Jason Hanson - #4 - K
| Status | Inactive |
| Height/Weight | 6' 0"/ 190 lbs. |
| Birthday | 06/17/1970 |
| Birthplace | Spokane, WA |
| College | Washington State |
| Years played | 22 |
| Drafted | 1992, 2nd round, 28th pick by Lions |
2011 free-agent tracker, by position
Follow the movement of the 2011 free agents in this list, broken down by position.
PLAYER NEWS
Hanson is retiring after 21 seasons. The 42-year-old Hanson announced his decision Thursday. He said he gave serious consideration to returning, but problems with his heel prompted him to call it a career.|||||||
Hanson became the first player to play 300 games with one franchise, finishing with 327. He also set an NFL record last year when he played his 21st season with the same team. Hanson made a record 52 field goals from at least 50 yards. He's third on the career scoring list at 2,150 points and third in field goals with 495.
Hanson was named the NFC special teams player of the month in September.|||||||
He was 8 for 8 on field-goal attempts with a long of 51.
Hanson is playing his 297th game with the Lions on Sunday, setting an NFL record for games with one team.|||||||
Hanson surpasses Hall of Fame center Bruce Matthews, who played 296 with the Houston-Tennessee franchise. Darrell Green played 295 with the Washington Redskins. Hanson kicked an extra point after Detroit drove for a touchdown on its first drive, and his kickoff went into the end zone for a touchback. Hanson's record was then announced for the crowd, which gave him a standing ovation.
The Detroit Lions have put Hanson on injured reserve, ending his season with an injured right knee.|||||||
The Lions drafted Hanson in 1992 and he has become their all-time leading scorer with 1,890 career points. Hanson has made an NFL-record 44 field goals from at least 50 yards. He also has lost 190 games in which he played, surpassing the previous league record set by ex-kicker Morten Andersen with 188 losses. Hanson made 12 of 14 field goals in eight games this year, connecting on at least 80 percent for the 13th time.
Hanson has undergone minor knee surgery but is expected to be back in time for the regular season.|||||||
The procedure was performed Tuesday. Hanson underwent a similar procedure last August and was able to return for the first game of the regular season. Lions coach Jim Schwartz said he's very optimistic that the 40-year-old Hanson will be on the field Sept. 12 in Chicago. Hanson has only missed one game since joining the Lions in 1992. He is the franchise's career scoring leader, and hold the NFL record for the most field goals from 50-plus yards.
