Matt Stover, American football player

John Matthew Stover, born on January 27, 1968, is a highly respected former American football placekicker whose remarkable career in the National Football League (NFL) spanned an impressive two decades. Renowned for his exceptional consistency, reliability, and clutch kicking under pressure, Stover primarily forged his lasting legacy with the Baltimore Ravens, becoming a foundational figure in the franchise's early history.

A Distinguished NFL Career Across Two Decades

Stover's extensive professional journey began in 1990. While he was initially drafted by the New York Giants in his rookie year, he was released before playing in a regular season game and subsequently signed with the Cleveland Browns later that same year. He would go on to contribute for five seasons with the Browns, establishing himself as a dependable special teams asset.

A pivotal moment in Stover's career, and indeed in NFL history, occurred in 1996. Following the contentious relocation of the Cleveland Browns franchise, Stover was among the core group of players who transitioned with the team to become the inaugural Baltimore Ravens. This move marked the beginning of his most significant tenure, as he would spend an impressive 13 seasons as a cornerstone of the Ravens organization, becoming their all-time leading scorer. His lengthy career concluded in 2009 after a final season contributing to the Indianapolis Colts.

The Unforgettable 2000 Season and Super Bowl XXXV Triumph

The undisputed pinnacle of John Stover's career came during the 2000 NFL season, a year that saw both profound individual accolades and the ultimate team success. His consistent excellence on the field earned him both a coveted Pro Bowl selection and prestigious first-team All-Pro honors, cementing his status as one of the league's elite kickers. Stover's impeccable performance was absolutely instrumental as the Baltimore Ravens embarked on a historic playoff run. While the Ravens' defense from that season is widely celebrated as one of the greatest in NFL history, Stover's consistent ability to convert critical field goals and extra points provided essential scoring, complementing the team's defensive dominance. This synergy ultimately culminated in their resounding victory in Super Bowl XXXV, marking the franchise's first-ever Super Bowl championship and solidifying Stover's indispensable role in this landmark achievement.

A Lasting Legacy: Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor

John Stover's profound and enduring impact on the Baltimore Ravens franchise was officially recognized in 2011 when he was deservingly inducted into the prestigious Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor. This esteemed accolade celebrates his 13 years of unwavering excellence, remarkable consistency, and his crucial contributions to the team's inaugural Super Bowl title. His legendary reliability as a kicker, frequently performing under immense pressure in critical game situations, made him one of the most trusted and respected players in Ravens history, a true symbol of the franchise's early success and sustained competitive spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions About John Stover

How long did John Stover play in the NFL?

John Stover played in the National Football League for an impressive 20 seasons, from 1990 to 2009.

Which NFL teams did John Stover play for?

He played for the Cleveland Browns (1990-1995), Baltimore Ravens (1996-2008), New York Giants (briefly drafted in 1990, but did not play in a regular season game), and Indianapolis Colts (2009).

Did John Stover win a Super Bowl?

Yes, John Stover won one Super Bowl title, Super Bowl XXXV, with the Baltimore Ravens in the 2000 NFL season.

When was John Stover inducted into the Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor?

John Stover was inducted into the Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor in 2011, recognizing his significant contributions to the franchise.

What was John Stover's most successful individual season?

His most successful individual season was 2000, when he earned Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors, culminating in the Ravens' Super Bowl XXXV victory.