Centerville’s Nugent gets another shot at the NFL, signs with NY Giants

Former Centerville High, Ohio State and Bengals kicker Mike Nugent has landed a chance to return to the NFL after the New York Giants signed him to compete for their job.

Nugent, whom the Bengals released last season after he made 23-of-29 field goals and 23-of-29 extra points, spent six-plus seasons with Cincinnati after beginning his career with the Jets in 2005.

He was New York’s kicker for three full seasons and one game in the 2008 season before kicking for Arizona and Tampa Bay in 2009.

Nugent, 35, spent seven seasons with the Bengals from 2010-16, making 157 of 192 field goals, including a franchise record-tying 55-yarder vs Oakland in 2012.

But after missing six field goals and six extra points last season, the Bengals released him on Dec. 13, and signed Randy Bullock.

Nugent set Bengals single-season records for points (132) and field goals (33) in 2011, and he ranks third behind in career points (718), field goals (157) and consecutive field goals (15). He ranks second on the team’s all-time list for field goal percentage (81.77).

A second-round pick out of Ohio State in 2005, Nugent began his career in New York with the Jets. In 12 NFL seasons, he is 236 of 292 on field goals and 344 of 355 on extra points.

About the Authors