2 Good 2 Be True? David Akers Appreciation Post

May 17, 2020

In honor of Jalen Hurts being the latest player to dawn the deuce, let’s take a look back at the Eagle who wore No. 2 the best: David Akers.

The left footed kicker attended Louisville for his collegiate career, ironically enough placing No. 2 all-time in team history with 219 points.

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In 1997, Akers entered the NFL as UDFA but could not make secure a roster spot on the Atlanta Falcons or Carolina Panthers. Eventually Akers was able to make the Washington Redskins in 1998, but was waived after shanking two field goals in a game. Akers spent some time in NFL Europe before being claimed by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Although the year 2000 was Akers first season as an Eagle, it was a make or break season in hindsight of his career.

It was assumed this would be his final chance to make it as a kicker in the NFL.

Photo: Getty Images

Akers amazed his first season in Philly kicking at an 87% success rate, making 29 of his 33 field goal attempts, en route to posting up 121 points.
His efforts awarded him NFC “Special Teams Player of the Month” in November of 2000
The following year Akers made 17 consecutive field goals, earning him a trip to his first ever Pro Bowl in 2001. Akers converted 26 of his 31 kicks, once again leading the Birds in points.
2002 was Akers best season statistically, as he connected on 30 of his 34 attempts with an 88 FG %. These honors allowed Akers to be voted in back-to-back Pro Bowls.

2003 featured Akers longest made FG, which was a 57- yarder. Akers will also be remembered for knocking down two clutch kicks the same year in the 2003 NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Green Bay Packers, better known as the “4th & 26th” game by fellow Philly fans.

When the Eagles made the Super Bowl in 2004, Akers was named to his third Pro Bowl after hitting an astounding 84%.

After numerous post season performances, Akers set an NFL record in 2008 after hitting 19 consecutive FG’s in the playoffs. He recored 35 total makes to cap off his post-season stats.

Overall, David Akers was a model of consistency while he was a member of the Philadelphia Eagles In 12 total seasons, Akers nailed on 82% of his kicks (294) while wearing the midnight green.

Photo: Phialdelphia Eagles

Akers went on to accomplish a series of accolades as an Eagle which can be seen below:

Points in a single decade (2000–2009): 1,169
Points in Pro Bowl History: 57
Field Goals in an NFL Season: 44
Field Goals attempted in an NFL Season: 52
Longest Field Goal in Pro Bowl History: 53 yards, 2005 (Eagles).

To cap off an illustrious career, Akers returned to Philly upon his retirement after spending time with the 49ers and Lions, and was inducted into the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame on October 23rd, 2017.