Who has the farthest field goal in the NFL? This question has intrigued football fans and analysts alike, as it showcases the incredible skill and power of kickers in the sport. With the evolution of kicking techniques and the use of technology, the record for the longest field goal has been shattered multiple times over the years. In this article, we will explore the history of the farthest field goal in the NFL and highlight some of the notable kickers who have achieved this remarkable feat.
The current record for the longest field goal in the NFL is held by Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens. On September 19, 2021, Tucker successfully made a 66-yard field goal against the Detroit Lions, breaking the previous record of 64 yards set by Matt Prater of the Denver Broncos in 2013. This record-breaking kick was a testament to Tucker’s incredible leg strength and precision.
Before Tucker’s record-breaking kick, Matt Prater had held the record for the longest field goal in the NFL for nearly eight years. Prater’s 64-yard kick against the Tennessee Titans on December 8, 2013, was a pivotal moment in the game, as it secured a win for the Broncos. This record was previously held by Tom Dempsey of the New Orleans Saints, who made a 63-yard field goal on November 8, 1970, despite having a deformed right foot. Dempsey’s kick was the first to surpass the 60-yard mark and remains one of the most remarkable achievements in NFL history.
Several other kickers have made significant contributions to the record for the farthest field goal in the NFL. One notable name is David Akers of the San Francisco 49ers, who made a 63-yard field goal on September 12, 2011, against the Green Bay Packers. Akers’ kick was the longest in NFL history until Prater’s record-breaking kick in 2013. Other notable kickers who have made long field goals include Sebastian Janikowski of the Oakland Raiders, who made a 63-yard field goal in 2011, and Adam Vinatieri of the Indianapolis Colts, who made a 62-yard field goal in 2005.
As the game of football continues to evolve, the farthest field goal record is likely to be broken again in the future. With advancements in training techniques, equipment, and technology, kickers are now capable of achieving distances that were once thought impossible. Who will be the next kicker to break the record and etch their name in NFL history? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the farthest field goal in the NFL is a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of these athletes.
