Kai Forbath: Difference between revisions

Forbath was born in [[Santa Monica, California]]. He attended [[Notre Dame High School (Sherman Oaks, California)|Notre Dame High School]] in [[Sherman Oaks, California|Sherman Oaks]]. During Forbath's last two [[high school football|prep]] seasons, he converted 26-of-33 field goal attempts and scored 213 total points, with a long field goal of 57 yards. He also forced touchbacks on 150 of 188 kickoffs and made 134-of-135 extra point attempts. Forbath also served as the team's [[Punter (football)|punter]] and had a punting average of 46 yards that led to him being named to the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''' All-Star team at punter. Forbath subsequently earned high school All-American recognition by ''[[USA Today]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hong |first=Jae C. |date=February 1, 2011 |title=Catching up with the 2005 All-USA team |url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/preps/football/2011-02-01-all-usa-class-of-2005_N.htm |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=USATODAY.COM |language=en |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=February 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216045806/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/preps/football/2011-02-01-all-usa-class-of-2005_n.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition to football, Forbath also played [[Association football|soccer]] in the West Valley Samba Soccer League ([[National Premier Soccer League]]). Following his senior season, Forbath was invited to play in the 2006 [[U.S. Army All-American Bowl]] and the CaliFlorida Bowl.{{cn|date=April 2023}}

Considered a three-star recruit by [[Rivals.com]], Forbath was listed as the No. 1 placekicker in the nation among the class of 2006.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kai Forbath, 2006 Kicker, UCLA |url=https://rivals.com/content/athletes/kai-forbath-17199?view=pv |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Rivals.com |language=en-US |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416165650/https://n.rivals.com/content/athletes/kai-forbath-17199?view=pv |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rivals.com Kickers 2006 |url=https://n.rivals.com/position_rankings/football/2006/K |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Rivals.com |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416165625/https://n.rivals.com/position_rankings/football/2006/K |url-status=live }}</ref> He picked UCLA over [[University of California, Berkeley|California]], [[University of Notre Dame|Notre Dame]], [[University of Oregon|Oregon]], among others.

Forbath attended [[University of California, Los Angeles|UCLA]], where he played for the [[UCLA Bruins football|football]] team from 2006 to 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kai Forbath College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/kai-forbath-1.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007055035/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/kai-forbath-1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After [[Redshirt (college sports)|redshirting]] his initial year at UCLA, Forbath made 25 of 30 field goals and all 30 points after touchdowns (PATs) for a team-high 105 points in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kai Forbath 2007 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/kai-forbath-1/gamelog/2007 |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=June 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627043435/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/kai-forbath-1/gamelog/2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> He became the first UCLA player to record five field goals of at least 50 yards in a season, including a freshman-best 54-yarder versus [[2007 Oregon Ducks football team|Oregon]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kai Forbath - Football |url=https://uclabruins.com/sports/football/roster/kai-forbath/3494 |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=UCLA Bruins Athletics |language=en |archive-date=March 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323195910/https://uclabruins.com/sports/football/roster/kai-forbath/3494 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Oregon at UCLA Box Score, November 24, 2007 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2007-11-24-ucla.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020054147/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2007-11-24-ucla.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In his sophomore year, Forbath received first-team All-Pacific-10 honors after making 19 of 22 field goals on the season, including his last 13 straight.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kai Forbath 2008 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/kai-forbath-1/gamelog/2008 |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=June 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627043434/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/kai-forbath-1/gamelog/2008 |url-status=live }}</ref>

