Detroit Lions place-kicker Jason Hanson attempts a field goal in a preseason game against the Oakland Raiders. Hanson, 42, has played 21 consecutive seasons for the Lions.
Credit Associated Press
Hanson says his position as kicker is one of the most stressful in the NFL. "There's no forgiveness if you miss," he says.
As the NFL's regular season gets under way this weekend, one player is adding another year to an already record-setting career. At 42, Detroit Lions place kicker Jason Hanson is the oldest active player in the NFL.
And despite playing a notoriously tenuous position, Hanson has also been with one team longer than anyone in the history of the league — no small feat in an industry where players often switch teams in search of a bigger paycheck or where a missed kick can cost you your career.
This is WEEKEND EDITION from NPR News. I'm Scott Simon. Time for sports.
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SIMON: (Singing) Ah, to remember the kind of September.... The seasons are flipping, and so Serena's poised to win again, not just today. NFL season opens in earnest, and the real Olympic spirit still lives on in London. NPR's Tom Goldman joins us.
Morning, Tom.
TOM GOLDMAN, BYLINE: Seasons are flipping, I fear you are too.
Archer Matt Stutzman of the U.S. prepares to shoot in the London Paralympics. Born without arms, Stutzman uses a release trigger strapped to his shoulder to fire.
American Paralympian Matt Stutzman won the silver medal in archery this week, a feat he accomplished despite being born without arms. In the men's compound open final, he was narrowly beaten by Finland's Jere Forsberg, who has the use of both arms.
In the gold medal match, Forsberg fired a perfect 10 on his final arrow to avoid a shoot-off with Stutzman.
The Paralympics have helped Stutzman, who is from Fairfield, Iowa, become something of a celebrity, thanks to his competitive spirit and his refusal to let his talents go to waste.
Originally published on Fri September 7, 2012 4:12 pm
Melissa Block speaks with Matt Stutzman, a U.S. athlete born without arms who won a silver medal in archery at this year's Paralympic Games in London. Holding the bow with his feet, he beat out competitors in wheelchairs who had the use of their arms.
