Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Pictures
Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker made the primary honest catch free kick since 1976 after he nailed a 57-yarder to finish the primary half in opposition to the Denver Broncos on Thursday night.
NFL @NFL
A uncommon honest catch free kick ends in a Cameron Dicker 57-yard FG for the @Chargers 🤯
It is the primary free kick FG since 1976! pic.twitter.com/yb0cyPuKnR
B/R Gridiron @brgridiron
First profitable free kick since 1976! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/IVyt42zU07
To set the scene, the Denver Broncos’ Riley Dixon unleashed a 46-yard punt with eight seconds left that landed in returner Derius Davis’ arms. Nonetheless, Broncos cornerback Tremon Smith dedicated honest catch interference for a 15-yard penalty, placing the ball on the Denver 47-yard line.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh and particular groups coordinator Ryan Ficken then took benefit of a little-used rule that permits groups to aim a spot kick or drop kick from the spot of the catch.
Tom Pelissero @TomPelissero
The rarest of the uncommon NFL performs: A free kick for 3 factors.
Credit score to #Chargers particular groups coordinator Ryan Ficken for instantly recognizing the state of affairs and speaking by it with Jim Harbaugh and officers. pic.twitter.com/uH8ZqolPOC
With the good thing about the 15-yard penalty, Dicker would then try a 57-yard discipline purpose to make it a one-possession recreation.
Dicker nailed the kick, turning into the primary participant since one other Charger, Ray Wersching, received the job finished from 45 yards out in opposition to the Buffalo Payments on Nov. 21, 1976.
Solely seven gamers have ever efficiently made the kick, with the legendary Curly Lambeau first doing so for the Inexperienced Bay Packers in 1921.
Solely two different kickers (the Cleveland Browns’ Phil Dawson from 71 yards in 2013 and the Carolina Panthers’ Joey Slye from 60 yards in 2019) had even tried the honest catch free kick during the last 15 years.
ProFootballTalk @ProFootballTalk
The final profitable honest catch kick was transformed by the Chargers in 1976. 9 has been tried since then, most not too long ago in 2019.
Naturally, the honest catch free kick received folks speaking, just because it is such an anomaly.
Mina Kimes @minakimes
Free kick needs to be price 5 factors @nfl
JJ Watt @JJWatt
Truthful Catch Free Kick should not be that thrilling.
However it’s.
That was superior.
Rodger Sherman @rodger
IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS MOMENT FOR ALL MY LIFE https://t.co/hrX5XuShhm
Invoice Barnwell @billbarnwell
“Am I speculated to know who he’s?”
“He is solely the very best broad receiver on this planet. 9-time MVP.”
“Has he finished a good catch kick?”
Ben Gretch @YardsPerGretch
That was essentially the most exhilarating second of the season, my coronary heart is pounding. A free kick! First time since 1976!
James Palmer @JamesPalmerTV
I am undecided why I used to be so excited, so nervous, so anxious, all on the similar time.
I want extra.
Pat McAfee @PatMcAfeeShow
The Majestic faircatch->Free kick combo..
JIM HARBAUGH’S GOING DEEP IN THE RULE BOOK pic.twitter.com/aJSa1H3FVP
Steve Palazzolo @StevePalazzolo_
Our founding fathers knew what they had been doing with the honest catch free kick rule
Annie Agar @AnnieAgar
everybody throughout that free kick rule pic.twitter.com/BxUIsp1uru
Soccer Evaluation @FBallAnalysisYT
I might argue drilling a 57 yard free kick is extra strain than a standard kick as a result of everyone seems to be standing round anticipating you to make it lol
Credit score, in fact, additionally goes to Dicker for getting the job finished, ending a 48-year chilly streak. That is additionally one other notch in his 2024 resume for followers to contemplate when voting for the Professional Bowl.
Los Angeles Chargers @chargers
significantly, do not be a d*ck.
repost to #probowlvote for cameron dicker pic.twitter.com/w1NVmbQU9i
Dicker joins Lambeau, the New York Giants’ Ken Robust (1933), the Packers’ Paul Hornung (1964), the Minnesota Vikings’ Fred Cox (1966), the Chicago Bears’ Mac Percival (1968) and Wersching on the unique record.