As a junior in 2009, Forbath connected on another three field goals from 50 yards or more and had then made 9-of-12 tries from that distance.{{cn|date=April 2023}} Competing with [[Leigh Tiffin]] of [[2009 Alabama Crimson Tide football team|Alabama]] and [[Blair Walsh]] of [[2009 Georgia Bulldogs football team|Georgia]], Forbath was named the winner of the 2009 [[Lou Groza Award]], recognizing the best placekicker in college football.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lou Groza Award Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/groza.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=April 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403022720/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/groza.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He was named as a Consensus All-American.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Consensus All-America Teams (2000-2009) |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/all-america-2000-2009.html#2009 |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314104357/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/all-america-2000-2009.html#2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On September 25, 2010, Forbath kicked two field goals in leading the Bruins to an upset victory over the #7 [[2010 Texas Longhorns football team|Texas Longhorns]] 34–12 in front of a stadium-record 101,437 fans in [[Austin, Texas]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=UCLA at Texas Box Score, September 25, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-09-25-texas.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=April 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402202749/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-09-25-texas.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In the previous week, Forbath kicked a 42-yard field goal in the third quarter to give the Bruins a 24–3 lead in the game against then-#23 [[2010 Houston Cougars football team|Houston]]. UCLA defeated Houston by a score of 31–13.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston at UCLA Box Score, September 18, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-09-18-ucla.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406191252/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-09-18-ucla.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 6, 2010, Forbath kicked a game winning 51-yard field goal in the last second of the game to give the Bruins a 17–14 win over [[2010 Oregon State Beavers football team|Oregon State]], and he was named Pac-10 Conference Special Team Player-of-the-Week.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oregon State at UCLA Box Score, November 6, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-11-06-ucla.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406141643/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-11-06-ucla.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Reid |first=Scott |date=November 8, 2010 |title=UCLA football: Forbath named Pac-10 player of week |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2010/11/08/ucla-football-forbath-named-pac-10-player-of-week/ |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Orange County Register |language=en-US |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416165649/https://www.ocregister.com/2010/11/08/ucla-football-forbath-named-pac-10-player-of-week/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Although he was projected as the second-best kicker in the [[2011 NFL Draft]], Forbath was not selected in the Draft. On August 2, Forbath was signed by the [[Dallas Cowboys]] as an undrafted free agent, but because he had a pre-existing quad injury that did not allow him to practice and that would take a lengthy time to heal, he was immediately placed on the active non-football injury list.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 30, 2011 |title=Cowboys Place LB Bruce Carter, K Kai Forbath On "Reserve/NFI" |url=https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2011/8/30/2394039/cowboys-place-bruce-carter-kai-forbath-on-reserve-nfi-list |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Blogging The Boys |language=en |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003211352/https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2011/8/30/2394039/cowboys-place-bruce-carter-kai-forbath-on-reserve-nfi-list |url-status=live }}</ref> At the time, the Cowboys had an open competition for the [[placekicker]] job and were covering themselves in case a player did not emerge from the four kickers they had in training camp at one time.

The [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] claimed Forbath off waivers on April 17, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 17, 2012 |title=Bucs Add K Forbath Via Waivers |url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-add-k-forbath-via-waivers-7186703 |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Buccaneers.com |language=en-US |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003221250/https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-add-k-forbath-via-waivers-7186703 |url-status=live }}</ref> During the preseason, Forbath made all five field goal attempts, including a successful 55-yard kick.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Abner |first=Caleb |date=August 26, 2012 |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 3 Players Who Will Be Toughest to Cut |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1311955-tampa-bay-buccaneers-3-players-who-will-be-toughest-to-cut |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en |archive-date=August 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830213114/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1311955-tampa-bay-buccaneers-3-players-who-will-be-toughest-to-cut |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Abner |first=Caleb |date=August 30, 2012 |title=Bucs vs. Redskins: Tampa Bay's Biggest Winners, Losers from Preseason Week 4 |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1316397-bucs-vs-redskins-tampa-bays-biggest-winners-losers-from-preseason-week-4 |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en |archive-date=September 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120901033200/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1316397-bucs-vs-redskins-tampa-bays-biggest-winners-losers-from-preseason-week-4 