View game photos as the Vikings take on the Denver Broncos at U.S. Bank Stadium recognizing Salute to Service on Sunday.
Minnesota Vikings middle linebacker Eric Kendricks carries a flag onto the field before an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
MINNEAPOLIS – Vikings kicker Dan Bailey reached a mammoth milestone in his 133rd NFL game.
With his extra point following a touchdown by rookie tight end Irv Smith, Jr., Bailey hit the 1,000-point mark for his career.
Bailey reached the benchmark just one week after the Vikings Sunday Night Football win over the Cowboys, with whom he spent his first seven NFL seasons after signing with Dallas as an undrafted free agent in 2011.
He joined the Vikings following Week 2 of the 2018 season and in March signed an extension to stay in Purple.
Through 24 games with Minnesota heading into the Week 11 matchup, Bailey was 36-of-45 (80.0 percent) on field goals attempted and had made 57 of 60 PATs (95.0 percent).
Bailey especially stood out during the month of October, during which he twice earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. Prior to signing with Minnesota, he won the award three times in Dallas.
Not one to focus too much on personal accolades, Bailey earlier last month shared credit for his success with rookie long snapper Austin Cutting and punter/holder Britton Colquitt, whom the Vikings signed in September.
"Really, it comes down to the operation," Bailey said. "I think we've really gotten in a good groove here with me, Britton and Austin. They've made my job pretty easy."
He is now 62nd overall in all-time NFL scoring, according to Pro Football Reference.
Bailey is the fourth kicker to record at least 1,000 points who has suited up for the Vikings. Fred Cox leads the franchise with scoring with 1,365 points. Gary Anderson scored 542 of his 2,434 career points while with the Vikings. Ryan Longwell scored 633 of his 1,687 points with Minnesota.
Vikings Special Teams Coordinator Marwan Maalouf was asked earlier this week about the kicker's approaching achievement.
Maalouf, who is in his first season in Minnesota, called it an "outstanding accomplishment" for Bailey.
"Think of how long NFL careers are now," Maalouf said. "He's put a good body of work together, and he's done a good job here so far this year.
"But I think the thing that he wants to focus on is just making sure that he follows his routine, he's on point with everything," he added. "All the accolades and everything that happens afterwards, I'm sure he'll celebrate it after the season."
