Former Middlebury kicker Stephen Hauschka '07 has announced his retirement from the National Football League (NFL). "I started kicking a soccer ball at three, switched to footballs at 19 at Middlebury and now at 35, I'm making the decision to hang up the cleats," said Hauschka. "It's been an amazing journey playing professional football the last 12+ years and when I reflect I feel grateful for all of it, the highs and the lows. It's shaped me and my family and made us stronger and more resilient, more loving and understanding."

Hauschka began his career in Baltimore (2008-2009) and Denver (2010), but is best known for his six seasons spent in Seattle, where he participated in two Super Bowls, winning XLVIII in early 2014. Hauschka was extremely reliable, making 88.8 percent of his 197 field-goal attempts while with the Seahawks, and 95.1 percent of his extra-point attempts in 96 regular-season games. He was at his best in the postseason, coming through during clutch moments. In 13 career playoff games, he made 24-25 field goal attempts, including going a perfect 10-10 during Seattle's back-to-back Super Bowl runs in 2013 and 2014.

Hauschka moved on to kick for Buffalo in 2017, keeping up his consistent pace in making 87.9 percent of his 33 attempts in his first season with the Bills. During that season, he broke the league record for most-consecutive field goals from 50+ yards, connecting on 13 straight. He was released from the Bills in the fall of 2020, before a quick stint with Jacksonville in October.

Hauschka finishes his NFL career with a field goal percentage of 85.2, an extra-point percentage of 95.7, a career-long make of 58 yards and 1,149 total points scored. Overall, he walks away from the game 16th in career field goal percentage (85.1 percent), tied 41st in NFL history for field goals (264) made and is 47th for points scored (1,149).

"It's time now though to focus my energy on my family and hopefully making the world a better place for my sons," added Hauschka. It's been an unexpected and incredible ride the last 12+ years in the NFL and I will miss so much of it, but I wouldn't change any of my experiences for the world. Here's to the future - onward and upward!"