Detroit Lions
David Akers - K
| Status | Active |
| Height/Weight | 5' 10"/ 200 lbs. |
| Birthday | 12/09/1974 |
| Birthplace | Lexington, KY |
| College | Louisville |
| Years played | 15 |
Owners, teams react to lockout
Teams and owners released statements or spoke to media members on Saturday, reacting to the NFL's first work stoppage since 1987 and what it means for fans.
Lewand focused on the 2011 season
Lions president Tom Lewand met with Detroit writers on Saturday and answered some questions about the current work stoppage.
Lions release Peterson, re-sign Follett
The Lions re-signed LB Zack Follett and released veteran LB Julian Peterson on Thursday.
NFC North free-agent preview
With the owners and players mired in negotiations, the beginning of free agency is almost certain to be delayed. Yet, PFW is examining the free-agent picture for each club, here featuring the NFC North.
Lions will continue to look at offensive line
The Lions have several options with the No. 13 pick in the draft, but offensive line has to be squarely among the top needs.
Schwartz hints Lions could appeal tampering case
The Lions' tampering case with the Chiefs might not be over just yet, as Detroit could appeal the matter with the NFL.
Reports: Lions sign former Falcons S Coleman
Former Falcons S Erik Coleman has agreed to a one-year deal with the Lions, according to multiple reports.
Lions guilty of tampering with Chiefs, forfeit pick
The NFL has ruled that the Lions have been found guilty of tampering with the Chiefs and will have to forfeit a draft pick.
NFC North 2010 season-in-review team reports
DE Julius Peppers made his presence felt in his first season with the Bears, helping Chicago's defense rank fourth in the league in points allowed as the Bears rose to first place in the NFC North.
Suh credits Williams, Vanden Bosch for growth
In racking up a slew of awards following his standout rookie season, Lions DT Ndamukong Suh has deflected a great deal of praise on others who helped him be so successful so fast.
Suh wins AP Defensive Rookie honors
Lions DT Ndamukong Suh was named The Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year on Friday.
Suh wins 2010 Pepsi Rookie of the Year award
Lions DT Ndamukong Suh was named the Pepsi Rookie of the Year on Thursday at a ceremony in Dallas.
Stafford's shoulder will be ready by camp
After initially saying that QB Matthew Stafford didn't need surgery, the Lions followed the medical advice and decided repairing his shoulder was the best course of action.
Stafford called "China doll" by teammate
Lions LB Zack Follett discussed how often QB Matthew Stafford is hurt on a radio interview Tuesday morning.
Raiders' Davis has no regrets in passing on Calvin Johnson
Most people would look at the 2007 draft and say the Raiders made a mistake drafting JaMarcus Russell over Calvin Johnson. Not Al Davis.
PLAYER NEWS
The Detroit Lions have added Akers one day after Jason Hanson retired.|||||||
San Francisco released Akers a month ago after he slumped during the 2012 season. The six-time Pro Bowl kicker made 73 of 94 field goals over two seasons for the 49ers. He underwent double hernia surgery in February 2012 then aggravated the area during the season when he slipped on the field during practice. Akers has made 367 of 453 field goals in his career with Washington, Philadelphia and San Francisco.
Six-time Pro Bowl kicker David Akers has been released by the San Francisco 49ers after two seasons filled with record-breaking highs and incredible lows. General Manager Trent Baalke thanked Akers in a statement Wednesday, calling him a "true professional who represented himself and this organization with class." Akers appeared in all 32 regular-season games and five playoff contests the past two seasons. He connected on 73 of 94 field goal attempts and all 78 PATs.|||||||
In 2011, Akers set NFL records with 44 field goals made and 52 attempted. He also tied the league mark for the longest made when he kicked from 63 yards in last season's opener at Green Bay. But Akers made just 29 of 44 attempts last season, his lowest percentage since 1999. The 49ers even brought in Billy Cundiff to compete against Akers before the divisional-round playoff and NFC championship game.
Akers calls his struggles this season a "head scratcher" and says if the 49ers win the Super Bowl it will erase all of his 14 misses this season.|||||||
Akers missed an NFL-worst 13 field goals this season and then hit the upright on a 38-yarder in last week's NFC championship game at Atlanta. He says he feels like he is kicking the ball well and he's off by a matter of inches, which is frustrating because "an inch is a mile in our game."
Akers is keeping his job as San Francisco's starting kicker. For now, anyway.|||||||
Jim Harbaugh made the announcement after practice Thursday, two days ahead of the 49ers' NFC divisional playoff game against the Green Bay Packers (12-5) at Candlestick Park. The 49ers signed Billy Cundiff on Jan. 1 to compete with Akers, a 15-year veteran who has struggled this season while making only 29 of 42 field-goal attempts. Akers revealed last week he underwent double hernia surgery last February.
Akers and Billy Cundiff were taking their competition to be San Francisco's playoff kicker to Candlestick Park on Monday.|||||||
Coach Jim Harbaugh says there's a "good chance" both kickers will be on the roster for Saturday's NFC divisional playoff game against the Green Bay Packers, though he didn't specify whether each would be active. Harbaugh indicated "we have a leader in the clubhouse," but wouldn't say who it is.
