As the clock ticks closer to the start of training camp, we want you to familiarize yourselves with the key players who will be counted upon to make an impact in the 2010 season. Today, we'll start with David Akers. A four-time Pro Bowl kicker, Akers is the franchise's all-time leader in points, field goals and extra points. A member of the Eagles since 2000, Akers is the longest-tenured Eagle. Here are some other things you might not know about Akers ...
1. Akers was the league's leading scorer for the decade as he finished with 1,169 points edging Ryan Longwell (1,141), Jason Elam (1,137) and Matt Stover (1,120). He was also named to the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 2000s. In terms of points, Akers' best season was in 2008 when he set the franchise records with 144 as well as the single-season franchise record for field goals with 33. Last season, Akers was tied for first in the league with 32 field goals (Nate Kaeding, SD) and second in points with 139 (Kaeding, 146).
2. One of the league's most accurate kickers, Akers has made 81.6 percent of his field goal attempts in his regular season career. He has been just as good in the clutch with nine game-winning field goals within a game's final two minutes or overtime in his career.
3. Believe it or not, Akers was released by Carolina, Atlanta and Washington before landing in Philadelphia. During his journey to becoming one of the league's best at his craft, he worked as a part-time waiter and was also a substitute teacher. This past season, Akers was named to USA Football's All-Fundamentals team for his kicking mechanics.
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 2:00 p.m., June 28
