Flowery Branch, Ga. ? Forty-six-year-old Morten Andersen became the second oldest player in NFL history Tuesday, returning to the Atlanta Falcons after Michael Koenen flopped badly in his attempt to do all the team’s kicking.

Andersen, the league’s second-leading career scorer, rejoins the league after last kicking with Minnesota in 2004. He will handle extra points and all field-goal attempts – except those well beyond 50 yards.

“In my heart, I knew I could still play,” Andersen said.

George Blanda is the only player older than Andersen to play in the NFL, retiring after the 1975 season at age 48.

“Morten Andersen is one of the finest field-goal kickers in the history of the National Football League,” Falcons coach Jim Mora said. “His outstanding career speaks for itself, and we are excited to have him rejoin our organization.”

Koenen, who made just two of eight field-goal attempts in Atlanta’s first two games, will continue to handle the kickoff and punting duties. A change was expected after he missed four field goals – all from 40 yards and in – in a 14-3 victory over Tampa Bay on Sunday.

Andersen is the leading scorer in Atlanta history and kicked the team’s most famous field goal, a 38-yarder in overtime to beat the Vikings in the 1999 NFC championship game. He played with the Falcons from 1995-2000