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[Washington Redskins]] signed Forbath on October 9, 2012, replacing [[Billy Cundiff]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Mike |date=October 9, 2012 |title=Washington sign kicker Forbath |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2012/10/09/redskins-sign-kicker-kai-forbath/ |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Washington Post |archive-date=July 28, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728080347/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2012/10/09/redskins-sign-kicker-kai-forbath/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Aaron |date=October 10, 2012 |title=Redskins sign Kai Forbath, cut former Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bal-source-redskins-signing-kai-forbath-cutting-billy-cundiff-20121009-story.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Baltimore Sun |archive-date=December 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231051314/https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bal-source-redskins-signing-kai-forbath-cutting-billy-cundiff-20121009-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tinsman |first=Brian |date=October 9, 2012 |title=Redskins Release Cundiff, Sign Forbath |url=https://www.washingtonfootball.com/news/redskins-release-cundiff-sign-forbath-8516511 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423102057/http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/Redskins-Release-Cundiff-Sign-Forbath/89393019-1f71-49f3-80b8-33c955393115 |archive-date=April 23, 2018 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |website=Washington Football Team}}</ref> Forbath made his NFL and Washington debut knocking through a 50-yard attempt as his first career NFL field goal in the home game against the [[2012 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]] in Week 6 on October 14, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Mike |date=October 14, 2012 |title=Kai Forbath makes 50-yarder in Redskins debut |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2012/10/14/kai-forbath-makes-50-yarder-in-redskins-debut/ |access-date=October 5, 2012 |website=WashingtonPost.com |archive-date=October 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015142915/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2012/10/14/kai-forbath-makes-50-yarder-in-redskins-debut/ |url-status=live }}</ref> His performance was essential in Washington's victory over the [[Baltimore Ravens]] in Week 14, where he recorded 48-yard and 49-yard field goals and then converted a game-winning 34-yard field goal in overtime.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tinsman |first=Brian |date=December 10, 2012 |title=Monday Morning Stats Pack: Redskins-Ravens |url=https://www.washingtonfootball.com/news/monday-morning-stats-pack-redskins-ravens-9055659 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316214246/http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/Monday-Morning-Stats-Pack-Redskins-Ravens/24c2d86d-17d7-486d-b0fb-8166dba7ef27 |archive-date=March 16, 2018 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |website=Washington Football Team}}</ref>

On December 23, 2012, in Week 16, Forbath set the NFL record for consecutive field goals to begin a career with 17 in a row, beating [[Garrett Hartley]], who previously held the record at 16.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 23, 2012 |title=Kai Forbath sets NFL record for field goals to start career |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/kai-forbath-sets-nfl-record-for-field-goals-to-start-career-0ap1000000115318 |access-date=December 23, 2012 |website=NFL.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=August 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810091735/https://www.nfl.com/news/kai-forbath-sets-nfl-record-for-field-goals-to-start-career-0ap1000000115318 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tinsman |first=Brian |date=December 23, 2012 |title=Forbath Battles Gusty Winds For NFL Record |url=https://www.washingtonfootball.com/news/forbath-battles-gusty-winds-for-nfl-record-9179680 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423103525/http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/Forbath-Battles-Gusty-Winds-For-NFL-Record/2c626762-09c2-4771-8223-5f5b5c40b079 |archive-date=April 23, 2018 |access-date=December 23, 2012 |website=Washington Football Team}}</ref> The football was sent to the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Redskins rookie record, Forbath's record start |url=https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2012/12/news-redskins-rookie-record/ |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416165627/https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2012/12/news-redskins-rookie-record/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In the 2012 season, he finished converting 33 of 34 extra point attempts and 17 of 18 field goal attempts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kai Forbath 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/ForbKa00/gamelog/2012/ |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=April 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428183802/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/ForbKa00/gamelog/2012/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the 2013 season, Forbath converted all 26 extra point attempts and 18 of 22 field goal attempts in 13 games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kai Forbath 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/ForbKa00/gamelog/2013/ |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=April 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424225857/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/ForbKa00/gamelog/2013/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On October 19, 2014, in Week 7, Forbath scored the game-winning field goal in the 19–17 win over the [[Tennessee Titans]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 20, 2014 |title=Redskins-Titans Monday Stats Pack |url=http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/Redskins-Titans-Monday-Stats-Pack/f624e8e4-6539-40c7-8426-1b7514145fff |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817080531/http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/Redskins-Titans-Monday-Stats-Pack/f624e8e4-6539-40c7-8426-1b7514145fff |archive-date=August 17, 2017 |access-date=January 2, 2015 |website=Redskins.