Morten Andersen
COLLEGE: Michigan State
POSITION: Kicker
BORN: Aug. 19, 1960 in Copenhagen, Denmark
JOINED SAINTS: NFL draft 1982 / Round: 4 / Pick: 86
YEARS WITH SAINTS: 1982–1994
Morten Andersen's career background
A native of Copenhagen, Denmark, Andersen, 6 feet 2, 218 pounds, was drafted in the fourth round by the Saints in 1982 out of Michigan State and spent 13 years in New Orleans (1982-94). He was named to six Pro Bowls as a member of the Saints (1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990 and 1992). Only quarterback Drew Brees (eight) and tackle Willie Roaf (seven) have been selected to the Pro Bowl more often as Saints. Andersen led the Saints in scoring in 12 of his 13 seasons in New Orleans. He is the franchise's leader in games played (196), field goals (302), PATs (412) and scoring (1,318 points). Anderson made 77.6 percent of his field-goal attempts (302 of 389) and scored at least 100 points nine times with New Orleans.
In a 25-year career with five teams through the 2007 season, Andersen appeared in 382 games and is the NFL record holder for games played, points (2,544) and field goals (565). He converted 565-of-709 field-goal attempts (79.7 percent) and 849-of-859 extra-point attempts. Andersen's 40 field goals of 50-plus yards were the most in NFL history at the time of his retirement.
Andersen was a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014 and 2015 and a semifinalist in his first year of eligibility in 2013. In 2017 he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He received Associated Press first-team All-Pro recognition five times, four as a Saint, including twice with New Orleans in 1986 and 1987 as a first-team selection. In recognition of being one of the top kickers, he was a first-team member of both the 1980s and 1990s All-Decade Teams, as selected by members of the Hall of Fame selection committee.
Andersen's college career
Andersen attended Michigan State from 1978-1981 where he made 126-130 extra points (96.9 percent) and 45-72 on field goals. Morten ranks among Michigan State's all-time leaders with 45 career field goals, with a Big Ten record 63-yard field goal at Ohio State in 1981.
Morten Andersen's career honors
Pro Football Hall of Fame
1st Team All-Pro - 1986, 1987, 1995
Pro Bowl - 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1995
Walter Camp Foundation All-Century Team - 1900-2000
New Orleans Saints Ring of Honor
New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame
Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame
Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame
1st Team All-American - 1981 (Michigan St.)
1st Team All-Big Ten - 1981 (Michigan St.)
