Van Tiffin


Van Leigh Tiffin is a former American football placekicker.

Early life and education

Van Leigh Tiffin was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. He lived in Red Bay, Alabama, and attended Red Bay High School, attracting notice for his football ability.

College career

Tiffin attended the University of Alabama where he was the Alabama Crimson Tide's primary placekicker from 1983-1986. He holds the school record for longest converted field goal, with a successful 57-yard attempt against Texas A&M in 1985. He held the school record for converting 135 extra point attempts until his son, Leigh Tiffin, broke it in 2009 by one; Van never missed, however, going 135 for 135, while Leigh required 142 attempts.
Tiffin's most notable kick came in the 1985 Iron Bowl against in-state rival Auburn. His 52-yard field goal lifted the Crimson Tide to a 25–23 victory as time expired. It has become part of Alabama lore, known mainly as "The Kick."
In 1986, Tiffin was named to the College Football All-America Team.

Professional career

Tiffin spent one season in the National Football League, with the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Personal life

After spending one season in the NFL, he returned home to work for Tiffin Motorhomes, a company founded by his father. He is currently the R&D manager for the company, and resides in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
His son Leigh was a walk-on kicker at Alabama before receiving a scholarship as the team's main placekicker. Upon Leigh's graduation from this University, Leigh, too; had joined Tiffin Motorhomes, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. In 2013, Bob, Van, and Leigh Tiffin had formed a second RV manufacturing company called VanLeigh RV that specializes only in Towable Fifth-Wheel RVs.