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Czarda |first=Stephen |date=October 19, 2014 |title=Kai Forbath's Boot Nets Redskins Victory |url=https://www.washingtonfootball.com/news/kai-forbath-s-boot-nets-redskins-victory-14035694 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304215415/http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/Kai-Forbaths-Boot-Nets-Redskins-Victory-/95ac7bef-61eb-43cc-aef7-401b42b23095 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |website=Washington Football Team}}</ref> He was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after scoring the overtime winning field goal against the [[2014 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]] the following week.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 29, 2014 |title=Kai Forbath Earns Weekly NFC Honor |url=https://www.washingtonfootball.com/news/kai-forbath-earns-weekly-nfc-honor-14113480 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304132617/http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/Kai-Forbath-Earns-Weekly-NFC-Honor/28913ea8-cac3-4bcd-ab53-ac7618dede3c |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |website=Washington Football Team}}</ref> He once again scored the game-winning field goal in the 27–24 Week 16 win over the [[2014 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Skinnell |first=Brian |date=December 22, 2014 |title=Kai Forbath Comes Up Big In The Clutch – Again |url=https://www.washingtonfootball.com/news/kai-forbath-comes-up-big-in-the-clutch-again-14633042 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |website=Washington Football Team |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027192723/https://www.washingtonfootball.com/news/kai-forbath-comes-up-big-in-the-clutch-again-14633042 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the 2014 season, Forbath finished converting 31 of 32 extra point attempts and 24 of 27 field goal attempts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kai Forbath 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/ForbKa00/gamelog/2014/ |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=April 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424232310/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/ForbKa00/gamelog/2014/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Washington offered Forbath a $1,542,000 right of first refusal tender on March 8, 2015,<ref>{{Cite web |last=El-Bashir |first=Tarik |date=March 8, 2015 |title=Redskins K Kai Forbath gets RFA tender |url=http://www.csnwashington.com/redskinsblog/redskins-k-kai-forbath-gets-rfa-tender |access-date=March 9, 2015 |website=CSNWashington.com |archive-date=March 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150309044247/http://www.csnwashington.com/redskinsblog/redskins-k-kai-forbath-gets-rfa-tender |url-status=live }}</ref> which he signed on April 15, 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Mike |date=April 15, 2015 |title=Kicker Kai Forbath signs restricted free agent tender to return to Redskins |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2015/04/15/kicker-kai-forbath-signs-restricted-free-agent-tender-to-return-to-redskins/ |access-date=April 15, 2015 |website=WashingtonPost.com |archive-date=May 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508111628/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2015/04/15/kicker-kai-forbath-signs-restricted-free-agent-tender-to-return-to-redskins/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Forbath was released by the team on September 14, 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Mike |date=September 14, 2015 |title=Redskins cut Kai Forbath, sign former Saints place kicker Dustin Hopkins |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/football-insider/wp/2015/09/14/redskins-cut-kai-forbath-expected-to-sign-former-saints-place-kicker-dustin-hopkins/ |access-date=September 14, 2015 |newspaper=Washington Post |archive-date=November 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105040157/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/football-insider/wp/2015/09/14/redskins-cut-kai-forbath-expected-to-sign-former-saints-place-kicker-dustin-hopkins/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Forbath finished his career with Washington as the second-most accurate kicker in team history, converting 87.0 percent of his field goal attempts (60-of-69). His mark of 60 field goals and 91 [[Point after touchdown|extra point]]s rank fifth in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Washington Redskins Career Kicking & Punting Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/was/career-kicking.htm |access-date=May 2, 2016 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |archive-date=March 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317062756/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/was/career-kicking.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[New Orleans Saints]] signed Forbath on October 19, 2015, to replace a struggling [[Zach Hocker]], who was released by the team.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Triplett |first=Mike |date=October 19, 2015 |title=Kai Forbath replacing Zach Hocker as Saints kicker |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/13924404/new-orleans-saints-sign-kai-forbath-replace-zach-hocker |access-date=October 19, 2015 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=January 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119080040/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/13924404/new-orleans-saints-sign-kai-forbath-replace-zach-hocker |url-status=live }}</ref>

