in the NFL, delivering in clutch moments and rarely flinching under the spotlight.
Defining Moments
Few kickers have a highlight reel as impressive as Boswell’s. Steelers fans will never forget the 2017 postseason when he drilled six field goals against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Round, accounting for all 18 of Pittsburgh’s points in a narrow 18–16 victory. That performance was more than just historic; it was proof that Boswell could singlehandedly win games when called upon.
Throughout his career, he has also been known for late-game heroics. With ice in his veins, Boswell has delivered walk-off winners and momentum-swinging kicks that kept the Steelers in playoff contention year after year. He holds the franchise record for most 50-plus yard field goals, consistently extending drives into points even when the offense stalls outside the red zone.
Strength in Numbers
Standing 6’2” and weighing 185 pounds, Boswell is not the biggest man on the field, but his presence is outsized. Over 12 seasons, he has made more than 85 percent of his field goal attempts, a mark that places him among the most accurate kickers in league history. His career long of 59 yards shows his leg strength, while his consistency inside 40 yards has given coaches confidence to lean on him in high-pressure spots.
In 2022, Boswell became the Steelers’ all-time leader in postseason field goals, surpassing Gary Anderson, another legendary leg in Pittsburgh’s history. That accomplishment cemented his place among the franchise greats, not just as a kicker but as a player whose impact has been felt when the stakes are highest.
Leadership and Longevity
At 34, Boswell is now the elder statesman of the special teams unit, but his influence stretches beyond the field. Younger players routinely credit him for his calm demeanor and work ethic. His preparation is meticulous, from his warm-up routines to film study of opposing kick-block units. He has become a mentor figure not just for special teams but for the entire locker room, embodying professionalism and composure.
What separates Boswell from many others at his position is his ability to bounce back from adversity. In 2018, he struggled with injuries and inconsistency, leading some to wonder if his time in Pittsburgh was nearing its end. Instead, he rebounded stronger, regaining his Pro Bowl form and proving that his career was far from finished. That resilience is part of what makes him such a respected figure in the Steelers organization.
Boswell’s Place in Today’s Steelers
Under head coach DK LaFleur, the Steelers have shown flashes of explosive offense and a defense full of playmakers, but in close games, having Boswell remains a security blanket. When the drive stalls, when points are needed before halftime, or when the game comes down to the wire, the Steelers know they can count on No. 9 to deliver.
That kind of reliability does not show up in flashy highlights, but it wins games. For a team looking to build consistency under new leadership, Boswell’s presence is invaluable. He allows the offense to take chances knowing they have one of the league’s most dependable kickers waiting to finish the drive.
Looking Toward the Future
While many kickers fade after a decade in the league, Boswell is showing no signs of slowing down. His ranking as the second-best kicker in the NFL by PFF is proof that even as he enters his mid-thirties, he remains at the top of his game. Longevity is rare in the NFL, and Boswell’s ability to maintain his accuracy and leg strength after more than a decade of wear and tear is a credit to his conditioning and professionalism.
For LaFleur and the Steelers, Boswell is more than a kicker. He is part of the culture, part of the identity, and part of what keeps this team steady in the chaos of the NFL. Whether it is a routine extra point in the first quarter or a game-winning kick with the season on the line, the confidence remains the same: Boswell will deliver.
Final Thoughts
Chris Boswell’s career is a story of persistence, resilience, and consistency. From undrafted hopeful to Pro Bowl kicker, from doubted seasons to clutch postseason performances, he has built a resume that deserves recognition among the greatest specialists in franchise history.
At 34, Boswell is not just maintaining his standard, he is setting it. Ranked as one of the league’s elite, he continues to prove that special teams matter, and in Pittsburgh, he is as much a part of the team’s tradition of toughness and reliability as any linebacker or quarterback.
For Steelers Nation, the sight of Boswell jogging onto the field brings one thing above all: confidence. In a league where games are decided by inches, having one of the most reliable kickers in NFL history is no small advantage.
– Forged In Steel Times
