In a remarkable moment for the Los Angeles Chargers, the team achieved a rarity in the NFL by successfully executing a fair catch kick, something that hasn’t happened since 1976. But what exactly is a fair catch kick?
Under NFL rules, if a player signals for a fair catch, the team has the option to attempt a kick from that spot instead of starting a new possession. If successful, the kick is worth three points, equivalent to a field goal. Unlike a traditional snap, the fair catch kick allows the kicker to have a longer running start, making it similar to a kickoff but with a holder instead of a tee.
The Chargers’ kicker, Dicker, attempted a remarkable 57-yard fair catch kick after the Denver Broncos’ punt coverage team was penalized for fair catch interference at the end of the first half of Thursday night’s game. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh made the strategic decision to attempt this kick on an untimed down, as a miss would prevent the Broncos from returning the ball.
The fair catch kick is outlined in the NFL rulebook, specifically stating that following a fair catch or if a fair catch is awarded due to interference, the receiving team may opt for a fair catch kick from the spot of the catch. This unique play highlights a blend of strategy and skill within the game.
Dicker’s successful kick marks the first fair catch kick since Joey Slye executed one for the Carolina Panthers in 2019. However, Dicker’s achievement is historic as it stands as the longest successful fair catch kick in NFL history at 65 yards, and the first to score points since Ray Wersching managed a 45-yard kick for the then-San Diego Chargers against the Buffalo Bills in 1976.
This extraordinary moment not only adds to the excitement of the game but also underscores the evolving strategies and skill sets that players and coaches bring to the field. Observers can look forward to how this event may inspire new tactics and plays across the league in the future.