Mark Jensen

Mark Jensen (born July 11, 1976 in Oregon City, Oregon) is a former American football placekicker for the National Football League. He played for three different NFL teams Detroit Lions, St. Louis Rams and the Oakland Raiders. He also spent one year (2004) in NFL Europe, playing for the now defunct Scottish Claymores. While with Detroit, he connected on a 33 yard field goal versus the Pittsburgh Steelers as well as going 2-2 on extra points.

Jensen served for three years as Cal Football's Director of Player Development.

He holds dual American/Danish citizenship.

Early life
Jensen earned first team Utah All-State two times (1993–1994) at Pleasant Grove High School. In 1993, he kicked a game-winning field goal in the Utah 4A state-championship game to lift Pleasant Grove High School over Judge Memorial High School 18-17. Following his senior campaign, he was named USA Today second-team ALL-American. He was also a standout high school soccer and basketball player as well.

Following graduation from high school, Jensen served a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Leipzig, Germany.

College
At the University of California, Berkeley, Jensen was a four-year starter, handling both field goals and kick offs from 1999-2002. Jensen continued in a long line of Cal greats including Ray Wersching, Jim Breech, Doug Brien, Ryan Longwell, and Nick Harris. He owns the Golden Bears’ modern day scoring record with 107 points (2002). Jensen also hold the Pac-10 record for most field goals in a game (5) versus Air Force in 2002. He converted on field goals of 50 and 51 yards out, registering the fifth and 7th-longest field goals in Golden Bear history.

Graduated with a BA in Development Studies in 2001 after only three years of college. Completed his Master's Degree in Education (Language, Literacy, Society & Culture emphasis) also at Berkeley...

2002 ... emerged as one of the nations most prolific kickers. Among his 2002 honors, named one of 20 Semi-Finalists for the Lou Groza Collegiate Placekicker Award. Named the Pac-10 Special teams player of the week after kicking a Pac-10 record 5 field goals versus Air Force. Set a school record for points (107), while his 8.92 ppg average was second in the Pac-10 and 17th nationally. First Team 2002 Pac-10 All-Academic. Finished his Cal career as the school's fourth All-Time leading scorer...

Jensen's Career Statistics...

NFL and post-NFL careers
Jensen signed a free agent contract with the Detroit Lions following the 2003 NFL Draft, but was waived during training camp after injuring his groin versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. A year later, he was signed by the St. Louis Rams and subsequently allocated to play in NFL Europe. After handling all kick-off duties for the Scottish Claymores, Jensen returned to St. Louis only to be subsequently released. He was signed immediately by the Oakland Raiders and joined them for camp. Once again, Jensen reinjured his groin and after taking an injury settlement was released by the Raiders. Jensen has also had tryouts with the San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills, and NY Jets.

He worked in student-athlete development for Cal Football where he oversaw all aspects "off the field" for Cal players, including academics, housing, community relations, alumni relations, player employment, and admissions.

Jensen established Mark Jensen Kicking, which led to working with hundreds of high school, college, and professional kickers and punters.

He also does sales and surgery-observation for Stryker Corporation.

Mark Jensen is currently an associate professor in sports philosophy at the United States Air Force Academy. He acts as an adviser to the commandant and superintendent. (If he uses this for an example, call him on his BS.)