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30 Facts About Austin Seibert

Darleen Melendez

Written by Darleen Melendez

Published: 18 Dec 2024

Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
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Source: Nytimes.com

Who is Austin Seibert? Austin Seibert, born on November 15, 1996, in Belleville, Illinois, has carved a unique path in the world of professional football. Known for his resilience and skill, Seibert's journey from high school standout to NFL kicker is nothing short of inspiring. He attended Belleville High School-West and later played college football at the University of Oklahoma, where he set multiple records. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2019, Seibert has since played for several NFL teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, and currently, the Washington Commanders. His story is one of perseverance, dedication, and remarkable achievements.

Key Takeaways:

  • Austin Seibert, a talented kicker and punter, overcame challenges in his NFL journey, showcasing resilience and adaptability. His record-breaking performances and family support highlight his impact on and off the field.
  • From setting records in college to facing challenges in the NFL, Austin Seibert's perseverance and community involvement have earned him recognition and fan support, making him a standout player in the league.
Table of Contents
01Early Life and High School Career
02College Football at Oklahoma
03Entry into the NFL
04Challenges and Transitions
05Recent Career Moves
06Notable Achievements and Personal Life
07Career Challenges and Recognition
08Social Media and Fan Support
09Austin Seibert's Remarkable Journey

Early Life and High School Career

Austin Seibert's journey to the NFL began in Belleville, Illinois, where his passion for football was nurtured from a young age.

  1. Birth and Early Life: Born on November 15, 1996, in Belleville, Illinois, Seibert's love for football was evident early on, supported by his family.

  2. High School Career: At Belleville High School-West, Seibert excelled as a kicker and punter, earning recognition as a three-star recruit by ESPN, Scout, and Rivals.

  3. Top Recruit: He was ranked as the No. 1 punter in the country by Kohl’s and the No. 1 kicker by ESPN, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities.

College Football at Oklahoma

Seibert's talent took him to the University of Oklahoma, where he left an indelible mark on the Sooners' football program.

  1. College Football: Seibert played for the Oklahoma Sooners, where he was named the 2018 Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year.

  2. College Achievements: He became the leading scorer in school and Big 12 history with 499 career points, surpassing previous records.

  3. Record Holder: Seibert holds the FBS record for most career extra points made (310) and attempted (315).

  4. Academic Excellence: In 2018, he was named to the Academic All-Big 12 First Team, balancing athletics and academics.

Entry into the NFL

Seibert's transition to the NFL was marked by both triumphs and challenges, reflecting his resilience and adaptability.

  1. Draft Selection: The Cleveland Browns selected Seibert in the fifth round (170th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft.

  2. Rookie Season: Seibert debuted with the Browns in 2019, making his first career field goal in a Week 2 game against the New York Jets.

  3. Impressive Start: As a rookie, he converted 30 of 35 extra point attempts and 25 of 29 field goal attempts, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

Challenges and Transitions

Seibert's NFL career has seen him move between teams, each stint adding to his experience and growth as a player.

  1. Waiver by Browns: After a tough start to the 2020 season, Seibert was waived by the Browns following a missed field goal and extra point.

  2. Joining the Bengals: Claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals, he played in four games, making six of nine field goals.

  3. Waiver by Bengals: Seibert was waived by the Bengals in August 2021 after losing the starting kicker job to Evan McPherson.

  4. Signing with Lions: The Detroit Lions claimed Seibert off waivers on September 1, 2021, marking another chapter in his career.

  5. COVID-19 and Injury: Placed on the COVID-19 reserve list in September 2021 and later on injured reserve with a hip injury in November.

  6. Waiver by Lions: Waived by the Lions in October 2022 after the team signed Michael Badgley.

Recent Career Moves

Seibert's journey continued with brief stints on practice squads and a significant signing with the Washington Commanders.

