Have you ever watched a football game and just felt that buzz, that electric feeling, when a kicker lines up for a really long field goal attempt? It's a moment, you know, where everyone holds their breath, and the outcome feels like it could go either way. There's something truly special about seeing a football soar through the air from a great distance, aiming for those uprights. It’s a testament, perhaps, to incredible skill and a bit of luck, and it makes us wonder about the limits of what a human can achieve on the field. That feeling, that excitement, is what brings us to this big question, really, about the absolute longest kick ever made.

Fans, sports enthusiasts, and even just folks curious about amazing athletic feats often ponder this very question: what is the longest FG in NFL history? It’s a mark that defines an era, a moment frozen in time that showcases a kicker’s incredible leg strength and precision. This isn't just about scoring points; it's about pushing boundaries and leaving a lasting mark in the record books. We're talking about a kick that, honestly, seemed to defy gravity and distance, landing perfectly when it mattered most.

So, if you're here to find out the definitive answer, to learn about the kicker who achieved this remarkable feat, and to get a feel for the sheer scale of such an accomplishment, you're in the right spot. We’ll explore the details of this historic kick, the conditions that surrounded it, and why it continues to be a topic of conversation among football fans everywhere. It's quite a story, that, of a single moment changing history.

• Common Last Names In Spain
• Shaquille Oneal Wife

Table of Contents

• The Record-Shattering Kick
• Who Made the Longest NFL Field Goal?
• The Moment It Happened
• Why This Kick Stands Out
• A Look at the History of Long Field Goals
• The Science Behind a Monster Kick
• Training for Distance
• The Impact on the Game
• Frequently Asked Questions About Long Field Goals
• Looking Ahead to New Records

The Record-Shattering Kick

The record for what is the longest FG in NFL history stands at an astonishing distance. It’s a number that, frankly, makes you do a double-take, thinking about how far 60-plus yards truly is on a football field. Imagine standing on one side of a football field, and having to kick a ball almost to the other side’s end zone. That’s the kind of distance we are talking about, a truly remarkable display of power and accuracy.

This particular kick wasn't just long; it was perfect, splitting the uprights with a clean trajectory. It’s a distance that many professional kickers, even the very best, only dream of achieving in a game situation. The sheer force needed, plus the delicate touch to keep it straight, is something that makes this record so special, you know.

Who Made the Longest NFL Field Goal?

The name associated with what is the longest FG in NFL history is Matt Prater. He's a kicker known for his strong leg and his ability to hit long field goals, a real talent in the league. His career has been marked by many impressive kicks, but this one, well, it stands above the rest, quite literally.

• Estelle Gettleman
• Deep Romantic Love Quotes

Prater has played for several teams over his career, bringing his powerful leg to each one. He's earned a reputation for being someone you can count on when the team needs a big kick, especially from far away. His name is, in a way, synonymous with long-distance kicking, and this record just solidifies that.

The Moment It Happened

The historic kick by Matt Prater happened on December 8, 2013. The Denver Broncos were playing against the Tennessee Titans. It was a chilly day in Denver, Colorado, and the game was actually quite competitive, believe it or not. The atmosphere in the stadium, you can just picture it, was probably electric, full of anticipation.

The kick came at a crucial point in the game, right before halftime. The Broncos, you see, were down by a bit, and they needed points. Prater lined up for the attempt, and the ball, well, it just sailed through the thin Denver air. The crowd erupted, naturally, knowing they had just witnessed something truly extraordinary. It was a moment that, you know, everyone there would remember for a very long time, and a real turning point in that game.

Why This Kick Stands Out

What makes this kick truly remarkable, beyond its sheer distance, is the combination of factors at play. For one, the altitude in Denver, Colorado, where the Broncos play, is a significant advantage. The thinner air allows the ball to travel further, a bit like how a golf ball flies further at higher elevations. This doesn't take away from the kick's greatness, but it's certainly a factor, that.

Then there's the pressure of the moment. Kicking a field goal in an NFL game is already tough, but doing it from 64 yards with the game on the line, well, that's a whole different level. The precision required, the perfect timing of the snap and hold, and the kicker's pure technique all had to align perfectly. It was, in some respects, a flawless execution under immense pressure, making it a very, very special play.

A Look at the History of Long Field Goals

Before Matt Prater's record-breaking kick, the longest field goal in NFL history was held by Tom Dempsey, who kicked a 63-yarder in 1970. That kick was also incredibly famous, made even more so by Dempsey's unique kicking shoe, which was specially designed to accommodate his half-foot. It was a record that stood for a very long time, showing just how difficult it is to push those boundaries.