Forbath played in first career game as a member of the Saints in Week 7 against the [[2015 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]] on October 25, 2015, converting on three-of-four extra point attempts in the 27–21 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saints vs. Colts – Box Score – October 25, 2015 – ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=400791520 |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407095045/https://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=400791520 |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 1, in Week 8, Forbath ended a record-breaking 52–49 shootout against the [[2015 New York Giants season|New York Giants]] at the [[Mercedes-Benz Superdome]] with a 50-yard field goal as time expired. On November 29, in Week 12, Forbath kicked a career-long 57-yard field goal against the [[2015 Houston Texans season|Houston Texans]], which is the third-longest in team history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saints vs. Texans – Box Score – November 29, 2015 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=400791512 |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=ESPN |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407095136/https://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=400791512 |url-status=live }}</ref> On January 3, 2016, Forbath kicked a 30-yard game-winning field goal in the regular season finale in Week 17 against the [[2015 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]] as time expired, his sixth career game-winner.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saints vs. Falcons – Game Recap – January 3, 2016 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400791614 |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=ESPN |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029084645/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400791614 |url-status=live }}</ref> Forbath finished the 2015 season converting 34 of 35 extra point attempts and 10 of 15 field goal attempts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kai Forbath 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/ForbKa00/gamelog/2015/ |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416165704/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/ForbKa00/gamelog/2015/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On March 10, 2016, the Saints re-signed Forbath.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alper |first=Josh |date=March 10, 2016 |title=Saints re-sign Kai Forbath |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/03/10/saints-re-sign-kai-forbath/ |access-date=March 26, 2016 |website=ProFootballTalk |archive-date=March 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317074321/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/03/10/saints-re-sign-kai-forbath/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Throughout the team's 2016 preseason, Forbath competed with [[Connor Barth]], and the Saints ultimately kept Forbath while cutting Barth. However, a few days later, on September 6, the Saints also released Forbath in favor of an undrafted rookie kicker, [[Wil Lutz]], who had gone through training camp with the [[Baltimore Ravens]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Erickson |first=Joel A. |date=September 6, 2016 |title=Saints choose rookie kicker Wil Lutz over Kai Forbath |url=https://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/sports/saints/saints-choose-rookie-kicker-wil-lutz-over-kai-forbath/article_453c00e4-746a-11e6-b3ee-9f187320eefd.html |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=The Advocate |language=en |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416165648/https://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/sports/saints/saints-choose-rookie-kicker-wil-lutz-over-kai-forbath/article_453c00e4-746a-11e6-b3ee-9f187320eefd.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On November 16, 2016, the Minnesota Vikings signed Forbath to a one-year, $760,000 contract after releasing incumbent kicker [[Blair Walsh]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 16, 2016 |title=Vikings Sign Kicker Kai Forbath |url=https://www.vikings.com/news/vikings-sign-kicker-kai-forbath-18088757 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219152023/http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/Vikings-Sign-Kicker-Kai-Forbath/65096a0a-291e-41af-ad96-072024e60dd0 |archive-date=February 19, 2018 |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Vikings.com}}</ref> In Forbath's first game with the Vikings, in Week 11, he converted one field goal and three extra points against the [[2016 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings - November 20th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201611200min.htm |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301045826/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201611200min.