Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker ends first half with history-making fair catch field goal Dec 19, 2024

With no time left on the clock in the first half Thursday night, kicker Cameron Dicker and the Los Angeles Chargers made some history.

Dicker converted a 57-yard fair catch field goal, the first such made kick since 1976, to end the half, cutting the Chargers’ deficit to eight points and sparking a rally that led to a 34-27 win against the Denver Broncos.

Chargers punt returner Derius Davis was contacted on the previous play, drawing a fair catch interference flag for 15 yards. Per NFL rules, the Chargers then had the choice to go for a free-kick field goal or a snap from scrimmage. They chose the former and Dicker delivered.

Unlike a normal field goal, the set-up was akin to a kickoff but with a holder, allowing Dicker to attempt the kick without facing a rush.

As fate would have it, Dicker’s 57-yarder was the longest fair catch made FG in NFL history and the first made free-kick FG since the San Diego Chargers’ Ray Wersching on Nov. 21, 1976.

According to the Chargers, the past nine fair catch kick attempts were no good prior to Thursday night.