It was like kicking a game-winning field goal... only better. For David Akers, a former substitute teacher and former waiter, this was his big day as the Eagles signed their prized kicker to a contract extension through 2010. The deal comes down one day after the Eagles inked Brian Westbrook to an extension.

"This is a wonderful day for me. Professionally, this is probably one of my happiest days," said Akers, a three-time Pro Bowl player. "I am very excited right now.

"It's not always about the numbers or where you are ranked; it's what you feel like that you're happy with personally."

K David Akers

Actually, it was somewhat of a surprise for Akers, who prior to Sunday's game had missed more than a month with a hamstring injury.

"Under the situation I was in -- being injured -- I thought it took a lot of courage and it showed the faith they had in my abilities and my work ethic to make sure I get back, that I am healthy and that I perform at a high level for several more years," said Akers, who is 3-for-6 on field goals this season.

Back in 1999, head coach Andy Reid took a chance on Akers and brought him on as a kickoff and long field goal specialist. Since then he has rewritten the Eagles' record books and has established himself as one of the NFL's elite kickers.

Now in his seventh NFL season, Akers currently ranks fifth on the NFL¹s all-time career field goal accuracy list (82.1%). He is the Eagles all-time leader in field goals made (142) while ranking second in both PATs (208) and points (634). He has also posted the top five consecutive field goal streaks in team history, including a string of 17 straight in 2001.

During his Eagles career Akers has nailed 10 game-tying or game-winning field goals with under five minutes to play, including the exhilarating yet painful kick to beat Oakland back on Sept. 25.

Akers set an NFL record in 2004 with 17 field goals of 40 yards-or-more. He also owns three of the six longest field goals in team history (57, 53, 52) and set the club record for consecutive PATs made with 153 (2001-04). Since 2000, Akers also ranks second in the NFC with 623 points.

Akers has always credited his on-field supporting cast for his success, namely special teams coordinator John Harbaugh, long snapper Mike Bartrum and holder Koy Detmer.

Akers said "playing in Philadelphia has changed my life," and he plans on moving his family into the area permanently.

"I got my first start here as far as with the team that gave me an opportunity to play for a while and to indent myself into an organization," Akers said. "The community has embraced me so well that I can never repay the people that have come into my life and have done so many remarkable things for me.

"Playing here in Philadelphia has changed my life."

It's been a GOOOOO-D situation.