Who Has the NFL Record for the Longest Field Goal?

In American football, the record for the longest field goal is held by Matt Prater of the Denver Broncos, who kicked a 64-yard field goal on December 8, 2013.

Janikowski’s Record-Setting Field Goal

In 2011, Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski kicked a 63-yard field goal against the Denver Broncos, setting the NFL record for the longest field goal.

Prior to Janikowski’s kick, the record had been held by several different players. The first player to hold the record was Bert Rechichar of the Baltimore Colts, who kicked a 56-yard field goal in 1953. In 1970, Tom Dempsey of the New Orleans Saints kicked a 63-yard field goal, which stood as the record for almost 40 years.

Since Janikowski’s record-setting kick, there have been several other attempts at kicking long field goals, but none have been successful. In 2016, then-Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh came close to breaking the record when he missed a 61-yarder against the New York Giants.

The Longest Field Goals in NFL History

The longest field goal in NFL history was 64 yards, and it was completed by Matt Prater in 2013. The second longest field goal was 63 yards, and it was completed by Steve Christie in 1998. The third longest field goal was 62 yards, and it was completed by Jason Elam in 1998.

Matt Prater’s 64-Yard Field Goal

In 2013, Denver Broncos kicker Matt Prater made a 64-yard field goal against the Tennessee Titans, eclipsing the 63-yard field goal by Tom Dempsey in 1970. It was the longest field goal in NFL history, and no one has come close to breaking Prater’s record since.

The 64-yard field goal was not only a record-breaking kick, but it was also an impressive feat of athleticism. To kick a field goal from that distance, a kicker needs to have a strong leg and superb accuracy. Unfortunately for other kickers in the NFL, Prater has both of those things.

In addition to his record-breaking 64-yard field goal, Prater has also made several other long kicks throughout his career. In 2011, he made a 59-yard field goal against the Green Bay Packers, and he has made kicks from 58 yards and beyond on multiple occasions. There’s a reason why he’s considered one of the best kickers in the NFL: he simply doesn’t miss from long range.

Prater’s 64-yard field goal is unlikely to be topped anytime soon. The next closest field goal on the all-time list is 63 yards, which has been accomplished by six different kickers. But with the way Prater is kicking the ball these days, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him add another long kick to his resume in the near future.

David Akers’ 63-Yard Field Goal

In 2002, Akers set the record for the longest field goal in NFL history when he booted a 63-yarder for the Philadelphia Eagles. The field goal came at the end of the first half of a 19-3 win over the New York Giants. It was also the longest field goal in franchise history.

Sebastian Janikowski’s 63-Yard Field Goal

In 2011, Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski set the NFL record for the longest field goal with a 63-yarder against the Denver Broncos. Janikowski’s record-breaking field goal sailed through the uprights with plenty of room to spare, and it helped the Raiders win the game by a score of 38-24.

The previous record for the longest field goal in NFL history had been held by Tom Dempsey, who kicked a 63-yarder for the New Orleans Saints in 1970. Dempsey’s field goal remained the NFL record for more than 40 years, until Janikowski finally surpassed it in 2011.

In addition to holding the NFL record for the longest field goal, Janikowski also holds the league record for most field goals made from 50 yards or more. He has made 57 field goals from 50 yards or more during his career, which is 13 more than any other kicker in NFL history.

The NFL’s Longest Field Goals of All Time

The longest field goal in NFL history is 64 yards, a record that has been shared by four different kickers. The first player to hit a 64-yard field goal was Jason Elam, who did it for the Denver Broncos in 1998. Since then, the record has been tied by Sebastian Janikowski, David Akers, and Graham Gano.

Tom Dempsey’s 63-Yard Field Goal

In 1970, New Orleans Saints kicker Tom Dempsey set the NFL record for the longest field goal when he connected on a 63-yard try against the Detroit Lions. The field goal was made with just seconds remaining in the game and gave the Saints a 19-17 victory.

Dempsey’s record stood for almost 30 years before it was broken by Jason Elam of the Denver Broncos in 1998. Elam’s field goal came from 64 yards out and helped his team to a 23-20 overtime win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Only two other players have made field goals from 60 yards or more in NFL history. In 2013, David Akers of the San Francisco 49ers kicked a 63-yarder against the Green Bay Packers, and in 2018, Greg Zuerlein of the Los Angeles Rams made a 60-yarder against the Minnesota Vikings.

Jason Elam’s 63-Yard Field Goal

In 1998, Jason Elam of the Denver Broncos set the NFL record for the longest field goal with a 63-yard kicked against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The record-breaking kick occurred in the first quarter of the game and helped the Broncos to a 34-16 victory.

Elam’s field goal was not only the longest in NFL history, but also tied Tom Dempsey’s 43-year-old record for the longest field goal in NFL history. Dempsey, who played for the New Orleans Saints, set the original record with a 63-yard field goal against the Detroit Lions in 1970.

Graham Gano’s 63-Yard Field Goal

In 2018, Graham Gano of the Carolina Panthers set the NFL record for the longest field goal with a 63-yarder.

Gano’s field goal came in the Panther’s Week 10 game against the Baltimore Ravens. With just over a minute left in the fourth quarter and the Panthers down by two points, Gano nailed the field goal to give Carolina the lead. The Panthers went on to win the game by a score of 36-21.

Gano’s 63-yarder topped previous record holder Matt Prater, who hit a 64-yard field goal in 2013.