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One thing you can count on with the Detroit Lions is that they are never, ever boring. Follow the latest news including injuries, roster moves and more here daily from Oakland Press beat writer Paula Pasche. Plus you'll find regular commentary about the team.

4/05/2013

Detroit Lions: David Akers signed to replace Jason Hanson


It did not take long for the Detroit Lions to replace kicker Jason Hanson. 

The team has agreed to terms with six-time Pro Bowl kicker David Akers, according to his agent Jerrold Colton.

Akers, who spent the last two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, visited the Lions this week. He was released on March 6. 

"I'm excited about the opportunity to play for the Lions' organization," Akers told The Associated Press. "I'm not trying nor would I be able to fill the likes of Jason's shoes. He is and will always be a legend as far as I'm concerned. That being said, it will be an honor to attempt to follow in his footsteps. It will be great to be near my extended family as we strive to for a championship."

His wife's family is from the Detroit area.

 At age 38, he’s four years younger than Hanson.

Akers, a lefty who was undrafted out of Louisville, made his NFL debut in 1998 with the Washington Redskins. He was a long-time kicker for the Philadelphia Eagles (1999-2010).

 He has a 81 percent career field goal percentag and holds the NFL record with 19 consecutive postseason field goal conversions.

 Last season with the 49ers Akers was 29 of 42 (69 percent) on field goals and averaged 66 yards on kickoffs. In comparison, Hanson was 32 of 36 (88.9 percent) in 2012 and averaged 62.2 yards on kickoffs.

  An Ironman, Akers who has not missed a game since 2005, should kick well playing indoors at Ford Field.

his retirement on Thursday after 21 seasons with the Lions. He said a heel injury from last season was the reason he was calling it quits. 

 He will say his good-byes at a press conference on Tuesday.

 (Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Order her new book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here. It’s also available at bookstores.)

1 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

So what you're saying is the Lions signed a 38 year old erratic kicker that was given the boot from a good team? Sounds like just another day at the Lions front office.

2:16 AM 

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