Scott Norwood

Scott Norwood was an American placekicker in the National Football League (NFL), primarily known for his tenure with the Buffalo Bills. His career is inextricably linked to a missed 47-yard field goal attempt in the final seconds of Super Bowl XXV, a moment that cemented his place in NFL lore. Despite this defining event, Norwood was a Pro Bowl selection in 1988 and contributed to the Bills' emergence as an American Football Conference (AFC) powerhouse in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Early life and college career

Born in Alexandria, Virginia, Norwood attended Thomas Jefferson High School before moving on to play college football at James Madison University. As a Duke, he set several school records for the football program and earned All-South Atlantic Conference honors. His consistent performance at the collegiate level, though not at a major Division I-A program, demonstrated the leg strength and accuracy that would attract professional scouts.

Professional career

Norwood entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, initially signing with the Atlanta Falcons in 1982 but not making the regular-season roster. He found his professional home in 1985 when he signed with the Buffalo Bills, coached by Marv Levy. Norwood quickly became a reliable scorer for an ascending team featuring stars like Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, and Andre Reed. In the 1988 season, he led the AFC in scoring and was selected to the Pro Bowl, cementing his status as one of the league's top kickers. He played a key role in the Bills' consecutive AFC Championship victories following the 1990 and 1991 seasons.

The Super Bowl miss and aftermath

The pinnacle of Norwood's career, and its most infamous moment, occurred on January 27, 1991, at Tampa Stadium during Super Bowl XXV. With the Bills trailing the New York Giants 20–19 and only seconds remaining, Norwood attempted a 47-yard field goal to win the championship. The kick sailed wide right, securing the victory for the Bill Parcells-coached Giants. The play, immortalized as "Wide Right," became an instant and enduring symbol of sporting heartbreak. Despite widespread support from teammates like Steve Tasker and the Buffalo community, the miss cast a long shadow over his accomplishments.

Later life and legacy

Norwood played one more season with the Bills after Super Bowl XXV, concluding his NFL career after the 1991 season. He retired with 309 career points and a reputation overshadowed by a single kick, though within Western New York he is often remembered with sympathy for his overall contributions. The moment has been extensively analyzed in documentaries like ESPN's 30 for 30 series and remains a central narrative in the story of the Bills' four consecutive Super Bowl losses. His jersey is occasionally seen as a symbol of resilience among the Bills Mafia fan base.

Personal life

After retiring from the NFL, Norwood settled in the Virginia area and pursued a career in the mortgage and insurance industries. He has largely stayed out of the public spotlight, making occasional appearances at Buffalo Bills alumni events. Norwood is married and has children, maintaining a private life away from the intense scrutiny of his playing days.

Category:American football placekickers Category:Buffalo Bills players Category:James Madison Dukes football players Category:1960 births Category:Living people Category:People from Alexandria, Virginia Category:Pro Bowl players