What is the longest kick in NFL history? When I think of this, I can’t help but wonder; what is the record-breaking distance of the longest kick ever attempted or completed in the National Football League? I remember watching the 2015 season opener in which a kicker had made a field goal from the remarkable distance of 61 yards. That made me curious about the longest kick in NFL history.
Well, after some research, I came to know that the longest kicking field goal ever was a 64-yarder kicked in December of 1970 by Tom Dempsey. It was an astonishing feat, and the winning points in a 19-17 victory against the Detroit Lions. What’s even more fascinating is that a 63-yard attempt in 2011 was just two feet short of Dempsey’s. It was also an important field goal for the Denver Broncos that allowed them to win a game.
But here’s the thing—Dempsey kicked the 64-yarder with an unorthodox shoe. By that, I mean it had a special design that gave him extra control of the ball, and the shoe also had a square toe for a better kicking surface. The NFL later banned the design of the shoe because it was deemed unfair.
That begs the question, though—how long would Dempsey have kicked the ball if he had a standard shoe? In my opinion, this would’ve been between 70-75 yards! Imagine that—a kick more than twice as far as the longest NFL kick. The fact makes my jaw drop!
And what about the other record-breaking ones that make the list? It turns out that Justin Tucker, one of the NFL’s best kickers, has kicked a 62-yard field goal. Eighty-one-year-old Morten Andersen also managed a 63-yard kick-off in 2000 in a game against Minnesota Vikings. And then we have the longest kick-offs from Ricki Lopez and Matt Prater, both clocking in at 73 yards.
All these attempts and feats have truly pushed the boundaries of what’s been kicked in professional football. It makes me admire all the kickers’ courage and technique behind these kicks, and I am ecstatic to see what record will be broken in the future.
With that being said, some people are saying that in order for kickers to launch longer kicks, the goalposts must be moved farther apart. Others argue that kickers must focus on technique, rather than kicking from further and further distances. Just imagine the kind of training that must go into moderating technique while attempting such a long shot—it’s no surprise that these guys are revered in the NFL.
I also noticed how kickers have become almost celebrities within the NFL. Commercials, interviews, and fan-favorite votes have catapulted them to stardom. It’s so impressive that such a private, difficult part of the game has caught the public’s eye.
Still, it is entirely possible that kickers get even better thanks to modern technology. The use of computer-generated video analysis systems can help kickers improve accuracy, range, and they can also critique individual kicks. It’s no wonder the NFL has been experimenting with such technology. Could this be the beginning of longer kicking feats?
The other day, I watched the 2019 Pro Bowl with my brother and the kickers put on an amazing show, with a whopping 25 field goals made between the two teams. The distance of the kicks ranged from 20-55 yards, all of which were idyllic and inspiring.
With the evolution of kicking technology, technique, and customization of cleats, can kickers soon surpass the record set in 1970? Is there a chance to generate an even longer kick? I sure hope so—it’d be so exciting to see a new record-breaking length!
Training and technology are pushing some boundaries in the NFL. Coaches are now using the Soccer-style kicking approach as a means of generating more power without sacrificing accuracy. This method was born out of the need for defense-level performance and it has been gaining traction as kickers push back against the limits of what is accepted as the “longest kick.”
The use of such methods is evident in kickers like Kaare Vedvik at the Dallas Cowboys and Dan Bailey at the San Francisco 49ers, both of whom have become kickers for their respective teams due to their use of soccer-style techniques. With the advancement of technology and the introduction of new training methods, we can be sure that more kickers can reach even further distances.
These kickers are using state-of-the-art technology, sophisticated technique, and the best cleats to maximize kicking capability. It’s interesting to see how the specialists who did well on the Pro Bowl could go months without practicing it accurately, while still excelling through sheer power.
It’s great to witness how these kickers are pushing the boundaries and giving their absolute best to make it as far as possible. We can only hope that a new record is made soon—who knows, maybe one of these athletes will break the longest kick in NFL history!