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Longest Field Goal In NFL History - Record Holders

Longest NFL Field Goal: The 31 Longest, From Tucker to Prater

Jul 03, 2025
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Longest NFL Field Goal: The 31 Longest, From Tucker to Prater

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There's something truly special about a football sailing through the uprights from a really long way off. It's a moment that stops time, a genuine gasp-inducing play that can shift the entire mood of a game. These are the kicks that everyone remembers, the ones that become part of sports talk for years. They show off incredible skill and a certain kind of power that few people possess, actually.

For fans, watching a kicker line up for a try from midfield, or even further back, is that, a pretty exciting thing. You hold your breath, hoping to see the ball fly true and clear the crossbar. When it happens, when it's good, the cheers are just, something else. It's about more than just points; it's about making history, about pushing the limits of what we think is possible in the sport, you know?

This guide is going to take a closer look at those truly amazing kicks, the ones that stand out as the very longest field goals in NFL history. We'll find out about the current record holder, see how far these footballs actually traveled, and get a feel for the moments when these incredible things happened. We'll also check out the powerful people who made them happen, and what things were like when they did it, like the weather or the place they were playing, as a matter of fact.

The Quest for the Longest Field Goal in NFL History

The pursuit of the longest field goal in NFL history is, in a way, a quiet battle, fought by a select group of athletes with very strong legs and a calm focus. These moments often come down to a single chance, with the outcome of a game, or even a season, riding on one swing of a foot. The pressure is, honestly, immense. Picture the scene: the clock winding down, the crowd roaring, and one person standing alone, ready to try and send a ball a distance that seems, pretty much, impossible. It's a real test of mental toughness as much as physical ability, that.

Over the years, the record for the longest field goal in NFL history has changed hands a few times, each new mark pushing the boundaries a little further. It’s like a continuous story, with each kicker adding their own chapter to this tale of power and precision. Every time someone breaks the record, it just reminds us that there's always room for more greatness, more unbelievable feats on the football field. It truly keeps things exciting for those who follow the sport, as a matter of fact.

To understand the sheer scale of these achievements, it's helpful to remember that a typical field goal is often from within 40 yards, perhaps 50 on a good day. So, when we talk about kicks going 60 yards or more, we're talking about something entirely different. It's a different kind of animal, really. These are the sorts of kicks that make you shake your head in disbelief, wondering how a human leg can generate such force and still maintain such accuracy. It’s a bit like watching a superhero perform a feat, only it’s happening on a football field, you know?

Who Holds the Longest Field Goal in NFL History Record?

When we talk about the absolute longest field goal in NFL history, there's one name that comes to mind, and it belongs to a player who has truly made his mark on the game. This person is, simply put, a master of his craft, known for a calm demeanor and a leg that can send a football on a truly incredible journey. His record-setting kick wasn't just a big moment for his team; it was a big moment for the entire sport, showing what's possible when skill meets opportunity. It’s a kick that will be talked about for many years, I mean, it really will.

The honor of having the longest field goal in NFL history belongs to Justin Tucker, who plays for the Baltimore Ravens. He set this amazing mark in 2021. This kick was, quite frankly, a breathtaking moment. It didn't just secure a win for the Ravens; it also put Tucker's name firmly in the record books, ensuring he would be remembered for this incredible display of power and accuracy. It’s a kick that, you know, just screams legendary status.

His kick wasn't just long; it was also delivered under immense pressure, adding to its legendary status. Imagine the situation: the game on the line, the final seconds ticking away, and the hopes of an entire team resting on one swing of a foot. That's the kind of moment that separates the good from the truly great, and Tucker, well, he showed everyone exactly what he's made of. It was a moment that, you know, just had to be seen to be believed.

Justin Tucker - A Kicking Legend

Justin Tucker is, basically, a person who has redefined what it means to be a kicker in the National Football League. He's not just someone who puts points on the board; he's a true weapon, capable of changing the outcome of games with his powerful and accurate leg. His consistent performance from long distances has earned him a reputation as one of the best, if not the best, kickers to ever play the game. He's a bit of a phenomenon, in some respects.

