Former Cardinals Kicker Jim Bakken Named to Hall of Very Good

Bakken played 17 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals and was a 4-time Pro Bowler

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Hall of Very Good has announced its Class of 2026, and former St. Louis Cardinals kicker Jim Bakken has been selected for induction. Bakken played for the Cardinals from 1962 to 1978, making 4 Pro Bowls and being named First Team All-Pro twice. He led the NFL in scoring in 1967 and was later named to the NFL 1960s and 1970s All-Decade Teams.

Why it matters

The Hall of Very Good recognizes excellent NFL players who did not quite make the cut for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Bakken's induction highlights his standout career as one of the top kickers of his era, even though he fell short of the highest individual honor.

The details

Bakken was a 7th round draft pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 1962 but was claimed off waivers by the Cardinals. He went on to have a 17-year career in St. Louis, leading the NFL in field goals made and attempted in 1964. Bakken was a 4-time Pro Bowler and 2-time First Team All-Pro, leading the league in scoring in 1967 with 117 points. He was also a standout punter, averaging 36.8 yards per punt over his career.

  • Bakken was drafted by the Rams in 1962 and claimed by the Cardinals that year.
  • He made 4 Pro Bowls during his 17-year career with the Cardinals from 1962 to 1978.
  • Bakken led the NFL in scoring in 1967 with 117 points.
  • He was named to the NFL 1960s and 1970s All-Decade Teams.

The players

Jim Bakken

A kicker who played 17 seasons for the St. Louis Cardinals, making 4 Pro Bowls and being named First Team All-Pro twice.

Danny Villanueva

The veteran kicker for the Cardinals in 1962 when Bakken was claimed off waivers.

Gerry Perry

The offensive tackle who handled kicking duties for the Cardinals in 1961 before Bakken joined the team.

Jerry Norton

The strong safety who was the Cardinals' punter in 1961 before Bakken joined the team.

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The takeaway

Bakken's induction into the Hall of Very Good highlights the importance of recognizing excellent NFL players who may have fallen just short of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His standout career as one of the top kickers of his era is a testament to the value of specialized positions in the game.