Mark Moseley
The Missile: A sixteen-year legend who kicked Washington to two Super Bowl titles.
Mark Moseley stands as one of the most iconic figures in Washington football history, a placekicker whose longevity and consistency defined an era for the franchise. Known affectionately as "The Missile," he spent his entire professional career with the team, transitioning through its various name changes from the Redskins to the Commanders' modern identity. His presence on the gridiron was synonymous with reliability, anchoring the offense during championship runs and setting records that remain etched in the club's legacy.
- Position
- Placekicker
- Team Affiliation
- Washington Redskins (1974–1989)
- Career Span
- 16 Seasons
- Key Achievement
- First player to kick two Super Bowl winning field goals for the same franchise
- Hall of Fame Status
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2014)
- Legacy Record
- Held the NFL record for most games played by a kicker
Lore & Background
Beyond the trophies, Moseley's true impact lies in his unprecedented durability and consistency. He played every single regular-season game for sixteen consecutive years, a feat that showcased his physical conditioning and mental fortitude. His nickname, "The Missile," was earned not just for the power of his leg but for the precision with which he could place the ball over the uprights from any distance on the field. Even as the NFL evolved around him, Moseley remained the steady heartbeat of Washington's kicking game.
In Their Own Story
The cold air of the Super Bowl hangs heavy in the stadium, the roar of the crowd a distant hum compared to the pounding of Mark Moseley's heart. He adjusts his helmet, feeling the familiar weight of the snap and hold. The clock winds down, seconds ticking away like a heartbeat. With a deep breath, he plants his foot, swings through with practiced grace, and watches the white ball spiral perfectly between the uprights. Silence breaks into eruption; another impossible moment is secured by the Missile.
Reader's Guide
He retired as the NFL leader in field goals made and points scored at the time of his departure, records that highlighted his dominance in an era where kicking was less specialized than today. His signature plays are defined by high-pressure moments rather than routine conversions. Most notably, he kicked two game-winning field goals in Super Bowl XVII against the Miami Dolphins and Super Bowl XXII against the Denver Broncos. These performances established a standard for clutch performance that few have matched since his retirement in 1989. Moseley's lasting impact on the team's identity is profound; he transformed the special teams unit from a liability into a weapon. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014 solidified his legacy, ensuring future generations recognize him not just as a kicker, but as one of the greatest players to ever wear the burgundy and gold.
Did You Know?
- Moseley was the first player in NFL history to kick two Super Bowl-winning field goals for the same franchise.
- He holds the record for most consecutive games played by a kicker, spanning his entire 16-year career with Washington.
- Mark Moseley was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014, becoming only the second pure placekicker ever honored.