Dan Bailey (American football)
An undrafted kicker from Oklahoma State who became the most accurate leg in Dallas Cowboys history, thriving in the NFL's pressure cooker.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American football player·Birthday: January 26·Millennials
Biography
Dan Bailey's story is a classic NFL underdog tale that turned into a record-breaking career. Ignored in the 2011 draft, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys and immediately seized his chance. With a calm, consistent approach, Bailey quickly established himself as one of the league's most reliable kickers. In Dallas, he rewrote the franchise record books, setting new marks for field goal accuracy and total field goals made. His cool demeanor in clutch moments, including multiple game-winners, made him a fan favorite for seven seasons. After his release in 2018, he continued his career with the Minnesota Vikings, facing the unique challenges of kicking in the harsh conditions of the NFC North. Bailey's journey from undrafted free agent to a franchise icon demonstrates the vital, high-wire role of the specialist in modern football.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Dan was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Dan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Dan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the Dallas Cowboys' all-time leader in field goals made (186) and field goal percentage (88.2% as a Cowboy).
- Set an NFL record for most consecutive field goals made to start a career (25 in 2011).
- Named a First-team All-Pro and selected for the Pro Bowl in 2015.
- Finished his career as one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history.
Did You Know?
He was a soccer player in high school and did not play American football until his senior year.
He majored in marketing at Oklahoma State University.
In 2015, he made 30 of 32 field goal attempts, including a career-long 56-yarder.
“My job is simple: make the kick when the team needs it.”
