He played college football for the Pittsburgh Panthers. He set the NCAA record for most accurate placekicker in history from 50+ yards going 12 of 18 from that distance.
In October 2019, Kessman was named ACC Specialist of the Week after making four field goals during the game against Miami.[1]
In 2020, in a game against Boston College, Kessman kicked a 58-yard field goal which tied the game and sent it into overtime.[2] At the time, the 58-yard goal was the longest field goal in Pitt history.[2] In 2024, Ben Sauls tied Kessman's record.[2]
In 2021, Kessman received second-team All-ACC honors and was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award.[3]
On May 2, 2021, Kessman signed as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Chargers.[5] However, Kessman was released by the Chargers prior to the start of the season on August 16, 2021.[6]
New York Jets
On November 23, 2021, Kessman was signed to the practice squad of the New York Jets.[7] On December 4, the Jets released incumbent kicker Matt Ammendola and signed Kessman to the active roster.[8] In his one game with the Jets, which was also his NFL debut, Kessman missed both of his extra point attempts and the Jets lost to the Philadelphia Eagles by a score of 33–18. He was cut by the team the next day.[9]
Carolina Panthers
On December 22, 2021, Kessman was signed to the Carolina Panthers practice squad.[10] He was released on December 27.