Over the years, a few other kickers have come close to breaking these records, with several 60-plus yard kicks being made. These kicks are rare, though, and each one is celebrated for its difficulty and the skill involved. It's a slow progression, you know, as kickers get stronger and techniques evolve, but each yard gained is a huge achievement. The pursuit of what is the longest FG in NFL history has been a constant thread through the league's story.

The evolution of kicking has seen players become more specialized, focusing solely on their craft. This has, perhaps, led to greater consistency and, occasionally, these awe-inspiring long-distance kicks. It’s fascinating to see how the game has changed, allowing for these truly massive kicks to become a possibility, even if a rare one.

The Science Behind a Monster Kick

There’s a lot of physics involved in kicking a football such a long distance. It’s not just about brute strength; it’s about the angle of the kick, the spin on the ball, and how the air resistance affects its flight. A kicker needs to strike the ball with just the right amount of force and at the perfect launch angle to maximize its distance while keeping it on target. Too low, and it might hit the linemen; too high, and it loses distance, so it's a fine balance, that.

Factors like wind speed and direction, as well as the temperature and humidity, also play a big role. A tailwind can add a few precious yards, while a headwind can make a long kick nearly impossible. The ball itself, its inflation and material, can also have a slight impact, though less so than the environmental conditions. It's a complex dance between human skill and natural forces, really.

Training for Distance

Kickers train tirelessly to develop the power and precision needed for these incredible kicks. Their routines often include strength training for their legs and core, along with countless hours practicing their technique. They work on their approach, the plant foot, and the follow-through, trying to make every movement as efficient as possible. It’s a very specific kind of athleticism, that, focusing on explosive power in a very controlled way.

They also spend a lot of time working with their snapper and holder, building chemistry and timing. A perfect snap and a quick, clean hold are absolutely essential for a successful field goal, especially a long one. Without that synchronized effort, even the strongest leg might not be enough. It's a team effort, even for a seemingly individual play, you know.

The Impact on the Game

A successful long field goal can completely change the momentum of a football game. It can swing the score, put points on the board when a team might not have otherwise, and even win a game in the final seconds. It’s a huge psychological boost for the team that makes it, and a bit of a deflator for the opposing side, naturally. These kicks, like what is the longest FG in NFL history, become legendary moments in sports lore.

Coaches also have to consider the possibility of a long field goal when making strategic decisions. Knowing your kicker has that kind of range can influence whether you go for it on fourth down or attempt a long kick. It adds another layer to the strategic chess match that is professional football. It's a tool, you know, that can really open up options for a team.

Frequently Asked Questions About Long Field Goals

What is the longest field goal in NFL history?

The longest field goal in NFL history was a 64-yard kick. This incredible feat was achieved by Matt Prater, playing for the Denver Broncos. It happened on December 8, 2013, against the Tennessee Titans, in Denver, Colorado. It was a truly memorable moment, that, and a record that has stood for quite some time now.

Has anyone kicked a 70-yard field goal in the NFL?

As of today, no one has successfully kicked a 70-yard field goal in an official NFL game. While kickers might hit such distances in practice, doing it under game conditions, with all the pressure and defensive linemen trying to block it, is a different challenge entirely. It would be an absolutely astounding achievement if it ever happens, wouldn't it? That would really push the boundaries, in a way.

Who has the most 60-yard field goals in NFL history?

Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens holds the record for the most 60-yard field goals in NFL history. He is widely considered one of the most accurate and powerful kickers in the league, and his consistency from long range is truly remarkable. He's got a knack for those really big kicks, you know, and has proven it time and again.

Looking Ahead to New Records

The question of what is the longest FG in NFL history is always a dynamic one, as kickers continue to push the limits of their abilities. With advancements in training, equipment, and a deeper understanding of kicking mechanics, it’s always possible that Matt Prater’s record could one day be surpassed. Every season, there’s a buzz when a kicker lines up for a particularly long attempt, and fans hold their breath, hoping to witness history. It’s a very exciting part of the game, that.

The pursuit of this record, and others like it, keeps the game fresh and exciting. It reminds us that even in a sport with a long history, there are always new heights to reach, new moments of brilliance waiting to happen. It's something to look forward to, really, seeing if someone can eventually add another yard or two to that incredible mark. Learn more about field goal records on our site, and link to this page NFL Kicking History for more details.

For more insights into the incredible world of NFL kicking, you might find information on the official NFL website quite helpful. You can check out current and historical kicking statistics there.