Ohio State kicking legend Mike Nugent signs with the Dallas Cowboys

Kicker Mike Nugent has a very up and down career over the past 12 years since leaving Ohio State and heading to the NFL. Now, at 35 years old, the Buckeye’s career has been given a breath of life thanks to the Dallas Cowboys, according to Adam Schefter.

The Cowboys were in a precarious situation last weekend when their kicker Dan Bailey was sidelined with a groin injury. With only one kicker on the active roster, the team looked toward safety Jeff Heath to fill in. It was fine, but definitely not a long-term solution.

Nugent spent the preseason with the New York Giants, but was waived during the final 53-man roster cuts. Having been cut by the Bengals before the end of the 2016 season, the future looked bleak for the kicker, who was once among the most consistent and reliable kickers in the league.

After being drafted by the New York Jets in 2005, Nugent spent three years with the team before an injury and short stints in Arizona and Tampa Bay. In 2010, the Buckeye went back to his home state of Ohio, to play for the Cincinnati Bengals — where he suited up for the next six years. Between 2013-2015 Nugent hadn’t missed a single game, but didn’t seem to come back in quite the same way in 2016.

Last season was his worst yet, finishing the year 23-of-29 field goal attempts and 23-of-29 extra points. The latter was the more concerning statistic heading down the stretch. In his entire career, Nugent had never missed more than one — if any at all — point after attempt per season.

He seemed to make up for it during his preseason with the Giants, but failed to do enough to win the starting spot — and roster spot -- from rookie Aldrick Rosas.