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NFL Greatest Unsung Heroes In History of All 32 Teams

By Erik Lambert

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 8: Joe Jurevicius #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball while pursued by Ray Buchanan #34 of the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL game on December 8, 2002 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons 34-10. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 8: Joe Jurevicius #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball while pursued by Ray Buchanan #34 of the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL game on December 8, 2002 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons 34-10. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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13 Oct 1996: Kicker Mike Hollis of the Jacksonville Jaguars shakes hands with a teammate during a game against the New York Jets at Jacksonville Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jaguars won the game 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /Allsport
13 Oct 1996: Kicker Mike Hollis of the Jacksonville Jaguars shakes hands with a teammate during a game against the New York Jets at Jacksonville Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jaguars won the game 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /Allsport /

Jacksonville Jaguars

. K. Jacksonville Jaguars. Mike Hollis . 15. player. 52

Kickers are people too. It may sound a bit over the top but it’s true. NFL teams never realize how valuable a good kicker is until they need one. The Jacksonville Jaguars had so much unexpected success in the late 1990s. These days it’s mostly reserved for that star-studded offense with Mark Brunell, Jimmy Smith, Tony Boselli and Keenan McCardell.

That said, their miracle run of 1996 that got them to the AFC championship game? That doesn’t happen without another unheralded member of that team. A tiny 5’7 kid out of Idaho by the name of Mike Hollis. He was entering his second season that year and had a solid run, connecting on 30-of-36 field goal attempts.

It was in the playoffs though where his value became apparent. Hollis nailed 8-of-9 field goals during their three games including the huge wins over Buffalo and Denver. Those games both ended with scores of 30-27. Jacksonville winning by a field goal. That should hammer home how invaluable Hollis was, and he proved it the next year by making the Pro Bowl.

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