Mike Nugent signs with Dallas Cowboys

Mike Nugent is back in the NFL.

The Centerville High School grad, who also starred at Ohio State and spent seven seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, signed with the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday.

Dallas needed a kicker after losing Dan Bailey to a groin injury Sunday at San Francisco.

Nugent spent training camp with the New York Giants but lost a training camp battle with Aldrick Rosas.

SPORTS TODAY: Fallout from Bengals-Steelers continues

The Bengals released Nugent last December after he struggled on both field goals and PAT kicks.

He passed the 1,000-point mark for his career last season, and his 132 points and 33 field goals in 2011 are team records.

He shares the team mark for longest regular-season field goal (55 yards).

Nugent was one of the best kickers in college football from 2002-04, helping the Buckeyes to a national championship as a sophomore and serving as team captain as a senior.

He won the Lou Groza Award in 2004.

About the Author