In an indirect way, Halley's illness might have led to Akers' departure after 12 seasons with the Eagles. He learned his daughter might have cancer only 2 days before the Eagles' playoff game against the Green Bay Packers. With the uncertainty of her health weighing on him, he missed two field goals, and the Eagles lost by five points. As if that were not enough, Akers learned he had been bilked out of more than $3 million, much of his life savings, in an investment scam from 2007 to 2009.
He became a free agent and landed with the 49ers.
"I moved 3,000 miles cross-country, not knowing almost anyone," Akers said.
At least one person with his new team could vouch for him. Brad Seely, who was on the staff of the Carolina Panthers in 1997, when Akers tried to make the team, is the 49ers' special-teams coordinator.
Akers, 37, proved wrong anyone who thought he was done.
He broke Jerry Rice's franchise record for most points scored in a season. His 166 points were the most ever for a kicker, and he kicked an NFL-record 44 field goals. He even threw for a touchdown on a fake field goal.
Best season ever for a kicker? Some think it is.
"I really don't think I put any thoughts into that," Akers said. "This year was special, because for the team everything came together."
Punter and holder Andy Lee said Akers brought more to San Francisco than only his strong and accurate leg.
"Having somebody come in who knows what he's doing from Day 1 really helps me . . . Plus, he's a great person, and that just adds to it," said Lee, also in Hawaii for the Pro Bowl. "I never had to worry about anything with him. How good he is and the way he approaches his craft makes me better. He's a breath of fresh air."
Akers said Lee and long snapper Brian Jennings (another Pro Bowler) made his transition easy.
"They're quality players and great guys off the field. Ultimately, we had a lot of fun as a team," he said. "You try to share your blessings with others, and you get blessings in return."
After a 13-3 regular season and divisional playoff win, the 49ers were a three-point overtime loss short of the Super Bowl. Akers was familiar with that kind of situation, from his time in Philly.
"I played in five NFL Championship Games and only made it to one Super Bowl. I told [his 49ers teammates] we'll get it all worked out and move forward. To go from where we were to where we are now, that's something truly special.
"Maybe we didn't win the Lombardi Trophy, but we're right where we need to be to compete for it again next year."
And 1 year has made all the difference for David Akers.