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> On December 11, he kicked a season-high four field goals against the [[2016 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Long |first=Mark |date=December 11, 2016 |title=Vikings beat Jaguars 25-16 for 1st road win since September |url=https://www.pro32.ap.org/article/vikings-beat-jaguars-25-16-1st-road-win-september |access-date=April 8, 2018 |website=Pro32: Head to Head |archive-date=April 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409043127/https://www.pro32.ap.org/article/vikings-beat-jaguars-25-16-1st-road-win-september |url-status=live }}</ref> He finished his first season with the Vikings converting all 15 field goal attempts and 11 of 14 extra point attempts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kai Forbath 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/ForbKa00/gamelog/2016/ |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=April 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425002449/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/ForbKa00/gamelog/2016/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On October 9, 2017, Forbath kicked two field goals, including the game-winner against the [[2017 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peters |first=Craig |date=October 9, 2017 |title=Game Recap: Vikings Outlast Bears for 20-17 Victory |url=https://www.vikings.com/news/game-recap-vikings-outlast-bears-for-20-17-victory-19541383 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614050412/http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/Game-Recap-Vikings-Outlast-Bears-for-20-17-Victory/11d616db-24a9-46f1-9bd5-560e930a7846 |archive-date=June 14, 2018 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |website=Minnesota Vikings}}</ref> In Week 7 of the 2017 season, Forbath converted six field goals, including a 52-yarder, in a 24–16 win over the Ravens, earning him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lam |first=Quang M. |date=October 25, 2017 |title=Carson Wentz, Amari Cooper among Players of Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/carson-wentz-amari-cooper-among-players-of-week-0ap3000000866951 |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926192342/https://www.nfl.com/news/carson-wentz-amari-cooper-among-players-of-week-0ap3000000866951 |url-status=live }}</ref> He is one of three Vikings' kickers to kick six field goals in a game; the last time this happened was in 1998 ([[Gary Anderson (placekicker)|Gary Anderson]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Players with at least six field goals converted in a single game, Minnesota Vikings |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask?q=minnesota+vikings%252c+players+with+six+field+goals+in+a+game |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=StatMuse |language=en |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416165628/https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask?q=minnesota+vikings%252c+players+with+six+field+goals+in+a+game |url-status=live }}</ref> On October 29, Forbath kicked four field goals against the [[2017 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boyer |first=Zac |date=October 29, 2017 |title=Keenum, Forbath help Vikings win 33-16 vs. Browns in London |url=https://www.pro32.ap.org/article/keenum-forbath-help-vikings-win-33-16-vs-browns-london |access-date=April 8, 2018 |website=Pro32: Head to Head |archive-date=April 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409043840/https://www.pro32.ap.org/article/keenum-forbath-help-vikings-win-33-16-vs-browns-london |url-status=live }}</ref> In the 2017 season, Forbath converted 34 of 39 extra point attempts and 32 of 38 field goal attempts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kai Forbath 2017 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/ForbKa00/gamelog/2017/ |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416165627/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/ForbKa00/gamelog/2017/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On January 14, 2018, Forbath kicked three field goals against the [[2017 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]] in the [[Minneapolis Miracle|NFC Divisional Round]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Dave |date=January 14, 2018 |title=Stunner: Keenum-Diggs TD sends Vikings past Saints 29-24 |url=https://www.pro32.ap.org/article/stunner-keenum-diggs-td-sends-vikings-past-saints-29-24 |access-date=April 8, 2018 |website=Pro32: Head to Head |archive-date=April 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409044339/https://www.pro32.ap.org/article/stunner-keenum-diggs-td-sends-vikings-past-saints-29-24 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On March 20, 2018, Forbath re-signed with the Vikings.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gantt |first=Darin |date=March 20, 2018 |title=Vikings bring back kicker Kai Forbath |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/03/20/vikings-bring-back-kicker-kai-forbath/ |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=ProFootballTalk |archive-date=January 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128152555/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/03/20/vikings-bring-back-kicker-kai-forbath/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the team traded up to draft Auburn kicker [[Daniel Carlson]] the next month.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bergman |first=Jeremy |date=April 28, 2018 |title=Vikings trade two pick to draft kicker Daniel Carlson |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/vikings-trade-two-picks-to-draft-kicker-daniel-carlson-0ap3000000929992 |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804205258/https://www.nfl.com/news/vikings-trade-two-picks-to-draft-kicker-daniel-carlson-0ap3000000929992 |url-status=live }}</ref> On August 20, 2018, Forbath was released by the Vikings after losing the starting job to the rookie Carlson.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Eric |date=August 20, 2018 |title=Vikings Release Forbath, Place Aruna on IR, Announce Other Moves |url=https://www.vikings.com/news/vikings-release-forbath-place-aruna-on-ir-announce-other-moves |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Vikings.com |archive-date=December 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230034451/https://www.vikings.com/news/vikings-release-forbath-place-aruna-on-ir-announce-other-moves |url-status=live }}</ref>

