Stephen Gostkowski hits franchise record 26th consecutive field goal

Robert Alvarez

8 years ago at 9:46 am ET

David Butler II - USA TODAY Sports

When Stephen Gostkowski’s New England Patriots career first began in 2006, many fans and media members alike remained skeptical and worried about the huge shoes Gostkowski had to fill following the departure of Super Bowl hero Adam Vinatieri to the rival Indianapolis Colts.

Fast forward nine seasons into his career, Gostkowski is now breaking records of his predecessor and re-writing the Patriots history books.

On Thursday night, Gostkowski made a 36-yard field goal that was his 26th consecutive in a row, breaking the previous record of 25 straight by the aforementioned Vinatieri.

Given the nickname “Ghost” by many of his teammates for the quiet but important contributions he has made over the years, Gostkowski has developed into one of the NFL’s most premiere placekickers, making three Pro Bowl appearances and is the Patriots all-time leading scorer, also ahead of Vinatieri.

According to ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss, “Entering Thursday night, he had connected on 87.5 percent of his regular-season field goal attempts, the best percentage in team history.”

Gostkowski also broke the NFL record for most extra points made earlier this season, besting Matt Stovers mark of 422 in a row.

However his most entertaining kick of the night, was this 52 yard field goal that tied the franchise record, watch how it curves below.