Florida State University has announced that it will retire the jersey of former kicker Sebastian Janikowski, a significant honor for the college football star. This ceremony is set to take place during the Seminoles' season opener against New Mexico State on August 29, 2026. Janikowski's contributions to the program have been recognized, as he is also on the ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Janikowski, who played for the Seminoles from 1997 to 1999, made a lasting impact during his time at the university. He burst onto the scene as a freshman, earning Freshman All-America honors in 1997 after setting a then-school record with a 56-yard field goal against Wake Forest. His sophomore season was equally impressive, as he set both Florida State and Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) records by making 27 field goals and scoring 123 points, while leading the NCAA with an 84.4 percent success rate on field goals.
In his final year at Florida State, Janikowski continued to excel, finishing with a perfect record of 47-for-47 on extra points and leading the ACC with 23 made field goals. His performance was pivotal in helping the Seminoles achieve a perfect 12-0 season, culminating in the program's second national championship. Over his college career, he converted 66 of 83 field goal attempts and successfully made 126 extra points, leaving behind a legacy that includes the highest career field goal percentage in Florida State history.
Janikowski's successful college career paved the way for his selection in the 2000 NFL Draft, where he was picked 17th overall by the Oakland Raiders. Remarkably, he remains the last kicker to be drafted in the first round. Over the course of an 18-season NFL career, Janikowski spent 17 seasons with the Raiders, becoming a key figure in the franchise before retiring after the 2018 season at the age of 40.
The decision to retire Janikowski's jersey reflects his significant contributions to both Florida State and the NFL. His achievements have not only solidified his place in college football history but also set a standard for future kickers. As the Seminoles prepare to honor Janikowski, fans and alumni alike will celebrate the legacy of one of their most accomplished players.
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