On December 14, 2018, Forbath was signed by the [[2018 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]] as insurance for the injured [[Josh Lambo]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 14, 2018 |title=Jaguars make roster moves |url=https://www.jaguars.com/news/jaguars-make-roster-moves-x8832 |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Jaguars.com |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405164649/https://www.jaguars.com/news/jaguars-make-roster-moves-x8832 |url-status=live }}</ref> He was released on February 19, 2019, after playing three games for the Jaguars, making four out of his five field goal attempts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Charean |date=February 19, 2019 |title=Jaguars cut Kai Forbath |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/02/19/jaguars-cut-kai-forbath/ |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Pro Football Talk |publisher=NBC Sports |archive-date=August 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815013911/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/02/19/jaguars-cut-kai-forbath/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On November 29, 2019, the New England Patriots signed Forbath after the team released [[Nick Folk]], who had undergone an emergency [[appendectomy]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 29, 2019 |title=Patriots sign K Kai Forbath; Release K Nick Folk |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-sign-k-kai-forbath-release-k-nick-folk |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Patriots.com |archive-date=August 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809224505/https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-sign-k-kai-forbath-release-k-nick-folk |url-status=live }}</ref> Forbath became the fourth placekicker on the Patriots' active roster in the 2019 season, after longtime kicker [[Stephen Gostkowski]] was placed on injured reserve after Week 4, original replacement [[Mike Nugent]] was released after four games, and Folk. He made his Patriots debut on December 1, 2019, in a Week 13 matchup against the [[2019 Houston Texans season|Houston Texans]] handling only field goals and extra points (punter [[Jake Bailey (American football)|Jake Bailey]] handled kick-off duties) and went 1-for-2 on extra points and made a 23-yard field goal in a 28–22 loss. The Patriots waived Forbath the day after the game.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2019 |title=Patriots claim DL Albert Huggins from Philadelphia; Release K Kai Forbath |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-claim-dl-albert-huggins-from-philadelphia-release-k-kai-forbath |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Patriots.com |archive-date=May 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517201757/https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-claim-dl-albert-huggins-from-philadelphia-release-k-kai-forbath |url-status=live }}</ref>

On December 9, 2019, Forbath was signed by the [[Dallas Cowboys]] after the team released [[Brett Maher (American football)|Brett Maher]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=December 9, 2019 |title=Cowboys cut kicker Brett Maher, sign Kai Forbath |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/cowboys-cut-kicker-brett-maher-sign-kai-forbath-0ap3000001086230 |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407204939/https://www.nfl.com/news/cowboys-cut-kicker-brett-maher-sign-kai-forbath-0ap3000001086230 |url-status=live }}</ref> He helped to stabilize the [[placekicker]] position and didn't miss a kick for the rest of the season, making 10-of-10 field goals and 10-of-10 extra points.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kai Forbath 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/ForbKa00/gamelog/2019/ |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416165628/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/ForbKa00/gamelog/2019/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On March 24, 2020, Forbath re-signed with the Cowboys.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Charean |date=March 18, 2020 |title=Cowboys re-signing Kai Forbath |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/03/18/cowboys-re-signing-kai-forbath/ |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=ProFootballTalk |publisher=NBC Sports |archive-date=March 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327024855/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/03/18/cowboys-re-signing-kai-forbath/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He was released on August 1, 2020, without having a chance to compete for the kicking job against [[Greg Zuerlein (American football)|Greg Zuerlein]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Rob |date=August 1, 2020 |title=Kai Forbath Released; Rookie LB Waived/Injured |url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/kai-forbath-released-rookie-lb-waived-injured |access-date=August 1, 2020 |website=DallasCowboys.com |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803004126/https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/kai-forbath-released-rookie-lb-waived-injured |url-status=live }}</ref>

