In the 1998 season, the Atlanta Falcons took on the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game, a game that came down to one last field goal by Falcons' kicker Morten Andersen in overtime giving the team a 30-27 victory.
Falcons' receiver Terance Mathis makes a 14-yard reception.
Falcons' running back Jamal Anderson runs the ball and shakes off tackles.
Vikings' kicker Gary Anderson watches from the ground at his field goal sails wide.
Falcons' Shane Dronett celebrates a fumble recovery forced on the Minnesota Vikings.
Falcons safety William White makes a tackle on Vikings' Andrew Glover after a reception.
Falcons' kicker Morten Andersen kicks the game-winning field goal.
Falcons' Kicker Morten Andersen runs off the field after making a field goal in overtime to win the game.
Falcons' coach Dan Reeves hugs Vikings' coach Dennis Green following the game.
Falcons' kicker Morten Andersen celebrates making a field goal with teammate Chuck Smith.
Falcons' kicker Morten Andersen celebrates the victory with teammate Chris Chandler.
Falcons' players Chris Chandler and Eugene Robinson hold up the NFC Championship trophy.
Falcons' kicker Morten Andersen kisses the NFC Championship trophy.
Former Head Coach of the Falcons' Dan Reeves does his best 'Dirty Bird' dance during a press conference the day after the Falcons defeated the Vikings in the NFC Championship game in 1999.
There's no doubt that former Falcons kicker Morten Andersen cracked a smile Thursday night after hearing he's one step away from being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The NFL's all-time leading scorer was selected as one of 15 finalists for the 2015 Class.
"It's out of my hands," Andersen said. "There's not much I can do right now. We'll just see what happens. I would be humbled, obviously, if they decided to let me in."
When the voters sit down to look at each resume of the 15 finalists, Andersen's may take the longest to review. He scored more points than anybody in the NFL (2,654) and is the only player in league history to be the top scorer for two teams (Falcons and Saints).
Among his long list of records, the left-footed kicker known as the "Great Dane" has the most field goals made (565) and scored at least one point in a game for 22.5-straight years (360-consecutive games).
The 54-year-old kicker now waits for a hopeful phone call prior to the announcement of the 2015 PFHOF Class on Jan. 31. The mindset between now and then is similar to Andersen's approach to each of his kicks during his remarkable 25-year career.
"I think you look at the big picture," Andersen said. "I don't think that one kick, good or bad, defined me as a kicker. I had to manage my emotions. I didn't get too high or too low. You trust your preparation. All your work is done prior to it."
