Lindley Franklin Elliott Jr. (born November 11, 1968) is an American former professional football player who was a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Texas Tech University and spent his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys (1992–1993) and the Kansas City Chiefs (1994–1995). Elliott earned a Super Bowl ring as a member of the Cowboys in Super Bowl XXVII.
Early life and education
Elliott was born in Euless, Texas, and attended Waco High School, where he participated in both football and soccer, earning four All‑district selections in soccer. He enrolled at Texas Tech University as a walk‑on and became the Red Raiders’ starting placekicker as a sophomore. Over his collegiate career, he set school records for field‑goal percentage (82.4 % as a junior) and consecutive extra points (85). He finished as Texas Tech’s all‑time leading scorer with 220 points and was later inducted into the Texas Tech Athletic Hall of Fame (2015).
Professional career
Dallas Cowboys (1992–1993)
After going undrafted in the 1992 NFL Draft, Elliott signed with the Cowboys as a free agent. He secured the starting kicker role, establishing franchise rookie records for field goals (24) and points (119) in his first season. Elliott contributed to the team’s victory in Super Bowl XXVII, defeating the Buffalo Bills. In the 1993 season, after missing an extra point in the opener and two field goals in the second game, he was released on September 14, 1993.
Kansas City Chiefs (1994–1995)
Elliott signed with the Chiefs on April 7, 1994. He posted a 83.3 % field‑goal conversion rate in 1994 (25 of 30) and an 80 % rate in 1995 (24 of 30). The Chiefs finished the 1995 regular season 13–3, earning home‑field advantage throughout the playoffs. Elliott is most remembered for missing three field‑goal attempts (35, 39, and 42 yards) in the AFC Divisional playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts (January 1996). After the season, the Chiefs chose not to tender a qualifying offer, ending his tenure with the team.
Minnesota Vikings (1996)
Elliott signed with the Vikings on August 1, 1996, but was released before the regular season began on August 20, marking the end of his NFL playing career.
Career statistics
- Field goals: 75 of 99 (75.8 %)
- Extra points: 113 of 118 (95.8 %)
- Total points scored: 338
Legacy
Elliott’s rookie season with Dallas set multiple franchise records and contributed to a Super Bowl championship. His later years with Kansas City featured high accuracy but are often noted for the critical missed kicks in the 1996 playoff game. Post‑NFL, Elliott has been recognized for his collegiate achievements and his induction into the Texas Tech Hall of Fame.
References
- “Lin Elliott.” Pro Football Reference.
- “Lin Elliott.” Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
- Texas Tech University Athletic Hall of Fame inductees.