On September 19, 2020, Forbath was signed to the [[Carolina Panthers]] practice squad,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Simmons |first=Myles |date=September 19, 2020 |title=Panthers activate Woodrow Hamilton from practice squad |url=https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-activate-woodrow-hamilton-from-practice-squad |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Panthers.com |archive-date=September 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929205810/https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-activate-woodrow-hamilton-from-practice-squad |url-status=live }}</ref> and was released on September 21, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bouda |first=Nate |date=September 21, 2020 |title=Panthers Release K Kai Forbath From PS, Re-Sign OL Aaron Monteiro |url=https://nfltraderumors.co/panthers-release-k-kai-forbath-from-ps-re-sign-ol-aaron-monteiro/ |access-date=October 5, 2020 |website=NFLTradeRumors.co |archive-date=October 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005015710/https://nfltraderumors.co/panthers-release-k-kai-forbath-from-ps-re-sign-ol-aaron-monteiro/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He was re-signed to the practice squad on September 25 and released again on September 28.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael David |date=September 25, 2020 |title=Panthers cut Trumaine Johnson, add Kai Forbath to practice squad |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/09/25/panthers-cut-trumaine-johnson-add-kai-forbath-to-practice-squad/ |access-date=October 6, 2020 |website=ProFootballTalk |archive-date=October 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009092300/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/09/25/panthers-cut-trumaine-johnson-add-kai-forbath-to-practice-squad/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 28, 2020 |title=Kai Forbath: Cut from Carolina's practice squad |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/kai-forbath-cut-from-carolinas-practice-squad/ |access-date=October 6, 2020 |website=CBSSports.com |archive-date=October 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011030750/https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/kai-forbath-cut-from-carolinas-practice-squad/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On October 9, 2020, Forbath was signed to the [[Chicago Bears]] practice squad.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mayer |first=Larry |date=October 9, 2020 |title=Roster Moves: Bears sign Kai Forbath to practice squad |url=https://www.chicagobears.com/news/roster-moves-bears-sign-kai-forbath-to-practice-squad |access-date=October 9, 2020 |website=[[Chicago Bears]] |archive-date=October 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013182354/https://www.chicagobears.com/news/roster-moves-bears-sign-kai-forbath-to-practice-squad |url-status=live }}</ref>

On October 20, 2020, Forbath was signed by the [[Los Angeles Rams]] off the Bears practice squad.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Stu |date=October 20, 2020 |title=Rams sign kicker Kai Forbath |url=https://www.therams.com/news/rams-sign-kicker-kai-forbath |access-date=October 20, 2020 |website=TheRams.com |language=en-US |archive-date=October 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021132054/https://www.therams.com/news/rams-sign-kicker-kai-forbath |url-status=live }}</ref> He suffered an ankle injury in Week 10 and was placed on injured reserve on November 17, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DaSilva |first=Cameron |date=November 15, 2020 |title=Rams kicker Kai Forbath has ankle injury, questionable to return Sunday |url=https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2020/11/15/rams-injury-kai-forbath-ankle-seahawks/ |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Rams Wire |language=en-US |archive-date=January 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128202958/https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2020/11/15/rams-injury-kai-forbath-ankle-seahawks/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 17, 2020 |title=Rams put LT Whitworth, S Rapp, K Forbath on injured reserve |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2020/11/17/rams-put-lt-whitworth-s-rapp-k-forbath-on-injured-reserve/114975412/ |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=November 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125053207/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2020/11/17/rams-put-lt-whitworth-s-rapp-k-forbath-on-injured-reserve/114975412/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He was not retained after the Rams signed kicker Matt Gay off the Colts practice squad.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DaSilva |first=Cameron |date=November 17, 2020 |title=Rams place Whitworth and 2 others on IR, sign K Matt Gay |url=https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2020/11/17/rams-roster-moves-whitworth-rapp-forbath/ |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Rams Wire |language=en-US |archive-date=September 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927181044/https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2020/11/17/rams-roster-moves-whitworth-rapp-forbath/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In this time with the Rams, Forbath converted four of five extra point attempts and two of three field goal attempts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kai Forbath 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/ForbKa00/gamelog/2020/ |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416165631/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/ForbKa00/gamelog/2020/ |url-status=live }}</ref>