Matt Stover is in his 19th season in the NFL and has been the Ravens’ kicker since 1991 when they were the Cleveland Browns. He is lone player still with the team since it moved to Baltimore in 1996. Stover has made all 12 of his extra-point attempts and seven-of-10 field goal tries this season. He is the third most-accurate kicker in NFL history, having converted 83.6 percent of his attempts. His 334 field goals since 1996 are the most in the league and his 1,855 career points are the fifth-most in NFL history.
Stover, the Ravens’ NFL Players Association representative, lives in Baltimore with his wife, Debbie, along with daughter, Jenna, 12, and sons Jacob, 12, and Joe, 5.
Does God care who wins a sporting event?
Absolutely, God cares. He cares about anything anyone is doing. Now, is he going to take what you do into any less consideration to what I do? No. As long as it’s for him and for His glory, not your own gratification, then that’s when God cares even more. As a child of God, it’s something I try to balance. I don’t think just because I’m on “God’s team” I don’t have to work. I trust whether it’s good or bad, I believe God knows what’s best for me. That’s why I point to the sky after every field goal, even the ones I miss.
Do you believe in divine intervention?
Without a doubt, I believe in it. I believe he cares enough that if he wants you to succeed, he can absolutely do it. Does he do that all the time? Of course not. But he’s always in control and he does allow things to happen in our lives. He puts you to the test: Are you
going to trust me that I’ve got what’s best for you in mind?
What’s the greatest inspiration in your life?
Person-wise, it’s my wife [Debbie]. She has been a rock for me. She knew the Lord long before I did. She keeps me grounded. From a growth opportunity, the NFL is my inspiration because of the opportunities given to me and the platform it presents. The fact now is that I have lots of people who have invested faith in me and have given me the opportunity to affect the world in a positive way.
What are your biggest regrets?
To a point, I regret my life before knowing my Lord and savior. Prior to 1992, I had a wonderful life and a great upbringing, but my life was just about me, and what people could do for me. Not that I’m perfect now, but I try to do more to help those through God.
How do you keep yourself focused when you’re in a slump like you were to start the season?
Even in stretches of success, you’ve got to stay focused because just because you made your last kick doesn’t mean you will make your next one. What I have to do is work hard during the week, pay attention to details, don’t take things for granted and don’t be complacent. Complacency leads to poor performances. What I’ve always tried to do is learn with what I’m doing in every practice and every game and then take care of the opportunities given to me.
How to you approach your conditioning now at 40 compared to when you first entered the NFL?
Early in my career, I thought lifting weights would take away from my leg, but I’ve learned to do much more strength training now than stretching. I believe strength precedes stretching and flexibility. I believe flexibility will come that way. That’s the main physical piece. As for mentally, it’s just the experience factor having been through so many situations. If I have a rough start, I know how to fight out of it. It doesn’t mean I will, but I know how to deal with the pressure and lean on that experience.
How do you feel when the Ravens bring in a kicker to compete for your job?
In the NFL, there is constant pressure and constant competition no matter who you are. When I have competition, I’m my own best competition. I know what is expected and my standard. For example, let’s say the team brings in a kicker who is just “OK.” If I try just to beat him, I’m doing myself a disservice. Or if there is someone that’s better, I’ll compete at that level and try to get better. But I know where the standard needs to be and that’s the best. When you put that goal out, that’s setting pretty high standards.
What do you consider your greatest success?
God willing, I’m most proud of my family and that God will allow us to keep a stable home. That’s first and foremost. Second, is the relationships I have with people and the love I have from other people. Finally, there’s football. It’s been a ball. I’ve had such a privilege to be able to play this game and be considered one of the best. It’s been humbling.
