Gostkowski returns to Patriots on a two-year deal

It appears that ‘Ghost’ sightings will continue in Foxboro, Massachusetts for the foreseeable future.

As reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the New England Patriots have agreed to terms on a two-year contract with kicker Stephen Gostkowski. Further details on the contract have yet to be released.

Gostkowski, a fourth round choice (118th overall) in the 2006 NFL Draft, has been the Pats kicker for the past 13 seasons.

Since taking over the position from previous kicker Adam Vinatieri, Gostkowski has made 367 out of 420 field goal attempts throughout his career; averaging an 87.4 percent success rate. He has also made 642 of 649 extra point tries or 98.9 percent. That number includes an NFL record 479 consecutive extra points made.

Gostkowski is the Patriots’ all-time leader in points (1743) and field goals (367). He was also the first player in NFL history to reach 1000 points in under 120 games (119). Gostkowski currently ranks 5th among active players in total field goals made and 15th all-time. His career 642 extra points made ranks second amongst active players and 8th all-time.

In 2018, Gostkowski played in all 16 regular season games and made 27 of his 32 field goal attempts. He also played in all three of the Patriots postseason games in 2018, including Super Bowl Llll. En route to the team’s run towards their sixth Super Bowl Championship, he made five out of six field goals, as well as all 10 extra point tries in those games.

With the signing, the Patriots retain a two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler that has kicked in many big games during his playing career. He has played in six Super Bowls and won three rings, winning three with the Patriots. However, his (perhaps) most impressive attribute is durability. Gostkowski has played in 200 of a possible 208 regular season games, as well as 25 postseason games throughout his career.

 

–Mike D’Abate is a Managing Editor and National Columnist for Full Press Coverage Sports Media.  He covers the New England Patriots and provides NFL editorial content. Follow him on Twitter @mdabateFPC