What’s the Longest Punt in NFL History?

Check out this blog post to learn about the longest punt in NFL history. You’ll be surprised at how far some of these NFL punters can kick the ball!

Introduction

NFL punters have a tough job. Not only do they need to have a powerful leg to send the ball sailing through the air, but they also need the accuracy to pinpoint where they want it to go. A well-placed punt can be the difference between winning and losing a game, which is why punters are some of the most important players on any football team.

So what’s the longest punt in NFL history? Believe it or not, it wasn’t that long ago that this record was set. In 2018, Denver Broncos punter Riley Dixon sailed a punt 76 yards against the Los Angeles Rams. That’s right, just two years ago this record was set, and it’s unlikely that anyone will come close to breaking it anytime soon.

The Longest Punt in NFL History

In the National Football League, the longest punt in history was made by Steve O’Neal of the New York Jets. His punt, which occurred during a game against the Denver Broncos on September 21, 1969, travelled 98 yards (89 m).

Who Holds the Record for the Longest Punt in NFL History?

It’s safe to say that there have been some truly great punters in NFL history. Guys like Ray Guy, Reggie Roby, and Sean Landeta were feared by opposing offenses and loved by their teammates. But who holds the record for the longest punt in NFL history?

The answer may surprise you. It’s not Ray Guy or Reggie Roby. In fact, it’s not even Sean Landeta. The man with the longest punt in NFL history is actually former Green Bay Packers punter Jerry Norton.

In 1971, against the Minnesota Vikings, Norton boomed a 98-yard punt that traveled a whopping 67 yards in the air. It was, and still is, the longest punt in NFL history.

Interestingly, Norton’s record-setting punt actually resulted in a safety for the Vikings. That’s because it was caught by Viking returner Earl Dreen, who was then tackled in his own end zone by Packers defensive back Ken Ellis. So while Norton holds the record for the longest punt in NFL history, it’s actually Dreen who has the distinction of being on the receiving end of it.

Why is the Longest Punt in NFL History Important?

The longest punt in NFL history is an important record because it represents the upper limit of what is possible in terms of punt distance. This record is a testament to the strength and skill of the punter, as well as the quality of the team’s blocking.

How the Record for the Longest Punt in NFL History was Set

In 1969,
Oakland Raiders punter Ray Guy set the record for the longest punt in NFL history. His 77-yard punt against the Denver Broncos was not only the longest punt at that time, but remained the longest punt in NFL history for nearly four decades.

Guy’s record-setting punt came in the second quarter of a regular season game. The Broncos were leading 7-3 at the time, but the Raiders would go on to win the game 28-20.

Guy’s impressive punt was just one of many during his Hall of Fame career. He played 14 seasons in the NFL and led the league in punting average six times. He was also a three-time first-team All-Pro and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

What Other Records does the Longest Punt in NFL History Holder Hold?

In addition to holding the record for the longest punt in NFL history, Steve O’Neal also holds the record for the most punts in a career, with 1,049. He played in the NFL for 14 seasons, from 1968 to 1981.

What Impact does the Longest Punt in NFL History have on the Game Today?

The impact of the longest punt in NFL history is still being felt today. This punt, which occurred in 1965, was Harry Newman’s 80-yard punt for the New York Giants. The record-setting punt helped Newman’s team win the game, and it has since been cited as one of the most important plays in NFL history.

Today, the longest punt in NFL history is considered one of the most significant records in the sport. Many experts believe that it will never be broken, due to the nature of today’s game and the changes that have been made to punting rules and regulations. As a result, Harry Newman’s name continues to be synonymous with greatness, both on and off the field.

Conclusion

The longest punt in NFL history was 108 yards, and was achieved by Steve O’Neal of the New York Jets in a game against the Denver Broncos in 1968.