Janikowski Could Seemingly Hit a Field Goal From Any Distance

Published on June 29th, 2024 5:18 pm EST
Written By: Dave Manuel


It's pretty rare for a kicker to be making waves during high school and drawing the attention of top schools.

This was the case for Sebastian Janikowski, however, who would have top schools driving to watch him kick field goals.

Janikowski holds the distinction of being one of a select few kickers to be drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft. In 2000, the Oakland Raiders picked the "Polish Cannon" 17th overall.

It's not hard to see why, as Janikowski drew rave reviews during his time at Florida State University, where he was a 2x All-American and national champion in 1999.

In fact, FSU coach Bobby Bowden bestowed the ultimate compliment to Janikowski when he wondered how many more national titles he would have had if Janikowski had been his kicker for every one of his teams.

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While Janikowski certainly impressed during his time at Florida State, his legend actually started growing in high school.

Janikowski's father was a professional soccer player, and Sebastian inherited his father's cannon of a leg.

During his time at Seabreeze High, Janikowski played both soccer and football. Janikowski was the team's placekicker and also kicked field goals as well.

During his senior year at Seabreeze High, Janikowski kicked four field goals of over 50 yards, which is a monstrous number for such a young player.

In fact, Janikowski still has one of the longest field goals in the history of Florida high school football, as he launched a 60 yard field goal during a game.

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The true legend of Janikowski, however, came during a Seabreeze High practice.

Janikowski's teammates wanted to see just how far he could kick a field goal.

They kept moving the ball back, and Janikowski kept hitting field goals.

In the end, Janikowski ended up hitting a field goal from a ridiculous 82 yards, which is hard to even imagine.

Janikowski's coaches and teammates, however, swear that it happened, and that Janikowski kicked a field goal from inside his own 20 yard line.

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People still talk about the legend of Janikowski and his infamous 82-yard field goal.

Nobody is surprised that the "Polish Cannon" played in the NFL for nearly two decades, as he was seemingly born to boom long field goals.