Los Angeles Chargers Make NFL History with First Successful Fair Catch Kick Since 1976

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The Los Angeles Chargers recently made NFL history by successfully executing a fair catch kick, marking the first time such a play has resulted in points since 1976. This rare and historic event occurred during the first half of their game against the Denver Broncos on December 19, 2024.

A fair catch kick is a unique play allowed by the NFL rulebook. It can be attempted after a fair catch is made or awarded as the result of fair catch interference. The receiving team has the option to put the ball in play by a snap or a fair catch kick (either a drop kick or a place kick without a tee) from the spot of the catch or the succeeding spot after any applicable penalties. The kicker can take a running start before kicking the ball, which is different from a regular field goal where the ball is snapped.

In this particular instance, Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker, under the direction of head coach Jim Harbaugh, converted a 57-yard fair catch kick. This kick, which was the longest successful fair catch kick in NFL history, occurred just before halftime and was set up by a 15-yard penalty against the Denver Broncos, giving the Chargers the ball on the Broncos' 47-yard line.

The last successful fair catch kick before this event was made in 1976 by Ray Wersching of the then-San Diego Chargers, who converted a 45-yard field goal against the Buffalo Bills. This play had not been seen in nearly 50 years, making Dicker's kick a significant moment in NFL history.