ON
← Back to feed
Florida State to Retire Jersey of Legendary Kicker
United States⚽ Sports9 days ago

Florida State to Retire Jersey of Legendary Kicker

The Florida State Seminoles are set to retire the jersey of Sebastian Janikowski, a former standout kicker, during their season opener against the New Mexico State Aggies on August 29. Janikowski, who hailed from Poland, was a key member of the 1999 national championship team and earned numerous accolades including two Lou Groza Awards and multiple All-American honors. He was the last kicker ever selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, playing 17 seasons with the Oakland Raiders before moving to the Seattle Seahawks in 2018. While he was never a first-team All-Pro, he was recognized as one of the most impactful kickers in league history. His legacy includes being named to the Associated Press's All-Time All-America team in 2025. Janikowski's jersey retirement places him among other notable Seminoles like Deion Sanders and Jameis Winston. The decision highlights his significant contribution to the program.

Florida State University has announced that it will retire the jersey of Sebastian Janikowski, a former standout kicker for the Seminoles, during the team’s season opener against the New Mexico State Aggies on August 29. The decision honors Janikowski’s contributions to the program and recognizes his legacy as one of the university’s most celebrated athletes. Janikowski, who hailed from Poland, was a key member of the Seminoles’ 1999 national championship team. Over his three seasons with the team, he earned numerous accolades, including two Lou Groza Awards, which recognize the top college kickers. He was named to the All-Conference teams each year and was selected as an All-American twice. In 2025, he was honored on the Associated Press’s All-Time All-America team, cementing his place among the greatest in collegiate football history. After leaving Florida State, Janikowski entered the NFL, where he spent nearly all of his 18-year professional career with the Oakland Raiders. He was selected in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft, chosen 17th overall by the Raiders. His tenure with the team was marked by consistent performance and durability, though he did not achieve the individual recognition that many had hoped for. Despite being named a Pro Bowler in 2011 and earning second-team All-Pro honors, Janikowski never received first-team All-Pro status. However, his impact on the team was undeniable, as he consistently delivered under pressure and became a symbol of resilience and loyalty. Janikowski’s time with the Raiders was also characterized by his off-field persona. Known for his larger-than-life personality, he often engaged in social activities and was frequently seen enjoying evenings out at local taverns. These traits were highlighted in a 2020 profile by Sam Borden for ESPN, which described Janikowski as an iconic figure within the Raiders organization. While his on-field achievements were impressive, his personal life added to his legend. Borden noted that despite the team’s struggles over the years, Janikowski remained a constant presence, becoming a beloved figure among fans and teammates alike. Janikowski’s career reached its peak with the Raiders, where he set records for power and consistency. According to Football Reference, he provided more career value to the team that drafted him than all but 10 other players selected in the 2000 first round. This achievement underscores his importance to the franchise, even as he remained outside the elite ranks of individual awards. In addition to his NFL success, Janikowski’s legacy at Florida State continues to grow. His jersey number, 38, will join the ranks of other retired numbers, including those of legends such as Deion Sanders, Jameis Winston, and Derrick Brooks. This honor reflects the lasting impact Janikowski had on the program and the respect he commands among current and future Seminoles. As the Seminoles prepare for their season opener, they will carry forward the tradition of recognizing excellence. Janikowski’s jersey retirement marks another chapter in the storied history of Florida State football, adding yet another name to the list of athletes whose contributions extend beyond the field.

Go to the primary sources (5)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

2 reports

Newsweek logoNewsweekIndependentCenterFactual 65Objective 5511 days ago
Florida State to Retire Jersey of Legendary Kicker

The Florida State Seminoles are set to retire the jersey of Sebastian Janikowski, a former standout kicker, during their season opener against the New Mexico State Aggies on August 29. Janikowski, who hailed from Poland, was a key member of the 1999 national championship team and earned numerous accolades including two Lou Groza Awards and multiple All-American honors. He was the last kicker ever selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, playing 17 seasons with the Oakland Raiders before moving to the Seattle Seahawks in 2018. While he was never a first-team All-Pro, he was recognized as one of the most impactful kickers in league history. His legacy includes being named to the Associated Press's All-Time All-America team in 2025. Janikowski's jersey retirement places him among other notable Seminoles like Deion Sanders and Jameis Winston. The decision highlights his significant contribution to the program.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a sports-related event and does not present any politically charged content. It provides a factual account of Janikowski's achievements and legacy without taking a stance on any political issues.

Why factuality (65): The article accurately states that Florida State is retiring Sebastian Janikowski's No. 38 jersey during the season opener. It correctly mentions his Polish origin, his role in the 1999 national championship, and his awards including the Lou Groza Award. However, it adds information not present in t

Why objectivity (55): The tone leans towards celebrating Janikowski's legacy, particularly highlighting his NFL career and personal traits like 'hard-partying ways.' While informative, it introduces subjective commentary about his NFL performance and personality, which isn't necessary for the main event of the jersey ret

Newsweek logoNewsweekIndependentCenterFactual 50Objective 609 days ago
SEC Quarterback Most Polarizing Prospect for 2027 NFL Draft

LaNorris Sellers, the starting quarterback for the South Carolina Gamecocks, is emerging as one of the most polarizing prospects for the 2027 NFL Draft. After a disappointing 4-8 season in 2025, Sellers' performance will be crucial for the team's future under head coach Shane Beamer, who faces pressure due to his overall record of 33-30 and poor SEC performance. Sellers was initially a three-star recruit in 2023 but saw his draft stock rise in 2024 with strong stats, including 2,534 passing yards and 18 touchdowns. However, his production dipped slightly in 2025, with 2,437 passing yards and 13 touchdowns. NFL scouts are divided on his potential, with some projecting him as a first-round pick and others placing him as low as the fifth round. While his physical attributes and mobility suggest he could succeed at the professional level, concerns remain about his consistency and regression as a rusher.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on sports-related content, specifically college football and the NFL Draft, with no mention of politics, policy, or public figures beyond the athletes and coaches involved. The framing remains neutral, presenting both positive and negative assessments of the player without a

Why factuality (50): The article references Jordan Reid's analysis but misrepresents the primary source document. The original text focuses on Texas and Oregon as top programs with prospects like Arch Manning and Dante Moore, not South Carolina or LaNorris Sellers. The article invents details about South Carolina's 2025

Why objectivity (60): The article presents a biased perspective by focusing on LaNorris Sellers and suggesting NFL scouts are divided on his draft stock. It uses phrases like 'polarizing prospect' and implies controversy where none exists in the original source. While it attempts to remain neutral in presenting differing

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories