He also lettered in baseball, playing as a pitcher and receiving All-state honors as a third baseman in his senior season.

He was named the starter as a sophomore, on a team that included quarterback Ryan Leaf, finishing with a school record 58 extra points scored, while making 12 out of 17 field goals.

He became a three-year starter and finished fourth (206 points) on the school's career scoring list Lindell was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys after the 2000 NFL draft.

On November 11, 2007, Lindell kicked a game-winning field goal to allow Buffalo to win 13–10 over the Miami Dolphins.

In week 3 of the 2008 season, Lindell had a game-winning field goal on the final play of the game vs. the Oakland Raiders, which allowed Buffalo to move to 3–0.

On December 9, 2007, Rian Lindell set the record for the most consecutive field goals made in Buffalo Bills history.

On November 6, 2011, Lindell injured his shoulder while trying to trip up New York Jets running back Joe McKnight.

On August 20, 2013, Lindell signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to replace Connor Barth, who had suffered a torn Achilles tendon injury.