Jan Stenerud Biography

Jan Stenerud, born November 26, 1942, is a Norwegian-American former professional football placekicker who played in the National Football League and American Football League for 19 seasons, primarily with the Kansas City Chiefs. Stenerud was the first Norwegian NFL player and played college football for the Montana State Bobcats, earning All-American honors. He began his career in the AFL after being selected by the Chiefs during the 1966 draft and joined the NFL following the AFL–NFL merger. Stenerud was a six-time all-star, including four NFL Pro Bowls and two AFL All-Star games, and earned four-time first-team All-Pro in the NFL and two-time first-team All-AFL. In the fall of 1964, Stenerud trained for the upcoming skiing season by running the stadium steps of Gatton Field, the football venue through 1971. Stenerud's right foot showed strength during his youth in Norway, noticed by basketball coach Roger Craft while walking to the Fieldhouse. In 1965, after participating in spring football drills, Stenerud made a 59-yard field goal during a 24–7 victory against Montana as a junior.