The Unbreakable Record: Why Chris Boswell’s Legacy Might Always Have a Gap
When it comes to Pittsburgh Steelers kicking records, Chris Boswell is on the verge of becoming the undisputed king. Personally, I think it’s only a matter of time before he surpasses Gary Anderson’s field goal mark and claims the scoring throne. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Boswell’s dominance isn’t just about breaking records—it’s about redefining what’s possible for a kicker in the modern NFL. But here’s the twist: there’s one record that might forever elude him, and it’s not even held by a kicker from his era.
The Record That Time Forgot
Matt Bahr’s 50 extra points in 1979 stand as a relic of a bygone era. In my opinion, this record isn’t just about kicking accuracy—it’s a testament to the Steelers’ offensive juggernaut of the 1970s. What many people don’t realize is that extra points were a product of touchdowns, and touchdowns were a product of a dynasty. The Steelers of ’79 scored 52 touchdowns in a 16-game season. Fast forward to today, and even with an extra game, the 2025 Steelers managed just 45. If you take a step back and think about it, Boswell’s single-season high of 43 extra points isn’t a reflection of his skill—it’s a reflection of the team’s offensive limitations.
Why This Matters (and Why It Doesn’t)
One thing that immediately stands out is how this record highlights the evolution of the NFL. In the ’70s, offenses were explosive, and extra points were almost automatic. Today, defenses are smarter, and offenses are more reliant on field goals. From my perspective, Boswell’s inability to break this record isn’t a knock on him—it’s a symptom of the modern game. What this really suggests is that records aren’t just about individual talent; they’re about the context in which they’re set.
The Role of the Offense
A detail that I find especially interesting is how much Boswell’s chances hinge on the Steelers’ offense. To break Bahr’s record, Pittsburgh would need to score at least 51 touchdowns in a season. That’s not just a tall order—it’s a complete overhaul of the team’s offensive identity. In my opinion, the Steelers are more likely to lean on Boswell’s leg for field goals than to suddenly transform into a touchdown machine. This raises a deeper question: Is it fair to judge a kicker’s legacy by a record that depends so heavily on his teammates?
The 18-Game Season: A Lifeline or a Mirage?
There’s been talk of the NFL expanding to an 18-game season, which could give Boswell a shot at the record. But here’s the catch: the NFLPA’s resistance and the league’s slow pace mean this might not happen until 2031. By then, Boswell will be 40. Personally, I think this is less about opportunity and more about timing. Even if the season expands, Boswell’s age and the team’s trajectory might make this record unattainable.
The Bigger Picture
What makes Boswell’s story so compelling is what it says about the nature of records. Some are meant to be broken; others are time capsules. Bahr’s record isn’t just a number—it’s a snapshot of a dynasty. Boswell’s legacy, on the other hand, is being written in a different era, with different challenges. In my opinion, the fact that he might never hold this record doesn’t diminish his greatness; it adds depth to his story.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one takeaway from all this, it’s that records aren’t just about individual achievement—they’re about the teams, eras, and circumstances that make them possible. Boswell’s career will be defined by the records he breaks, but the one he doesn’t might be the most telling. It’s a reminder that even the greatest players are products of their time. And sometimes, the most interesting stories are the ones left untold.
