Taylor Bertolet (born October 24, 1992) is an American professional footballplacekicker. He played college football at Texas A&M and holds a school record for most extra points in a single season.
College career
In 2012, Bertolet and quarterbackJohnny Manziel became the first freshmen to surpass 100 points in a season.[1] Bertolet kicked for a total of a career-high 106 points including 13 field goals and a school record 67 extra points.[1] Bertolet kicked a season-long 54-yard field goal against Louisiana Tech.[2]
In 2015, Bertolet kicked a career-high 22 field goals on 31 attempts for a career-high 71% field goal percentage.[4] Bertolet kicked a career-long 55-yard field goal against Mississippi State.[5] Bertolet tied Southeastern Conference and school records by making six field goals against Vanderbilt. He tied Alan Smith's six field goals in 1983 against Arkansas State.[6]
Professional career
Los Angeles Rams
After going undrafted in the 2016 NFL draft, Bertolet signed with the Los Angeles Rams on May 4, 2016.[7] On August 30, 2016, he was released by the Rams.[8]
Denver Broncos (first stint)
On March 21, 2018, Bertolet signed with the Denver Broncos.[9] On April 30, 2018, he was waived by the Broncos.[10]
New York Jets (first stint)
On May 7, 2018, Bertolet was signed by the New York Jets.[11] He was waived by the Jets on September 1, 2018, after losing the starting kicking job to Jason Myers.[12][13]
After the AAF filed for bankruptcy, Bertolet re-signed with the Denver Broncos on April 29, 2019.[15] He was waived on July 23, 2019.[16]
New York Jets (second stint)
On August 11, 2019, Bertolet was signed by the New York Jets after Chandler Catanzaro retired during preseason.[17] He was waived by the Jets on September 1, 2019.[18]
Carolina Panthers (first stint)
On October 24, 2020, Bertolet was signed to the Carolina Panthers practice squad.[19] He was released on November 2, 2020,[20] and re-signed to the practice squad on November 7.[21] He was released again on November 10,[22] and re-signed to the practice squad again on November 14.[23] He was released on November 16,[24] and re-signed again on November 21.[25] Bertolet was released a fourth time on November 24, 2020,[26] but re-signed four days later.[27] He was released again on December 1, 2020.[28]
Minnesota Vikings
On December 19, 2020, Bertolet was signed to the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad.[29] His practice squad contract with the team expired after the season on January 11, 2021.[30]
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Bertolet signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on June 29, 2021.[31] He was released on November 15, 2021.[32]
Bertolet signed to the Carolina Panthers' practice squad on September 9, 2022.[34] He was released on September 13.
Los Angeles Chargers
Bertolet was signed to the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad on October 6, 2022.[35] On October 9, he was elevated to the active roster, and made his first 3 NFL field goals that day, over 6 years from the start of his pro career.[36]