TTM Stats
- Sent: 7/22/2022 | Received: 8/4/2022 | 12 Days
- ’90 Fleer, ’92 GameDay, ’94 Score
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
When NFL fans think of reliable kickers from the 1990s, Chris Jacke stands out as one of the most consistent and clutch performers. As the Green Bay Packers transitioned from a struggling franchise to a Super Bowl contender, Jacke was right there, calmly splitting the uprights and racking up points. His strong leg, cool demeanor, and key role in some of the Packers’ biggest moments helped him build a reputation as one of the league’s most dependable kickers during his prime.
Christopher Lee Jacke was born on March 12, 1966, in Richmond, Virginia, but he grew up in Texas. He attended JJ Pearce High School, where his strong leg became evident early. Jacke went on to play college football at UTEP (University of Texas at El Paso), where he was a standout kicker for the Miners. His collegiate success, particularly his range and accuracy, caught the attention of NFL scouts — and in 1989, the Green Bay Packers selected him in the sixth round of the NFL Draft.
Jacke quickly became a key piece for a Packers team in search of stability. He earned the starting kicker role as a rookie and never looked back. His accuracy and calm under pressure made him a fan favorite at Lambeau Field, and over the next several years, he was one of the most productive kickers in the league. From 1989 to 1996, Jacke played in 126 regular season games for the Packers. His most notable season came in 1993, when he earned All-Pro honors after making 31 of 37 field goal attempts, including several game-winners.
The peak of Jacke’s career came in 1996, when the Packers, led by Brett Favre, Reggie White, and coach Mike Holmgren, made a run to Super Bowl XXXI. Jacke played a critical role throughout that season, making clutch kicks and contributing to a team that led the league in both scoring and defense. In the Super Bowl, Jacke hit a 46-yard field goal, helping Green Bay build momentum en route to a 35–21 win over the New England Patriots. Though kickers often go unnoticed in big games, Jacke’s performance was vital, and he earned the distinction of being a Super Bowl champion.
After the 1996 season, Jacke’s time with the Packers ended. He had brief stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Redskins, and Arizona Cardinals, though injuries and inconsistency limited his effectiveness.
He officially retired in 1997 after a short tenure in Arizona, closing out a solid NFL career with 202 made field goals, a 77.2% success rate, and 849 career points.
Following retirement, Jacke remained connected to football and the Packers community. He became a regular guest at Packers alumni events, fan meet-ups, and charity functions. He also dabbled in broadcasting and business ventures in Wisconsin and Arizona.
In 2013, Jacke was honored with induction into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to his contributions during a crucial era in the team’s history.
While kickers don’t often draw the headlines, Chris Jacke’s accuracy, consistency, and clutch performances played a major role in the Packers’ rise from mediocrity to championship glory in the 1990s. As a steady hand during the Brett Favre era, Jacke’s field goals helped keep the Packers in games and seal victories.
Though he may not have the name recognition of quarterbacks or linebackers, Chris Jacke’s legacy lives on in Green Bay as a quiet, confident specialist whose contributions helped turn a proud franchise back into a powerhouse.
In the world of football, where games are often decided by inches and moments, Jacke’s right foot was as dependable as they come.
The Score on Chris Jacke – 6.5
Chris has a nice, big signature. I think the black doesn’t cut through all these images though. That’s could be because of the marker, but I think this is an example of something else it could be too – the finish on the card. I think the 1990 Fleer card isn’t as glossy as the other to. So the marker probably stays on the card a bit better and it doesn’t look like it’s potentially running dry like on the other two. All that said, I think my favorite of these is the 1992 GameDay card.
Thanks Mr. Jacke! I’m giving this return a 6.5.
This isn’t my first return from him. To see the other successful returns, check out these posts:
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Pro Football Reference.