Tony Franklin

This article is about the American football kicker. For the bass player, see Tony Franklin (musician).

Anthony Ray Franklin (born November 18, 1956 in Big Spring, Texas) is a former NFL football kicker between 1979 to 1988 for the Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins. Franklin was best known for kicking with a bare foot during his NFL career.

Tony had a storied college career at Texas A&M University where he set the record for the longest collegiate field goal of 64 yards on October 16, 1976 against Baylor University. Also during the same game, he kicked a 65 yard field goal. This record was short-lived when Ove Johansson, on the same day, kicked a 69 yard field goal. Tony finished his collegiate career with 18 NCAA records, including most career field goals (56), career kick scoring (291 points); most field goals, 50 yards or longer in a career (16); most field goals made in a three year career (45); and longest average for field goals made in a career (39.5 yards). Tony was a consensus All-American pick as a sophomore in 1976 and earned All-American honors again as a senior in 1978.

Tony was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round in 1979. He was credited with the second longest field goal (at the time) in NFL history during his rookie year with the Eagles, a 59 yarder at Dallas on November 12, 1979. Tony played in Super Bowl XV and kicked a kicked a 30 yard field goal.On February 21, 1984 Tony was traded to the New England Patriots for a sixth round draft choice (in 1985). Tony led the NFL in scoring (140 points) and field goals made (32) in 1986 and was selected to represent the AFC in the Pro Bowl. Played in Super Bowl XX and kicked a 36 yard field goal.

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