In an electrifying moment that brought fans to their feet, Cameron Dicker made NFL history by kicking the first free kick field goal since 1976. This incredible 57-yard kick occurred during the final seconds of the first half in a game that will surely be remembered for years to come, between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Denver Broncos.
Dicker, the kicker for the Chargers, seized the rare opportunity for a free kick following a fair catch. As the crowd watched in anticipation, Dicker lined up and delivered a flawless kick, sending the ball soaring through the uprights with precision and power. The stadium erupted in cheers, celebrating this historic achievement.
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The last time a free kick field goal was successfully made in the NFL was 47 years ago, making Dicker’s feat not only a testament to his skill but also a remarkable moment in the league’s history. Free kicks are an uncommon occurrence in football, adding to the uniqueness and excitement of this play and to top it all up it came after a penalty on a fair catch interference that with the extra 15 yards, gave Dicker and the Chargers a chance to move closer in the score on a untimed down, 21-13 at that point of the game.
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It was fitting that it was a Chargers kicker to repeat it
Back in 1976 it was Ray Wersching the last kicker to successfully kick a free kick field goal in the NFL and it was an interesting coincidence that he was playing for the then San Diego Chargers when it happened. It occurred while playing against the Buffalo Bills.
Wersching was born in Mondsee, Austria, on August 21, 1950, and had a successful 15-year career in the NFL, playing for the Chargers and the San Francisco 49ers. He is best remembered for his time with the Niners, where he helped the team secure two Super Bowl victories (Super Bowl XVI and Super Bowl XIX).
Notably, Wersching’s four field goals in Super Bowl XVI were crucial to the 49ers’ win. Despite his on-field success, Wersching faced legal troubles later in life, including issues related to his insurance business. Nevertheless, his legacy in the NFL remains, marked by his distinctive technique and clutch performances.
