Chargers take advantage of obscure NFL rule with free kick field goal last successful in 1976

Thursday Night Football always seems to bring out some unique moments, and the recent game between the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers was no exception. In a twist of fate not seen since 1976, a rare event occurred that left fans and players alike scratching their heads.

As the first half wound down with the Broncos holding a 21-10 lead, they punted the ball away, hoping to run out the clock and head to the locker room with their lead intact. However, with just eight seconds left on the clock, the Broncos were called for fair catch interference, giving the Chargers a chance for a “fair catch kick” from 57 yards out.

Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker lined up for the kick with no rush from the defense, essentially getting a free shot at adding points to the scoreboard. In a moment of deja vu, Dicker nailed the kick, cutting the Broncos’ lead to just eight points as the teams headed into halftime.

This rare occurrence of a successful fair catch kick harkened back to 1976 when San Diego Chargers kicker Ray Wersching pulled off the feat. It was only the 27th fair catch kick in NFL history, with just seven of those attempts actually making it through the uprights.

Dicker’s kick now stands as the longest fair catch kick in NFL history, surpassing the previous record of 52 yards set by Paul Hornung in 1964. The kick was a testament to Dicker’s skill and composure under pressure, as well as a reminder of the unexpected twists and turns that can happen in a football game.

The game between the Broncos and Chargers will go down in history not just for the final score, but for the rare and exciting moment that occurred in the dying seconds of the first half. Fans will surely be talking about Dicker’s impressive kick for years to come, adding another chapter to the storied history of the NFL.