The Facts: An illustrious kicking career has reached its end. Gould announced his retirement after 18 NFL seasons on Thursday via an article published by The Players' Tribune. "Now, although football has been a really great part of my life for the past 18 years, it is with the utmost regard and appreciation that I officially announce my retirement from the National Football League," Gould wrote in the piece, in which he recapped his winding NFL journey that saw him kick for three franchises (the Bears, Giants and 49ers).

Diehards Line:Gould began his career as an undrafted free agent signed by Chicago out of Penn State in 2005. He also played one season for teh Giants before finishing he career with a stint in San Francisco. He retires with a career field-goal percentage of 86.5 and extra-point conversion rate of 97.5 percent, walking away as one of the most trustworthy kickers of his generation. He accounted for 1,961 points scored in his 18 NFL seasons, and as an avid golfer, he'll hope to take that consistency to the course, where he'll enjoy rounds during a retirement focused on enjoying life as a retiree and dedicated father to two young boys.