Van Tiffin

Van Tiffin
No. 3, 1
Position:Placekicker
Personal information
Born: (1965-09-06) September 6, 1965 (age 59)
Tupelo, Mississippi, U.S.
Height:5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight:155 lb (70 kg)
Career information
High school:Red Bay (AL)
College:Alabama
Undrafted:1987
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Van Leigh Tiffin (born September 6, 1965) is an American former professional football player who was a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Early life and education

Van Leigh Tiffin was born in Tupelo, Mississippi.[1] He lived in Red Bay, Alabama, and attended Red Bay High School, attracting notice for his football ability.[2]

College career

Tiffin attended the University of Alabama where he was the Alabama Crimson Tide's primary placekicker from 1983 to 1986.[3] He holds the school record for longest converted field goal, with a successful 57-yard attempt against Texas A&M in 1985. He held the school record for converting 135 extra point attempts until his son, Leigh Tiffin, broke it in 2009 by one; Van never missed, however, going 135 for 135, while Leigh required 142 attempts.[4]

Tiffin's most notable kick came in the 1985 Iron Bowl against in-state rival Auburn. His 52-yard field goal lifted the Crimson Tide to a 25–23 victory as time expired. It has become part of Alabama lore, known mainly as "The Kick."[5]

In 1986, Tiffin was named a first team All-American by Scripps Howard.[6]

Professional career

Tiffin spent one season in the National Football League with the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[7]

References

  1. ^ "On this day in Alabama history: Placekicker Van Tiffin was born in Tupelo". Alabama News Center. September 6, 2019. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  2. ^ Hurt, Cecil (November 18, 2005). "Long-term memory a cinch for Van Tiffin". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  3. ^ Sperrazza, Casey (December 14, 2015). "Alabama Football All-Time Team: The Two Best At Each Position". Bama Hammer. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
  4. ^ 2010 Alabama media guide http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/alab/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/record-book.pdf Archived September 16, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  5. ^ Sallee, Barrett (July 20, 2012). "Classic SEC Football: Alabama Tops Auburn in 1985 in 'the Kick'". Bleacher Report. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  6. ^ "Scripps Howard All-America Team". The Knoxville News-Sentinel (TN). November 21, 1986 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  7. ^ "Van Tiffin". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 12, 2024.