Steve Christie


 * For the Canadian ice hockey player, see Steve Christie (ice hockey).

Geoffrey Stephen Christie (born November 13, 1967 in Hamilton, Ontario) is a former Canadian American football placekicker in the National Football League, who, as a member of the Buffalo Bills, became known for his ability to kick clutch field goals, even in poor weather.

Early career
Christie, who grew up in nearby Oakville, Ontario, graduated from The College of William and Mary and made his NFL debut with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1990. He made all 27 extra point attempts and 23 of 27 field goal tries in his rookie season. He would end up playing two years in Tampa.

Buffalo Bills
From 1992 to 2000, Christie kicked for Buffalo. With the Bills, he would become one of the game's top kickers. He was a key contributor in the Bills comeback win against the Houston Oilers, which occurred after the Bills trailed 35-3 early in the third quarter in a playoff game after the 1992 season. Christie kicked a successful onside kick, which he recovered himself (becoming the first placekicker ever to do so in an NFL playoff game), and also kicked the game winning 32-yard field goal in overtime. His kicking shoe from that game is displayed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. He then went on to kick five field goals in the Bills 29-10 win over the Miami Dolphins in the AFC championship game, helping Buffalo get to their third consecutive Super Bowl.

In 1993, Christie set a Bills record by kicking a 59-yard field goal in a regular season game. It was only four yards short of the all-time NFL record.

In Super Bowl XXVIII, Christie set a Super Bowl record by kicking a 54-yard field goal. It is currently the longest field goal ever made in Super Bowl History.

In the 2000 season, Christie was an instrumental part of the Bills' eight victories. In week 1 vs. the Tennessee Titans, Christie went 3 for 4 on field goal attempts (41, 42, & 33 yards). The 33-yard field goal came with just :35 seconds to play, giving the Bills a win over the Titans, who had knocked them out of the playoffs the year before. In week 7 vs. the San Diego Chargers, Christie kicked a 29-yard field goal with just :11 seconds to play, forcing the game into overtime. Christie then nailed a 46-yard field goal in overtime, giving the Bills their third victory of the season. In week 9 vs. the New York Jets, Christie went 3 for 4 on field goal attempts (20, 29, & 34 yards). The 34-yard field goal came with just :03 seconds to play, lifting the Bills to 4-4 on the season. In week 10 vs. the New England Patriots, Christie kicked a 48-yard field goal in rainy conditions with just seconds to play, forcing the game into overtime. Christie then nailed a 32-yard field goal in overtime, sending the Bills to 5-4 on the season.

Christie has nine field goals in overtime to his credit, an NFL record he shares with Jason Elam and former NFL placekicker Jim Breech.

Later career
From 2001 to 2003 he played for the San Diego Chargers, who, with the hire of a former Bills GM, acquired several former Buffalo players.

When rookie Nate Kaeding was acquired, Christie's services were no longer needed and he was released. Christie spent most of the 2004 NFL season with the New York Giants.

In his 15 NFL seasons, Christie converted 336 of 431 (77%) field goals and 468 of 473 (98%) extra points, giving him a total of 1,476 points.

On July 2, 2007, Christie joined the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League by signing a practice roster agreement with the team. On the signing, Christie pointed out that his reason for joining the team was "basically doing Michael (Clemons) a favour" as a former college teammate and that it was tentatively for one game. Christie was activated to play on July 7, 2007 against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats where he went 2-4 on field goal attempts. Three days later, Christie was cut by the team.

On March 5, 2008 Christie retired from professional football. The Buffalo Bills officially signed Christie to a one day contract, thus to retire as a Buffalo Bill. He currently resides in St. Petersburg, Florida, with his wife Kelly and daughters Lexy, Clare and Amber and he also enjoys his home in Niagara-on-the Lake Canada several months a year. He also maintains a residence in Ellicottville, New York.

After football
Christie also served as an analyst for The Score Television Network. He also did color commentary for the University at Buffalo Bulls football team on WECK radio. Christie is currently working with Gil Scott Sports Management and is a certified CFL Agent.