Nick Novak

Nicholas Ryan Novak, born on August 21, 1981, in Charlottesville, VA, began his football journey at Albemarle High School where he was a three-year varsity letterman, earning All-District and All-State honors. He continued his success at the University of Maryland, distinguishing himself as a consistent and clutch kicker. In 2001, he gained recognition for a game-winning 46-yard field goal against Georgia Tech, earning him the nickname “The Kick.” Novak became the ACC’s all-time leading scorer during his senior season, finishing his college career with 393 points, placing him fifth all-time among NCAA kickers at his graduation. His academic achievements include being a two-time All-ACC Academic Football team member, a three-time ACC Honor Roll member, and a LeFrak Scholar in 2004.

Novak’s professional career began in 2005 as an undrafted free agent, moving quickly between the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys before settling with the Washington Redskins. He made a significant impact by hitting a game-winning extra point and a game-winning field goal in overtime during his initial stint with the Redskins. Over his career, Novak played for numerous teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, and New York Jets, with notable periods with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and Houston Texans. He accumulated 802 points in the NFL, converting 182 out of 222 field goal attempts (82.0% accuracy) and 256 out of 263 extra points (97.3%). His longest field goal in the NFL was 53 yards.

His tenure with the San Diego Chargers was particularly impactful, spanning from 2011 to 2014, and briefly in 2017. During the 2013 season, he set a career-best efficiency, making 34 of 37 field goals (91.9%) and all 42 extra point attempts. He also kicked a game-winning 36-yard field goal in overtime against the Kansas City Chiefs to secure a playoff berth. Novak continued his professional career in alternative leagues, playing for the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League, where he set a UFL record with a 54-yard field goal and was named Special Teams MVP in 2010. He also played for the Birmingham Iron in the Alliance of Football and the Los Angeles Wildcats in the XFL. After retiring from playing, Novak transitioned to coaching, serving as a Head Football Coach at Maranatha High School and a Specialist/Assistant Coach for the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.