Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 1991 NFL Draft out of Georgia, John Kasay spent four solid years in the Pacific Northwest before taking a leap in 1995. Signing as an unrestricted free agent with the expansion Carolina Panthers, the left-footed placekicker became the very first star player signed in franchise history and served as the scoring backbone of the organization for 16 seasons.

Kasay developed a lengthy career based on smooth mechanics, icy composure under pressure, and exceptional leg strength from long range. Throughout two decades of football in the Carolinas, he excelled in high-pressure situations, delivering low, powerful kickoffs and precise, rhythmic kicks on critical fourth-quarter drives. This made him one of the most dependable long-range kickers of his era.

Kasay made a remarkable impact during Carolina's 1995 expansion, scoring 26 field goals and establishing the franchise. His most outstanding individual achievement came in 1996 (not 2006), during a historic season that propelled the second-year Panthers to the NFC Championship. Kasay set an NFL single-season record at that time with 37 field goals and scored a league-high 145 points. His exceptional performance earned him his first Pro Bowl selection and Second-Team All-Pro honors.

Despite roster changes and championship campaigns, Kasay was the team's steady heartbeat. He made crucial postseason kicks in Carolina's journey to Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2003, successfully converting 9 out of 10 playoff field goals that month.

Even in his late thirties, his leg remained strong; Kasay, in 2006, made over 88% of his kicks and scored 28 field goals in 2008, contributing to Carolina's return to the playoffs.

After serving as the team's leading scorer for 16 years, Carolina released the veteran in August 2011 to make space for younger players. Kasay quickly signed with the NFC South rival New Orleans Saints for the 2011 season, where he made 28 field goals at age 42 before retiring. During his time with the Panthers, he made 351 field goals and scored a total of 1,482 points, a franchise record that remains unmatched. In 2019, he was inducted into the Panthers Hall of Honor.