Late last month at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., a much-anticipated NFL matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals left football fans across the country shaking their heads – some in amazement, some in disgust. The game was a defensive masterpiece between division rivals, neither team having scored a single touchdown when it went into overtime tied at six.

For those who don't follow football, overtime scoring is confusing and merciless. A coin toss determines which team will try first. An opening touchdown wins the game. An opening field goal affords the competing team a chance to score. An unsuccessful scoring attempt followed by a score of any kind by the competition loses the game. The stakes are high and there is zero room for error. Teams rely heavily on their kickers to get the job done. Imagine the pressure.