What Is The Longest Nfl Field Goal?
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In American football, the longest field goal is 74 yards, which was achieved by Matt Prater in 2013. The previous record was 63 yards, set by Tom Dempsey in 1970.
The History of the Longest Field Goal
In the NFL, the longest field goal is 64 yards, a record that has been held by multiple players. The first player to kick a field goal of that distance was Tom Dempsey, who did it for the New Orleans Saints against the Detroit Lions in 1970.
Since then, four other players have kicked field goals of 63 or more yards: Jason Elam (63 for the Denver Broncos in 1998), Sebastian Janikowski (63 for the Oakland Raiders in 2011), David Akers (63 for the San Francisco 49ers in 2012), and Greg Zuerlein (63 for the Los Angeles Rams in 2018).
The longest field goal ever recorded in an NFL game was 69 yards, set by Steve Cox of the Cleveland Browns in a 1985 game against the New York Jets. However, this record is unofficial because it was not done in regulation time.
The Record Holders for the Longest Field Goal
There have been numerous field goals of 60 yards or more kicked in NFL history. The longest field goal made in an NFL game is 64 yards, a record that has been held by five different placekickers since it was first set in 1963.
The most recent 63-yard field goal was kicked by Matt Prater of the Denver Broncos in 2013. Other players who have kicked 63-yard field goals include Jason Elam, Sebastian Janikowski, David Akers and Tom Dempsey.
The longest field goal ever kicked in an NFL game came from the leg of Steve Cox, who kicked a 65-yarder for the Baltimore Colts in 1976. However, this record is somewhat controversial because the kicking tee was only introduced to the NFL in 1974, meaning that some experts believe that field goals of this distance are harder to achieve than they would have been prior to this rule change.
Other players who have made long field goals include Morten Andersen (62 yards), Mason Crosby (61 yards), Jason Hanson (58 yards) and Greg Zuerlein (58 yards).
The Techniques Used to Achieve the Longest Field Goal
There have been a number of techniques that have been used in order to achieve the longest field goal. In most cases, the athlete will use a running start in order to gain the extra distance that is needed. The other main technique that is used is to extend the kicking leg as far as possible in order to make contact with the ball at the peak of the kicking leg’s extension. Whichever method is used, it is important for the kicker to ensure that they follow through with their kick in order to avoid losing accuracy and distance.
The Training Used to Achieve the Longest Field Goal
NFL players train incredibly hard to achieve peak performance on the field. In order to kick a field goal as long as possible, players must focus on building strength and power in their legs. They will often use weight training exercises such as squats and lunges to build up the muscles in their thighs and calves. Plyometric exercises are also important for generating the explosive power needed to drive the ball a long distance.
