Inductees

Jim Bakken was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin.  He quickly displayed his all-around physical talents as he became an all-state high school player in football, basketball and baseball.  Bakken played for the hometown University of Wisconsin Badgers as both a place kicker and punter.  He was originally signed with the Los Angeles Rams in 1962, signing with the St. Louis Cardinals the following year, playing 17 years with the Big Red.

He quickly earned the nickname “Bags” by his Cardinal teammates, knowing his kicks were money in the bank when the game was on the line. When he retired in 1979 holding the teams record with 282 field goals and 534 extra points. He named to NFL Pro Bowls in 1965, 1967, 1975, and 1976.  Most impressively, he was named the NFL’s All-Decade kicker for both the 1960’s and 1970’s.