Rafael Septien

José Rafael Septién Michel (born December 12, 1953 in Mexico City) is a former Mexican placekicker in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys from 1978 through 1986. He was the leading scorer for the Cowboys those nine years. He initially played for the Los Angeles Rams in 1977 after finishing college at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Early years
His father Carlos Septien was a professional soccer player in Mexico, so he looked to follow his steps by joining Club América's youth system. He was never a regular starter so he decided to aim for the NFL.

A friend told him that the University of Louisiana at Lafayette needed a kicker, so he walked on to the football team after a tryout.

Septien experienced success from the start of his football career. On October 5, 1974 he kicked a 57-yard field goal, breaking Gerald Landry 1963 school record. In 1975 and 1976 he was named first team Southland Conference.

Septien had a remarkable college career, finishing as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette all-time leading kicker and breaking many of the school's records, some of which still stand today:
 * Most field goals made in a game: 5 vs. San Jose State University (1974).
 * Most points a game: 16 vs. San Jose State University (1974).
 * Most field goals attempted in a game: 6 vs. San Jose State University (1974).
 * Most field goals made in a season: 26 (1974).
 * Longest field goal: 57 yards vs. Tulane University (1974).
 * Most 50+ yard field goals in a season: 4 (1974).
 * Most 50+ yard field goals in a career: 9 (1974-1976).
 * Most 50+ yard field goals in a season: 4 (1974).
 * Most 50+ yard field goals in a game: 2 vs. Lamar University (1974).

New Orleans Saints
Septien was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the 10th round of the 1977 NFL Draft, but was waived during training camp.

Los Angeles Rams
He was signed as a free agent by the Los Angeles Rams in 1977, making 18 out of 30 field goals (60%) and being named to the All-Rookie team. In 1978 he was released after the final pre-season game to make room for third round draft choice Frank Corral, who would go on to have a great rookie year.

Dallas Cowboys
In 1978 the Dallas Cowboys were looking for a replacement for All-Pro Efren Herrera, who was traded to the Seattle Seahawks because of a contract dispute. He made the team after a tryout, showing a strong leg for kickoffs, and was second in scoring in the NFC. He also played in Super Bowl XIII, making a 27-yard field goal in the third quarter and scoring four PATs, in a 35-31 loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He was selected to the Pro Bowl at the end of the 1981 season, after making a league high 121 points. In 1983 he set a Cowboys' record with 123 points.

Septien was indicted on April 8, 1987 after pleading guilty to a charge of indecency with a child, receiving a 10-year probated sentence. A week later he was released by the team and replaced with Roger Ruzek.

He led the Cowboys in scoring in all of his 9 seasons with the team, making 162 field goals in 226 attempts and scoring 388 PATs. He left as the club's all-time scoring leader (874 points), 10th all-time in league history and his 91% field goal accuracy in the playoffs was the best in NFL history.

Septien was named to the Cowboys' 40th anniversary team in 2000.

Miami Dolphins
In 1988 he had a tryout with the Miami Dolphins but wasn't signed.

Denver Broncos
In 1989 he was signed by the Denver Broncos but was waived during the pre-season.

Legal incident
A Dallas County, Texas, grand jury indicted him January 22, 1987, on a charge of mishandling of a minor. Septien pleaded guilty on April 8, 1987, to a charge of indecency with a child in an agreement with prosecutors that brought him a sentence of 10 years' deferred probation and a $2,000 fine. He was released by the Cowboys a week later. He never played again.

Personal life
He currently lives in Cancún, Mexico. He appeared in 2 movies filmed in Mexico