Born in Houston, Texas, Tucker played college football at the University of Texas before joining the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2012. From the moment he stepped onto the field, it was clear he was different. He quickly showed off a rare combination of leg strength and a cool head, making him incredibly reliable in high-pressure situations. His ability to deliver when it matters most is, arguably, what sets him apart from many others who play his position, you know.

His career is filled with highlight-reel kicks, but none stand out quite like his record-setting attempt. It's the kind of moment that gets replayed over and over, a testament to his skill and the sheer audacity of the try. He's a player who seems to thrive under the spotlight, consistently making kicks that would cause most other players to, well, buckle under the pressure. He's just, like, built for those big moments, apparently.

Personal Details

Full NameJustin Paul Tucker
Date of BirthNovember 21, 1989
Place of BirthHouston, Texas, USA
CollegeUniversity of Texas
NFL TeamBaltimore Ravens
PositionKicker
NFL Debut2012

How Do Kicks Become the Longest Field Goal in NFL History?

Making a field goal, especially one that goes down as the longest field goal in NFL history, involves a lot more than just having a strong leg. There's a delicate balance of technique, timing, and even a bit of luck involved. The kicker has to connect with the ball just right, getting the perfect angle and power to send it soaring. It's not just about hitting it hard; it's about hitting it precisely, you know, every single time. The margin for error is, honestly, incredibly small.

The snap from the center needs to be spot-on, arriving exactly where the holder expects it. Then, the holder has to place the ball perfectly, spinning it so the laces are facing away from the kicker. Any slight delay or miscue in this chain can throw off the entire attempt. It's a true team effort, even though one person gets all the glory for the kick itself. So, it's a bit like a well-oiled machine, where every part has to work perfectly together, in a way.

And then there's the kicker's approach. It's a carefully rehearsed dance, with a few steps back, a few steps to the side, and then a powerful swing. The follow-through is just as important as the initial contact, helping to guide the ball and give it that extra bit of lift and distance. It's a skill that takes years of practice to perfect, with kickers spending countless hours refining their craft. They are, quite literally, masters of their own movement, you know.

Conditions and Stadiums for the Longest Field Goal in NFL History

The environment plays a surprisingly big role in whether a kick can become the longest field goal in NFL history. Things like the wind, the temperature, and even the altitude of the stadium can have a real impact on how far a football travels. A strong tailwind, for example, can give the ball an extra push, adding a few precious yards to its flight. On the other hand, a headwind can make even a shorter kick feel like an impossible task, basically.

Temperature also matters. In colder weather, footballs can become a little harder and less pliable, which might affect how they compress upon impact. Warmer air is less dense, which can allow the ball to travel a bit further, too. Then there's the altitude. Kicking in places like Denver, where the air is thinner, can give kickers a distinct advantage, as there's less air resistance to slow the ball down. It's like, the ball just flies a little bit easier up there, apparently.

The type of playing surface can also be a factor, though perhaps less so than the elements. Some kickers might prefer natural grass, while others might feel more comfortable on artificial turf. The condition of the turf, whether it's wet or dry, can affect a kicker's footing and, by extension, the power they can generate. All these little things add up, making each long field goal a unique combination of skill and circumstance, honestly.

What Makes These Kicks So Special?

The longest field goals in NFL history are special for many reasons, not just because of the sheer distance. They often come at crucial moments in games, turning what might have been a loss into a dramatic victory. Imagine a game tied with only seconds left, and a kicker steps up to try a kick from well beyond midfield. The tension in the stadium is, like, absolutely thick, you know. When that ball sails through, it’s not just three points; it’s a sudden burst of pure joy and relief for one team, and utter heartbreak for the other. It's a very big swing of emotions, really.

