Chargers’ Dicker Scores Rare Free-Kick Field Goal, a 48-Year First!
The NFL world was treated to a rare sight on Thursday Night Football as Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker connected on a 57-yard free-kick field goal against the Denver Broncos. This incredibly rare play, likely missed by many East Coast viewers who went to bed early, marked the first successful free-kick field goal in the NFL since 1976.
How Did It Happen?
The unusual play unfolded in the closing seconds of the second quarter. The Broncos forced a punt, and the Chargers’ Derius Davis was poised to make a fair catch. However, Denver’s Tremon Smith illegally touched Davis, drawing a 15-yard penalty and moving the Los Angeles to the Denver 47-yard line.
With no time left on the clock, many viewers expected the half to end. But rules analyst Terry McAulay informed viewers that the Chargers could attempt a fair-catch kick, a rarely used rule that allows the receiving team to try a field goal from the line of scrimmage without a snap or rushers.
Coach Harbaugh’s "Favorite Rule"
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh, known for his creative strategies, seized the opportunity. He instructed Dicker to attempt the free kick, which the kicker successfully converted, cutting Denver’s lead to 21-13.
This wasn’t Harbaugh’s first attempt to utilize the fair-catch kick rule. In 2013, while coaching the San Francisco 49ers, he called for a 71-yard attempt that was unsuccessful.
Ray Wersching, the Last (Until Now) Free-Kick King
Surprisingly, someone witnessing this historic play was the last player to score a free-kick field goal before Dicker: Ray Wersching. The former Chargers kicker connected from 45 yards against the Buffalo Bills way back in 1976.
Wersching was ecstatic to see the rule used again, admitting he hadn’t even known about it when he made his mark.
"It’s my favorite rule in football,” said Harbaugh, clearly thrilled to reinvigorate this obscure rule.
Want to Learn More about This Rare NFL Play?
Dive deeper into the world of the fair-catch kick, explore the history of Ray Wersching, and discover more about Jim Harbaugh’s bold coaching tactics.
