The longest field goal in NFL history is 66 yards, kicked by Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens on December 26, 2021. Tucker’s kick came with no time remaining in the game to defeat the Detroit Lions 19-17.
The Longest Kick in NFL History was also a Walk Off!
Justin Tucker compared the 66-yard field goal he kicked to a long-drive contest, saying that he “just let it rip and hoped it stayed straight.” The kick broke the NFL record, which was previously held by Matt Prater’s 64-yard field goal in 2013. Prater’s attempt at a 68-yard field goal for Arizona on Sunday fell short and was returned 109 yards for a touchdown by Jacksonville’s Jamal Agnew.
Lamar Jackson’s 36-yard pass to Sammy Watkins on fourth-and-19 from the Baltimore 16 with 7 seconds left set up the record-breaking kick. Jackson spiked the ball to stop the clock, and on the next snap, he threw it away after TV footage suggested the play clock had expired.
Who Held the Old Record for Longest Field Goal in the NFL?
The previous record for the was held by Matt Prater of the Denver Broncos, who kicked a 64 yard field goal in 2013. Prater’s kick also came with no time remaining in the game, to defeat the Tennessee Titans 16-13.
Tucker’s kick is even more impressive considering that it was made in the cold weather of Detroit. The temperature at kickoff was 24 degrees Fahrenheit, with a wind chill of 11 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tucker is one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history. He has made 88.3% of his field goal attempts in his career, and he has made 20 field goals of 60 yards or more.
Tucker’s 66-yard field goal is one of the most memorable moments in NFL history. It was a clutch kick that helped the Ravens win a close game, and it set a new record for the longest field goal in NFL history.
Why is is Difficult to Kick a Field Goal in the Cold?
Justin Tucker’s feat is even more impressive because he was able to capture the record kicking the longest field goal in the cold. Find out why it is actually more difficult to kick a field goal in the cold weather:
- The air is denser: The air is denser in cold weather, which means that the ball has to travel through more air molecules to reach the goal posts. This can slow down the ball and make it less likely to go through the uprights.
- The ball is harder: The cold weather can also make the ball harder, which means that it is more difficult to kick with enough force to reach the goal posts.
- The kicker’s muscles can tense up: The cold weather can also make the kicker’s muscles tense up, which can make it difficult to kick with a smooth and fluid motion.
- The wind can be a factor: The wind can also be a factor in cold weather, especially if it is blowing in a strong direction. This can make it difficult to kick the ball accurately, as the wind can push the ball off course.
How Impressive is Justin Tucker’s Record?
Since 1970 there have been 30 field goals made over 60 yards in NFL history. While there have been 30 kicks over 60 yards, the longest field goal ever made in the NFL is 66 yards, kicked by Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens. The following is a list of all the field goals made over 60 yards in NFL history:
| Player | Team | Distance | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Dempsey | New Orleans Saints | 63 yards | November 8, 1970 |
| Steve Cox | Cleveland Browns | 63 yards | October 21, 1984 |
| Jason Elam | Denver Broncos | 63 yards | November 24, 1996 |
| Matt Prater | Denver Broncos | 64 yards | December 8, 2013 |
| Sebastian Janikowski | Oakland Raiders | 63 yards | September 25, 2016 |
| Graham Gano | New York Giants | 63 yards | December 9, 2018 |
| Brett Maher | Dallas Cowboys | 63 yards | October 20, 2019 |
| Justin Tucker | Baltimore Ravens | 66 yards | December 26, 2021 |
| Harrison Butker | Kansas City Chiefs | 62 yards | Week 6, 2022 |
Will the Record ever be Broken?
It is certainly possible that the longest field goal record will be broken. As kicking techniques and equipment improve, kickers are able to kick the ball farther and farther. In 2013, Matt Prater kicked a 64-yard field goal, which was the longest field goal in NFL history at the time. However, just 8 years later, Justin Tucker kicked a 66-yard field goal, breaking Prater’s record.
So, it is certainly possible that the record will be broken again in the future. As kickers continue to improve, they may be able to kick the ball even farther than 66 yards. However, it is also possible that the record will not be broken for many years. The NFL is a very competitive league, and kickers are constantly trying to outdo each other. So, it will take a very special kicker to break the record.
Here are some factors that could contribute to the longest field goal record being broken:
- Improvements in kicking techniques: As kicking techniques improve, kickers will be able to generate more power and accuracy, which could lead to longer field goals.
- Improvements in equipment: As equipment improves, kickers will be able to use balls that are easier to kick and that travel farther.
- Better weather conditions: Kickers are more likely to make longer field goals in good weather conditions, such as warm, dry days.
- A great kicker: It takes a great kicker to make a 60-yard field goal, let alone a 66-yard field goal. If a great kicker comes along who is able to consistently kick the ball long distances, they could break the record.
What is the Longest Attempted Field Goal?
The longest attempted field goal in NFL history was 76 yards, kicked by Sebastian Janikowski of the Oakland Raiders against the San Diego Chargers on September 28, 2008. Janikowski’s kick bounced off the crossbar and was no good.
The second longest attempted field goal in NFL history was 75 yards, kicked by Matt Prater of the Denver Broncos against the Chicago Bears on December 8, 2013. Prater’s kick was also no good.
What is the Longest Field Goal in the NFL Playoffs?
The longest field goal in NFL playoff history is 58 yards, kicked by Graham Gano of the Carolina Panthers against the New Orleans Saints in the 2017 NFC Wild Card game. Gano’s kick tied the record for the longest field goal in NFL history, which was set by Pete Stoyanovich of the Miami Dolphins in a 1990 playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Here is a list of the longest field goals made in NFL playoff history:
| Player | Team | Distance | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graham Gano | Carolina Panthers | 58 yards | January 7, 2017 |
| Pete Stoyanovich | Miami Dolphins | 58 yards | January 9, 1990 |
| Matt Prater | Denver Broncos | 57 yards | January 16, 2012 |
| Mike Nugent | Cincinnati Bengals | 57 yards | January 8, 2014 |
| Wil Lutz | New Orleans Saints | 57 yards | January 13, 2018 |
| Greg Zuerlein | Los Angeles Rams | 57 yards | January 14, 2019 |
What is the Longest Field Goal in Super Bowl History?
The longest field goal in NFL playoff history is 58 yards, kicked by Graham Gano of the Carolina Panthers against the New Orleans Saints in the 2017 NFC Wild Card game. Gano’s kick tied the record for the longest field goal in NFL history, which was set by Pete Stoyanovich of the Miami Dolphins in a 1990 playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Here is a list of the longest field goals made in NFL playoff history:
| Player | Team | Distance | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graham Gano | Carolina Panthers | 58 yards | January 7, 2017 |
| Pete Stoyanovich | Miami Dolphins | 58 yards | January 9, 1990 |
| Matt Prater | Denver Broncos | 57 yards | January 16, 2012 |
| Mike Nugent | Cincinnati Bengals | 57 yards | January 8, 2014 |
| Wil Lutz | New Orleans Saints | 57 yards | January 13, 2018 |
| Greg Zuerlein | Los Angeles Rams | 57 yards | January 14, 2019 |
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