  1. Signing with Jets: Signed to the New York Jets practice squad in September 2023, released later that month.

  2. Saints Practice Squad: Signed to the New Orleans Saints practice squad in November 2023, released in December.

  3. Second Stint with Jets: Rejoined the Jets practice squad in December 2023, signing a reserve/future contract in January 2024.

  4. Joining Commanders: Signed with the Washington Commanders on September 10, 2024, marking a new chapter in his career.

Notable Achievements and Personal Life

Seibert's career highlights and personal life offer a glimpse into the man behind the football helmet.

  1. Franchise Record: In his debut game with the Commanders, Seibert set a franchise record by kicking seven field goals in a 21–18 victory over the Giants.

  2. Personal Life: Seibert is married with a daughter, often practicing his kicks at a pine tree near his home, a routine from his childhood.

  3. Education: Graduated with a degree in communication from the University of Oklahoma and is pursuing a master's in administrative leadership.

  4. Family Support: His father played a significant role in his early training, encouraging him to kick at a tree in their yard.

Career Challenges and Recognition

Despite facing numerous challenges, Seibert's perseverance has earned him recognition and respect in the NFL.

  1. Career Challenges: Seibert has been waived by multiple teams and dealt with injuries, yet he continues to show resilience.

  2. Team Recognition: His seven-field-goal game with the Commanders earned him the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award.

  3. Community Involvement: While not widely documented, Seibert's commitment to his craft and family suggests possible involvement in local charity work.

Social Media and Fan Support

Seibert's presence on social media and the support from fans highlight his impact both on and off the field.

  1. Social Media Presence: Active on social media, Seibert engages with fans and shares career updates.

  2. Fan Support: His ability to perform under pressure has garnered significant fan support throughout his career.

  3. Coaching Insights: Praised by Washington Commanders' coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters for his skills and performance.

Austin Seibert's Remarkable Journey

Austin Seibert's path from a high school kicker in Belleville, Illinois, to an NFL standout with the Washington Commanders is nothing short of inspiring. His resilience and dedication shine through his college records at Oklahoma and his various stints with NFL teams like the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, and Detroit Lions. Despite facing challenges like injuries and being waived multiple times, Seibert's determination never wavered.

His recent performance with the Commanders, where he set a franchise record by kicking seven field goals in a single game, highlights his exceptional talent. Off the field, Seibert's commitment to his family and education further showcases his well-rounded character. As he continues to make his mark in the NFL, fans and aspiring athletes alike can look to Seibert's journey as a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Austin Seibert?
Austin Seibert is a professional American football player known for his role as a placekicker. Over his career, he's made waves on the field with his impressive kicking skills, contributing to the success of his teams.
How did Austin Seibert start his football career?
His journey began in high school, where he first showcased his talent as a kicker. Excelling at the sport, Seibert went on to play college football, further honing his skills and making a name for himself before stepping into the professional arena.
What teams has Austin Seibert played for?
Throughout his professional career, Seibert has been a valuable player for several NFL teams. His journey across the league has seen him donning the jerseys of teams like the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals, among others.
What are some notable achievements of Austin Seibert?
Seibert's career is dotted with remarkable achievements, including setting records and earning accolades for his performance on the field. His precision and reliability as a kicker have been key highlights, earning him recognition and respect in the league.
How can fans follow Austin Seibert's career?
Fans keen on keeping up with Seibert's journey can follow him on social media platforms, where he often shares updates about his career and personal life. Additionally, sports news outlets and the official NFL website are great sources for the latest information on his professional endeavors.
What makes Austin Seibert stand out as a kicker?
His exceptional accuracy and powerful leg make Seibert stand out. These qualities, combined with his consistency and ability to perform under pressure, distinguish him as one of the promising talents in the league.
Has Austin Seibert faced any challenges in his career?
Like many athletes, Seibert has encountered his fair share of challenges, including injuries and competition for starting positions. However, his resilience and dedication to the sport have seen him overcome these hurdles, continuing to excel as a professional kicker.

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