Chris Boswell came through time and time again for the Steelers in 2017, and he will have the opportunity to continue to do so for a few more years as he was signed to a new five-year contract.
Boswell, who was voted to his first Pro Bowl last year, kicked four game-winning field goals in 2017, including three as time expired against the Colts, Packers and Bengals. The three field goals with time expiring tied the record for most in a single season since the 1970 NFL merger. His 53-yard game-winning field goal against the Packers tied the record for longest field goal at Heinz Field.
"You've got to remember the same thing you do every time," said Boswell. "You can't put too much pressure on one kick, not enough on another kick. It's just kick by kick. You just move on with it."
Boswell connected on 35 of 38 field goal attempts and 37 of 39 extra point attempts. His 35 field goals set a Steelers single-season record and the first time a Steelers kicker made at least 30 field goals since Shaun Suisham did so in 2013. Boswell also set a team single-season record for most points with 142 and has the sixth-most field goals in team history with 85.
He went four-for-four from 50 yards or more, something that Coach Mike Tomlin had challenged him to do.
"Nothing is too big for this guy," said special teams coordinator Danny Smith. "It becomes a mindset. It's just a matter of emphasis.
"He is fun to be around, he is a competitor. He hit some field goals at the end of games to get us where we got. That is his job. You prepare for those times, and those moments. He was well prepared and went out and performed. He executed like he was supposed to and deserves everything he gets. I love the guy. He is a clutch guy. I would want him in any situation."
Boswell was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13 last year.
In a game that was tightly contested, it was Boswell who would come through with a game-winning 38-yard field goal as time ran off the clock, giving the Steelers a 23-20 win at Paul Brown Stadium. Boswell hit three field goals in the game, including one at the end of the first half with time expiring as well, giving the Steelers a much-needed boost heading into halftime.
In his career Boswell has connected on 85 of 95 field goal attempts, with the long being his 53-yarder last year, and hit 99 of 102 extra points.
