Chase McLaughlin


Chase Joseph McLaughlin is an American football placekicker for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He played college football at Illinois. After going undrafted in 2019, McLaughlin spent time on five different rosters during the season, three of them as injury replacements.

College career

McLaughlin played college football at Illinois. During his time with the Fighting Illini, McLaughlin went 79 for 79 on extra point attempts, and his senior year was 4 for 6 on field goals beyond 50 yards. Originally a walk-on, McLaughlin ended his college career as the 2019 Bakken–Andersen Kicker of the Year award winner and a First-Team All-Big Ten selection. During a 2018 game against USF, McLaughlin became the first Illinois kicker to score field goals of 50 plus yards in three consecutive games. McLaughlin later achieved a school record five 50-plus yard field goals.

Professional career

Buffalo Bills

McLaughlin went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, and signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent. He was waived on August 31, 2019.

Minnesota Vikings

McLaughlin was signed to the Minnesota Vikings practice squad on September 1, 2019. He was released on September 10.

Los Angeles Chargers

McLaughlin signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on October 1, 2019. The move was to cover for injured Chargers kicker Michael Badgley, and to give relief to Chargers punter Ty Long, who had assumed kicking duties. He was waived on October 29.

San Francisco 49ers

McLaughlin signed with the San Francisco 49ers on November 7, 2019 after kicker Robbie Gould injured his quad. In Week 10 against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football, McLaughlin made three out of four field goals in the 27–24 overtime loss. Although he made a 47-yard kick with one second left in regulation to tie the game, McLaughlin's missed field goal occurred in overtime and would have given San Francisco the victory. He was waived on December 3, 2019.

Indianapolis Colts

On December 4, 2019, McLaughlin was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts due to an injury to starter Adam Vinatieri. On December 30, 2019, McLaughlin was signed to a one-year extension through 2020.