What’s the Longest NFL Field Goal?

Wondering what the longest field goal in NFL history is? We’ve got you covered with this list of the top 10 longest field goals in NFL history.

The History of Field Goals in the NFL

The longest field goal in NFL history was kicked by Matt Prater of the Denver Broncos in 2013. The kick was 64 yards.

In general, the record for the longest field goal is 63 yards, set by Tom Dempsey in 1970.

However, there are a few more notable mentions. Jason Elam of the Denver Broncos kicked a 63 yard field goal in 1998, tying Dempsey’s record. In 2002, Sebastian Janikowski of the Oakland Raiders kicked a 63 yard field goal as well, also tying Dempsey’s record.

And finally, in 2018, Brett Maher of the Dallas Cowboys made a 62 yard field goal – successfully making him the current record holder for the longest field goal in NFL history.

The Longest Field Goals in NFL History

While many things have changed about football since the first game was played in 1869, one thing has remained constant: the field goal. Scouts still search for players with a strong kicking leg who can put points on the board when they’re needed most.

In 2017, we saw a lot of long field goals, including a 64-yarder by Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Matt Gay. But that’s nothing compared to the longest field goal in NFL history: a 63-yarder by Denver Broncos kicker Matt Prater in 2013.

Of course, kicking a long field goal is no easy feat. In fact, it’s only been done nine times in NFL history. Here are the longest field goals ever kicked in an NFL game, according to records from the Pro Football Hall of Fame:

– 63 yards: Matt Prater (Denver Broncos), Dec. 8, 2013
– 62 yards: Steve Cox (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Sept. 30, 1984
– 61 yards: Jason Elam (Denver Broncos), Oct. 28, 1998
– 61 yards: Sebastian Janikowski (Oakland Raiders), Sept. 28, 2008
– 60 yards: Greg Zuerlein (Los Angeles Rams), Dec. 20, 2015
– 59 yards: Blair Walsh (Minnesota Vikings), Nov. 12, 2012
– 58 yards: Distance has been matched or exceeded eight times since 1976

The Record for the Longest Field Goal

In 2013, San Francisco 49ers’ place kicker David Akers set the record for the longest field goal in NFL history. The kick was made from 63 yards away and helped the 49ers defeat the Green Bay Packers 34-28. Unfortunately for Akers, his record only lasted about a year. In 2014, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ place kicker Matt Bryant broke Akers’ record with a 64 yard field goal. This new record still stands today.

Interestingly enough, both of these field goals were made in domed stadiums. It is widely believed that kicking a football indoors is easier than kicking a football outdoors because there is no wind resistance indoors. There have been several long field goals made outdoors, but the longest was only 58 yards.

The current record for the longest field goal in NFL history is 64 yards and was set by Matt Bryant of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2014.

The Importance of Field Goals in the NFL

A field goal is important in the National Football League because it can change the outcome of a game. A touchdown is worth six points, while a field goal is worth three points. A team that is behind by four points late in the game may elect to attempt a field goal instead of going for a touchdown, since a successful field goal would tie the game.

There have been some famous field goals in NFL history. One of the most famous field goals was kicked by New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes in 2011. Tynes kicked a field goal in overtime to give the Giants a win over the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. The kick sent the Giants to the Super Bowl, where they would go on to win their fourth Lombardi Trophy.

The longest field goal ever kicked in an NFL game was 64 yards, which was accomplished by Denver Broncos kicker Matt Prater in 2013. Prater’s kick came with just over two minutes remaining in the game, and it gave the Broncos a lead they would not surrender.

Field goals are also important because they can be used to score “garbage time” points late in games that have already been decided. These points can affect playoff seedings and standings, so teams will often try to pad their stats with late field goals even when the game is out of reach.