In the high-stakes world of American football, every yard counts—especially when it comes to field goal attempts. The ability to convert long-range kicks can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Over the years, the NFL has witnessed some truly remarkable kicks. Win Tips Bet delves into the longest field goals ever made in the NFL.
The longest NFL field goal
We'll research which NFL greats on special teams have made the farthest field goals.
1. Justin Tucker – 66 yards (2021) – The longest field goal in NFL history
When it comes to NFL kickers, few names command as much respect as Justin Tucker. The Baltimore Ravens kicker has long been regarded as one of the most accurate and reliable players in the league. On September 26, 2021, in a game against the Detroit Lions, Tucker cemented his place in history by drilling an incredible 66-yard field goal as time expired, securing a dramatic 19-17 victory for the Ravens.
What made Tucker’s record-breaking kick so remarkable was not just the distance, but the pressure of the moment. With the game on the line, Tucker stepped up and delivered, demonstrating his unshakable composure. At the time of the kick, he had already made 49 consecutive field goals, and he would go on to finish the season with an astonishing accuracy rate, missing only two of his 37 attempts. His perfection extended to long-range kicks as well, as he converted all six of his attempts from beyond 50 yards that season.
Tucker’s career has been defined by excellence, and his 90.5% career field goal percentage is the highest in NFL history. His ability to deliver in clutch moments makes him one of the greatest kickers the sport has ever seen.
2. Brandon Aubrey – 65 yards (2024)
While Justin Tucker has been a dominant force for over a decade, a new star has emerged in the kicking world: Brandon Aubrey of the Dallas Cowboys. During Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season, Aubrey made headlines by nailing a 65-yard field goal against the Baltimore Ravens. Though the Cowboys ultimately lost the game 28-25, Aubrey’s kick showcased his immense talent and potential.
Aubrey’s rise to prominence has been swift. In his rookie season, he demonstrated an exceptional ability to convert long-distance kicks, making all 10 of his attempts from beyond 50 yards. His 65-yarder in 2024 was a statement, proving that he is not just a rising talent but a legitimate threat from anywhere on the field.
3. Matt Prater – 64 yards (2013)
Before Tucker and Aubrey rewrote the record books, Matt Prater held the title for the longest field goal in NFL history. On December 8, 2013, while playing for the Denver Broncos, Prater launched a 64-yard kick against the Tennessee Titans. His field goal just before halftime helped spark a second-half offensive explosion, as the Broncos went on to win 51-28.
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Prater’s kick was particularly impressive because it broke a record that had stood for over 40 years. Before his achievement, the longest successful field goal had been 63 yards—a record shared by multiple players. Prater’s ability to connect from such a long distance solidified his reputation as one of the league’s premier kickers.
The legendary 63-yard club
Before Prater’s historic kick, a handful of players had shared the record for the longest field goal at 63 yards. Each of these kicks had its own unique story, filled with drama and historic significance.
1. Joey Slye’s 63-yard kick (2024)
Joey Slye’s powerful leg had already earned him a reputation as one of the NFL’s strongest kickers, but his entry into the 63-yard club in 2024 solidified his place among the greats. Playing for the New England Patriots, Slye made history with a booming 63-yard field goal against the San Francisco 49ers. The kick came at a crucial moment, just as the first half was expiring, and provided a much-needed spark for a struggling Patriots offense.
Slye had previously shown flashes of long-distance ability, but this kick was a defining moment in his career. The trajectory of the ball was perfect, cutting through the air with incredible accuracy before sailing through the uprights. The stadium erupted as Patriots fans celebrated a rare bright spot in an otherwise challenging game.
2. Brett Maher’s 63-yard field goal (2019)
Brett Maher had already established himself as a reliable kicker for the Dallas Cowboys, but in 2019, he took his place among the NFL’s elite with a stunning 63-yard field goal against the New York Jets. What made Maher’s feat even more remarkable was the fact that it came just a week after he had successfully converted a 62-yard attempt.
Maher’s confidence was undeniable as he lined up for the historic kick. His powerful approach sent the ball soaring through the air, clearing the uprights with room to spare. While the Cowboys ultimately fell short in the game, Maher’s record-tying kick served as a testament to his consistency and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.
3. Graham Gano’s clutch 63-yarder (2018)
If there is one word that defines Graham Gano’s 63-yard field goal in 2018, it is clutch. In a game between the Carolina Panthers and the New York Giants, Gano found himself in a do-or-die situation with just one second remaining on the clock. The Panthers were trailing 31-30, and the weight of the game rested squarely on Gano’s shoulders.
What happened next was one of the most dramatic moments in NFL kicking history. Gano stepped up, took a deep breath, and launched the ball with perfect precision. As the ball sailed through the air, the tension in the stadium was palpable. It barely sneaked through the uprights, but that was all that mattered—the Panthers had won stunningly, 33-31.
4. David Akers’ Record-Tying Kick (2012)
David Akers was already one of the most accomplished kickers in NFL history when he added his name to the 63-yard club in 2012. Playing for the San Francisco 49ers, Akers made his historic kick in the very first game of the regular season against the Green Bay Packers.
Unlike many of the other record-breaking kicks, Akers’ attempt added an extra layer of drama. As the ball traveled toward the goalpost, it struck the crossbar with a loud clang. For a brief moment, it appeared that the kick might fall short—but then, in an incredible twist of fate, it bounced through the uprights, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
5. Sebastian Janikowski’s legendary kick (2011)
Few kickers in NFL history have possessed the raw power of Sebastian Janikowski. Known for his booming leg and fearless approach, Janikowski made a career out of attempting—and making—long-distance field goals. In 2011, he cemented his place in history by drilling a 63-yard field goal while playing for the Oakland Raiders.
The kick came in the first game of the season against the Denver Broncos, adding to the excitement of a fresh start for the Raiders. As Janikowski lined up, the altitude of Denver’s Mile High Stadium provided a slight advantage, but it was his sheer power and precision that carried the ball through the uprights with ease.
6. Tom Dempsey, New Orleans Saints (1970)
On November 8, 1970, the New Orleans Saints faced the Detroit Lions in a hard-fought game that saw the Saints trailing 17-16 with only seconds remaining. In a time when field goals beyond 50 yards were rare, the Saints turned to their kicker, Tom Dempsey, for what seemed like an impossible task—a 63-yard attempt.
What made this moment even more remarkable was Dempsey’s unique circumstances. Born without toes on his right foot, he kicked with a specially designed, flat-fronted shoe that allowed him to generate incredible power. Unlike today’s soccer-style kickers, who use the inside of their foot for more control, Dempsey approached the ball head-on, relying on pure force.
Final thought
The history of the longest NFL field goal is filled with incredible moments of precision, power, and clutch performances. From Justin Tucker’s 66-yard masterpiece to the legendary 63-yard club, these kicks have left an indelible mark on the sport. As technology and training methods improve, the bar for field goal distance will continue to rise, ensuring that the excitement of record-breaking kicks remains a thrilling part of football history.
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