Chris Boswell Makes History: Steelers’ First NFL Scoring Leader Shatters Expectations!

With the NFL’s 2024 regular season now complete, Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell has achieved a historic milestone. Boswell finished as the league’s leading scorer, becoming the first player in Steelers history to claim the title.

The veteran kicker concluded the season with a career-high 158 points, outpacing his closest competitors by a comfortable margin. Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey and Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker tied for second with 150 points each, while Houston Texans kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn finished fourth with 142.

Boswell entered Week 18 holding a 16-point lead over both Aubrey and Fairbairn. Aubrey made a late push by scoring 13 points in the Cowboys’ season finale, but Boswell’s consistency throughout the season ensured he maintained the top spot.

NFL Points Leaders (2024 Season)

1. Chris Boswell (Steelers): 158
2. Brandon Aubrey (Cowboys): 150
3. Cameron Dicker (Chargers): 150
4. Chase McLaughlin (Buccaneers): 144

Boswell’s season was remarkable not only for his scoring total but also for his reliability. He made a league-high 41 field goals, connecting on 41 of 44 attempts, and was perfect on extra points, hitting all 35 tries. Twice during the season, he went 6-for-6 on field goals—once in a Week 1 win over the Atlanta Falcons and again in a critical Week 11 victory against the Baltimore Ravens.

In the Falcons game, Boswell accounted for all 18 of Pittsburgh’s points and even stepped in as the emergency punter after regular punter Cameron Johnston suffered a season-ending knee injury.

A Historic Achievement for the Steelers and the NFL

Boswell’s 158 points rank tied for the 10th-most in a single NFL season and fifth-most by a kicker. His contributions were vital for a Steelers offense that often stalled in the red zone, relying heavily on his accuracy. While the scoring title is a testament to his performance, it also underscores the team’s challenges in finishing drives with touchdowns.

In team history, several Steelers have come close to leading the league in scoring, but none had previously finished first. Boswell’s previous career-best came in 2017 when he scored 142 points, finishing fourth.

Pro Bowl and All-Pro Recognition on the Horizon?

Despite his consistent excellence throughout his career, Boswell has earned only one Pro Bowl nod (2017) and has often been overshadowed by Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker. However, with Tucker experiencing a down year, Boswell stepped into the spotlight in 2024. He is now a strong candidate for his second Pro Bowl selection and a potential first All-Pro honor.

The 2024 season was notable for kickers across the league. Both Boswell and Aubrey became just the fourth and fifth players in NFL history to make at least 40 field goals in a single season. Boswell’s total of 41 field goals ranks second all-time, trailing only David Akers’ 44 set in 2011.

As the Steelers look ahead to 2025, Boswell’s historic season will stand as a bright spot, solidifying his place as one of the NFL’s elite kickers and a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s success.