However, it will be his miscues in the playoffs that Chargers fans will remember most about the former Groza award winner from the University of Iowa, and that is very unfortunate. Until Kaeding was drafted by the Chargers, he was always the enemy in my world. In 1999, he was part of an Iowa City West HS squad that beat my high school in the Iowa 4A Championship game. From 2000-2004, he booted clutch field goals against my alma mater. When Kaeding was drafted by the Chargers in 2004, it was a huge sigh of relief for me. Finally, that dynamic leg would be on my side.
Kaeding has always been a perfectionist, spending countless hours outside of practice perfecting his craft. For the most part, it paid off. His 87% FG percentage is the best in NFL history. The postseason was a completely different story. Kaeding had kicked in numerous high-pressure situations before, so when the struggles emerged in the 2005 playoffs, and continued in 2006, 2007, and 2009, it became painfully clear that the issues were more mental than physical. He became so unreliable to the point where Chargers fans
Now that Kaeding's days in San Diego are officially over, he can finally move on. A fresh start with a new team is on the horizon. Best wishes to you, Nate Kaeding, and I look forward to you drilling a clutch FG against the Chargers in a playoff game down the road. The San Diego curse will finally be on your side.
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