John Carney

John Michael Carney was born on April 20, 1964, in Hartford, Connecticut. He attended Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he earned All-State honors as a punter. He then played college football as a kicker for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 1984 to 1986. After going undrafted in 1987, Carney began his professional career, which spanned over two decades, making him one of the longest-tenured kickers in NFL history. He was known for his durability and consistent performance throughout his career.

Carney’s professional journey included stints with multiple NFL teams. He played five games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers between 1988 and 1989. His most significant period was with the San Diego Chargers, where he played for 11 seasons through 2000. During this time, he became the Chargers’ all-time leading scorer and earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 1994, a season in which the Chargers reached the Super Bowl. He later moved to the New Orleans Saints, where he had two separate stints, and contributed to the team’s success.

Carney accumulated 2,062 points over his lengthy career, placing him among the league’s all-time leading scorers. He was a Super Bowl champion with the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV. After retiring as a player, Carney transitioned into coaching and consulting roles, focusing on developing kicking talent at various levels. He established Carney Training Facility and continues to provide mentorship and instruction, leveraging his extensive experience in professional football to guide aspiring specialists. He is also a member of the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame.