In a captivating spectacle under the lights in Inglewood, Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker etched his name into the NFL history books with a record-setting 57-yard fair catch free kick. This phenomenal feat cut the Broncos’ lead to 21-13 at halftime. Before Dicker’s remarkable boot, the previous long stood at 52 yards, a record held since 1962 by the legendary Paul Hornung of the Green Bay Packers.
Just when it seemed the Chargers would head into the locker room trailing by 11 points—following a late interception tossed by quarterback Justin Herbert—the tables turned. The Denver Broncos’ offense was swiftly halted with a three-and-out, and a fair catch interference penalty by Broncos cornerback Tremon Smith handed the Chargers a golden opportunity: an untimed down to wrap up the half. Seizing the moment, the Chargers used this to spruce up their momentum in a game they ultimately clinched with a 34-27 victory.
Coach Jim Harbaugh’s decision to opt for a fair catch free kick showcased strategic brilliance. It’s one of those rare NFL gems, where a team can take a shot at the goal without the threat of a block—kicked from the spot a fair catch was called or awarded owing to a penalty. Given how uncommon it is to catch within field goal range, this tactic doesn’t make a frequent appearance on game day.
According to quirkyresearch.com, there have been at least 29 fair catch free kicks recorded in regular-season play to date. The last attempt took place in 2019 when Carolina’s kicker Joey Slye tried his luck with a 60-yarder, missing the mark. As for the last successful fair catch free kick, you’d have to time travel back to 1976, another feat belonging to Ray Wersching of the San Diego Chargers.
Broncos coach Sean Payton acknowledged on the broadcast that preparing for such unconventional scenarios is part of the game plan. Indeed, as rare as they are, having a plan for every possible play can sometimes mean the difference between victory and defeat.