These kicks also represent the pinnacle of a very specific athletic skill. Kicking a football with such power and accuracy requires years of dedicated practice and a unique physical makeup. It's a blend of raw strength, precise timing, and a very steady hand, or foot, in this case. The kickers who achieve these feats are, in a way, like artists, painting perfect arcs across the sky with a football. They are, quite simply, masters of their unique craft, you know.

Moreover, these long field goals often become iconic moments in the sport's history. People remember where they were when they saw these kicks happen. They become part of the collective memory of football fans, discussed and replayed for years to come. They inspire future generations of kickers and remind everyone that in football, anything can happen, even from a very, very long way out. It’s a testament to the human spirit, in some respects, pushing boundaries and achieving what seems impossible.

The Rarity of a Longest Field Goal in NFL History

The truth is, the NFL has seen only a very small number of successful field goals from 62 yards out or further. It's a truly exclusive club. As of now, there have been just 17 such kicks in the entire history of the league. That number alone tells you how incredibly difficult these attempts are and how special the kickers are who manage to pull them off. It’s a very, very rare occurrence, almost like seeing a shooting star, you know.

This rarity makes each one of these kicks even more memorable. When you consider the thousands upon thousands of games played, and the countless field goal attempts made over the decades, to have only 17 successful kicks from such extreme distances really puts things into perspective. It shows that even with all the advancements in training and equipment, these kicks remain at the absolute edge of what's achievable in the sport. They are, basically, at the very limit of human capability, in a way.

The kickers who have achieved these feats are truly special. They lead a list of people with seriously powerful legs, capable of generating the kind of force needed to send a football that far. While nearly a dozen kickers have hit the third and fourth farthest distances, only one player has kicked the longest field goal in NFL history. This fact alone highlights the unique talent of the record holder and the sheer difficulty of surpassing such a mark. It's a truly elite group, you know.

Where Do Other Big Legs Rank in Longest Field Goal History?

While Justin Tucker holds the top spot for the longest field goal in NFL history, there are many other kickers who have made their own impressive marks on the game. These are the people who have consistently shown off their powerful legs, delivering clutch kicks from distances that would make most people gasp. Their names are also etched in the record books, standing as a testament to their skill and the incredible moments they created on the field. It’s a pretty impressive list of talent, actually.

We've gone through the history books to find out which special teams savants have kicked the longest field goals in NFL history. You'll find names like Matt Prater and Brett Maher among the group of kickers who have made successful tries from 62 to 66 yards. Each of these kicks has its own story, its own moment of drama and excitement. They show that while one person holds the record, there are many who have come very close to that top spot, too.

It’s also worth noting that the longest field goal in college history is actually longer than the current NFL record. That happened back in 1976, in a game between Abilene Christian and East Texas State. This little bit of trivia just goes to show that incredible kicks can happen at any level of the game, and sometimes, the amateur ranks can even outdo the pros in sheer distance. It’s a pretty interesting fact, honestly.

Looking at current players, Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has one of the biggest legs in the NFL. He's shown he can kick from a very long way out, but he hasn't yet beaten Justin Tucker's longest field goal record. This just goes to show how truly remarkable Tucker's kick was, and how difficult it is to surpass such an amazing feat. It’s a mark that will likely stand for a good while, in some respects.

From the early days of Tom Dempsey to the modern era with Justin Tucker, watching these long field goals is always a thrill. Each kick tells a story of a moment, a player, and a team, all coming together for a truly memorable play. These moments are what make football so exciting, and why fans keep coming back for more, year after year. It’s a very captivating part of the sport, you know.

Longest NFL Field Goal: The 31 Longest, From Tucker to Prater
Longest NFL Field Goal: The 31 Longest, From Tucker to Prater
Longest NFL Field Goal: The 31 Longest, From Tucker to Prater
Longest NFL Field Goal: The 31 Longest, From Tucker to Prater
Longest NFL Field Goal: The 31 Longest, From Tucker to Prater
Longest NFL Field Goal: The 31 Longest, From Tucker to Prater

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