MIAMI GARDENS ― During Sunday’s clash against the San Francisco 49ers, several Miami Dolphins players reached new franchise milestones, with kicker Jason Sanders prominently featured.
Entering the matchup with an 18-kick streak, Sanders delivered another standout special teams performance by successfully making five field goals, contributing to more than half of Miami’s 29 points. In doing so, he established a new franchise record for consecutive successful kicks at 23, surpassing his previous club record.
“I knew it was close, but I wasn’t sure exactly where,” Sanders remarked. “Each kick is identical in my mind. Whether it’s a long 50-yarder or a short 20-yarder, I approach it the same way.” Sanders excelled from all distances on Sunday, with successful kicks from 48, 33, 54, 38, and 44 yards, propelling Miami past San Francisco.
“Being able to set your team up to win games is among the greatest achievements,” Sanders explained. By breaking his prior record, set during the 2019-20 season, Sanders has silenced doubts about his ability to kick beyond 50 yards. Among his 23-kick streak, 11 were from at least 40 yards out. His feat of eight consecutive field goals from over 50 yards is tied with Tennessee’s Nick Folk for the longest active streak in the NFL.
“We’ve completed many 50-yarders this season,” Sanders noted. “I think half would suffice for a season. I’m just giving my all.” Sanders’ impressive display was even more remarkable given his less-than-ideal pregame warmup. “I wasn’t at my best during pregame,” Sanders confessed. “But that’s a testament to trusting your capabilities and offseason preparations.”
Notably, Sanders has collaborated with five different snappers this year. Jason Sanders credits his success to the team around him. Though he is the one making the kicks, Sanders didn’t hesitate to acknowledge his teammates who set up each attempt. “Helping the team win is all that matters,” Sanders stated. “I owe much to the offensive line. Whether the series ends in a touchdown or field goal, they’re exhausted but push for one more play.
It’s challenging, and I’m grateful.” The same sentiment was echoed about punter and holder Jake Bailey, who shares a strong bond with Sanders. “He’s at his peak in late-December games,” Bailey commented about Sanders. “Last year, he nailed five kicks against the Cowboys. He’s reliable and it’s been enjoyable.” Sanders responded with laughter, appreciating Bailey in the locker room.
“Jake’s done a remarkable job as our holder, and I’m thankful for everyone,” Sanders mentioned. Sanders’ stellar performance earned praise from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who went out of his way to commend the kicker after his record-setting game. “Jason was flawless with 5-for-5,” Tagovailoa said. “He contributed significantly to our scoreboard.”
Marriage and an Italy trip highlighted Sanders’ offseason. Does happiness influence a kicker’s precision? While it’s an inexact science, Sanders visibly brightened when discussing life with his new wife, Kaitlyn Calabuig. “She’s my greatest support,” Sanders shared. “Through good and bad days, she’s unwaveringly the same, which is invaluable. I couldn’t do it without her.” The couple spent their first offseason together in Italy, accompanied by Bailey and his fiancée, creating cherished memories.
