Shaun Suisham
A Canadian kicker who carved out a decade-long NFL career, becoming a reliable and clutch specialist for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Canadian football player·Birthday: December 29·Millennials
Biography
Shaun Suisham’s path to professional football was anything but guaranteed. The Ontario native went undrafted out of Bowling Green University, facing the long odds typical for a placekicker. He bounced between practice squads before landing a consistent role with the Washington Redskins, where he began to establish his steady leg. His career, however, found its true home in Pittsburgh. Joining the Steelers mid-season in 2010, Suisham provided immediate stability to a critical position, becoming known for his accuracy on field goals and his cool demeanor in the high-pressure environment of Heinz Field. He played a key role in several playoff runs, including a trip to Super Bowl XLV. A severe knee injury during a 2015 preseason game ultimately cut his career short, but his tenure in Pittsburgh left him remembered as one of the franchise's most dependable specialists.
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.
Shaun was born in 1981, 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 Shaun Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Shaun's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played in 142 NFL games over ten seasons, primarily for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Redskins.
- Kicked a career-long 53-yard field goal for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2013.
- Appeared in Super Bowl XLV with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Finished his career with an 84.2% field goal accuracy rate.
Did You Know?
He was born in Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada.
He played college football for the Bowling Green Falcons.
His NFL career began when he was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2005.
He wore jersey number 6 for most of his tenure with the Steelers.
“My job is simple: be ready for one kick when the game is on the line.”
