Longhorns Daily News: Texas Legend Justin Tucker Shockingly Released by Baltimore Ravens After Historic Career as NFL’s Best Kicker

In a move that has stunned NFL fans and especially those in Austin, the Baltimore Ravens have officially released veteran kicker Justin Tucker, one of the most decorated and consistent players in franchise and league history. For Texas Longhorns fans, it marks the end of an era for one of the most beloved alumni in recent memory. Tucker, who starred at the University of Texas before launching a record-breaking professional career, leaves Baltimore as not just a fan favorite but arguably the greatest kicker the NFL has ever seen.

Tucker’s release comes amid widespread speculation about the Ravens’ salary cap situation and an evolving roster strategy. However, few anticipated that the team would move on from a player who has been a symbol of reliability and excellence since signing with the franchise as an undrafted free agent in 2012. At 35 years old, Tucker remains highly effective, but Baltimore’s front office appears to be leaning toward youth and financial flexibility as it looks to build around quarterback Lamar Jackson’s prime years.

For Longhorn Nation, Justin Tucker represents much more than just a former college standout. He is etched into the collective memory of Texas fans, especially for his iconic game-winning field goal to beat Texas A&M in the final scheduled meeting between the two rivals in 2011. That moment alone solidified his legacy in burnt orange history, but his demeanor, professionalism, and success in the NFL have only elevated his standing. Tucker’s journey from college walk-on to NFL All-Pro exemplifies perseverance, elite skill, and clutch performance.

Tucker leaves the Ravens as the all-time NFL leader in career field goal percentage (90.2%) and has made a staggering 395 of his 438 career field goal attempts. His career long of 66 yards, a then-NFL record, came in a dramatic 2021 game against the Detroit Lions, further cementing his reputation as the most reliable leg in football. He was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, has been a five-time First-Team All-Pro selection, and made seven Pro Bowl appearances. He also led the league in scoring multiple times and frequently made kicks in weather conditions that most kickers dread.

The decision to release him, according to sources close to the Ravens, was not based purely on performance. While his numbers did dip slightly in 2024—he missed four field goals, an unusually high mark by his standards—Tucker was still one of the top kickers in the league. Instead, it was a combination of factors: cap space, the rise of a younger, cheaper kicker on the practice squad, and the Ravens’ strategic shift to invest more heavily in other units. Even with all that considered, the release has left many players and fans stunned.

Tucker’s impact extended far beyond the field. He became a staple of the Baltimore community, known for his opera singing and humorous personality, as well as his tireless philanthropic efforts. In interviews and public appearances, Tucker always carried himself with class and humility, often crediting his time at Texas and the lessons he learned under Mack Brown and the Longhorns coaching staff for preparing him for life in the NFL.

For the University of Texas, Tucker’s success served as a potent recruiting tool and a source of pride. He was not a five-star prospect out of high school, nor was he the starting kicker when he arrived on campus. But he worked his way up, showing toughness and consistency that became hallmarks of his game. In his senior year, he converted 17 of 21 field goals and all 43 extra-point attempts. His clutch kicks, most notably the 40-yard game-winner against the Aggies in College Station, remain legendary in Longhorn lore.

Following Tucker’s release, tributes began pouring in from across the football world. Ravens players past and present shared stories of his leadership, his quirky pregame routines, and his unshakable confidence. Several Longhorns, including fellow NFL alumni like Colt McCoy and Quandre Diggs, posted messages of appreciation and support. “One of the greatest to ever do it,” McCoy wrote. “Forever a Longhorn and forever a legend.”

While it’s unclear what the future holds for Tucker, there is little doubt that he will have opportunities. Teams with kicking uncertainties—of which there are many—will almost certainly be lining up to bring in the veteran specialist. Whether he continues his playing career elsewhere or decides to retire on his own terms, Tucker’s legacy is secure. In an era when NFL careers are fleeting and few players stay with one team for long, Tucker’s 13-year run with the Ravens was remarkable in its longevity and consistency.

For Longhorns fans, this moment is bittersweet. It’s a reminder of how quickly professional football can shift, even for players who seem irreplaceable. But it’s also an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate an extraordinary career that began in Austin and reached heights few could have imagined. Justin Tucker didn’t just represent the University of Texas—he embodied it. He was tough, smart, poised, and dependable, always delivering when it mattered most.

There’s also the strong possibility that Tucker may one day return to the Forty Acres in some capacity. Whether as a mentor, coach, or simply an ambassador for the program, his connection to Texas remains strong. In past interviews, he has spoken fondly about his college experience and expressed interest in giving back to the next generation of players. For now, though, the focus remains on what happens next—and whether his record-setting career will continue with another NFL team.

As NFL franchises reevaluate their rosters heading into the offseason, there’s bound to be interest in acquiring the services of the most accurate kicker in league history. Tucker’s track record in high-pressure situations, including game-winning kicks in playoff games, is unmatched. For playoff-caliber teams with championship aspirations, signing Tucker could be the missing piece to elevate their special teams unit from good to elite.

The shock of Tucker’s release will undoubtedly linger in Baltimore, where he has been as reliable as sunrise and sunset. Ravens fans have enjoyed the rare luxury of never worrying about the kicking game. That trust, earned over more than a decade of success, is hard to come by. Tucker provided that peace of mind with every swing of his leg. Now, Baltimore must figure out how to fill a void that may not be truly replaceable.

Meanwhile, in Austin, the news has reignited pride in the University of Texas football program. It’s a reminder that greatness can come from anywhere and that the path from walk-on to legend is not only possible—it’s real. Justin Tucker proved that through hard work, resilience, and an unwavering belief in himself, a kicker from Westlake High and the Longhorns could reach the pinnacle of his sport.

As the NFL landscape shifts and new stars emerge, Justin Tucker’s name will remain etched in both the league’s record books and the hearts of Texas fans. From the final-second heroics against Texas A&M to the clutch kicks in the NFL playoffs, Tucker has authored a career defined by poise, professionalism, and perfection. His release may mark the end of one chapter, but it’s far from the end of the story.

Whether Tucker decides to continue playing or steps away from the field, his legacy is already established as one of the greatest to ever do it—not just as a kicker, but as a football player and a Texas Longhorn. For Baltimore, for Texas, and for the game itself, Justin Tucker has been a gift. Now, fans wait to see what his next act will be. Wherever he goes, one thing is certain: he will always be a Longhorn, and he will always be a legend.