Nicholas Alexander Folk Bio
Nicholas Alexander Folk is an American professional football placekicker for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arizona Wildcats, earning first-team All-Pac-10 honors, and was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. During his three seasons with the Cowboys, Folk received Pro Bowl honors as a rookie. Folk played his next seven seasons for the Jets, becoming the franchise’s second-leading all-time scorer. Following an unsuccessful stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2017, Folk spent a year away from football before pursuing a comeback in 2019 with the Arizona Hotshots of the Alliance of American Football (AAF). He returned to the NFL later that year as a member of the New England Patriots and co-led the league in scoring in 2021. After four seasons in New England, Folk spent two seasons with the Tennessee Titans before rejoining the Jets in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Nicholas Folk was born on November 5, 1984, in Los Angeles, California. He was raised in a supportive family, with his father, Anton Folk, working as an accountant, and his mother, Kathryn Folk, serving as a pediatrician. Folk attended Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California, where he played high school football. As a senior, he earned All-CIF honors as a punter and was named second-team as a placekicker. Additionally, he captained the soccer team and received All-CIF Division, all-league, and All-Valley honors.
Path to American Football
After high school, Nicholas Folk accepted a football scholarship to the University of Arizona. He became the starting placekicker as a sophomore, showcasing his skills by making a 52-yard field goal against USC in 2005. Folk also took over punting duties during his college career, earning All-Pac-10 honors as a senior. He finished his college career with impressive statistics, making 30 out of 47 field goals and 79 out of 81 extra points.
Nicholas Alexander Folk Career
Early Career (2007–2009)
Nicholas Folk was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft, becoming the 178th overall pick. In his rookie season, he made a significant impact by kicking a 53-yard game-winning field goal against the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football. His performance earned him the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award for Week 5. Folk’s rookie season culminated in Pro Bowl honors, making him the first Cowboys rookie kicker to achieve this distinction. He also set a franchise record for points scored by a placekicker in a single season with 131 points.
Breakthrough (2010–2016)
After his time with the Cowboys, Folk signed with the New York Jets on February 23, 2010. He quickly established himself as a reliable kicker, setting a franchise record for the longest kick at 56 yards against the Denver Broncos. In the 2010 season, he converted 30 field goals out of 39 attempts, including a game-winning field goal in the AFC Wild Card Round against the Indianapolis Colts. Folk continued to excel with the Jets, achieving a career-high of 23 consecutive field goals made in 2013 and earning a franchise tag in 2014.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Nicholas Folk has been recognized for his contributions on the field, including being named the NFL scoring co-leader in 2021. He has consistently ranked among the top kickers in the league, setting records for field goal percentage and consecutive field goals made.
Nicholas Alexander Folk Award Nominations
Nicholas Folk has received several nominations throughout his career, including recognition for his performance in the Pro Bowl and various special teams awards.
Nicholas Alexander Folk Awards Won
Folk has achieved notable awards, including being named to the Pro Bowl in 2007, earning the NFL scoring co-leader title in 2021, and being selected for the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2007. He was also recognized as a first-team All-Pac-10 player in 2006.
Nicholas Alexander Folk Family
Nicholas Folk is married to Julianne Folk, and together they have four children, including twin boys, a daughter, and a younger son. Folk’s family background includes his parents, Anton and Kathryn Folk, who have supported his athletic endeavors throughout his life.
Personal Life
Folk is an avid soccer fan and enjoys attending New York Red Bulls games. He majored in marketing at the University of Arizona and has been involved in charitable efforts, particularly supporting research for neurofibromatosis through the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Folk’s dedication to his family and community reflects his commitment beyond the football field.
