by Longest field goal in NFL history attempts have always carried a unique thrill, blending precision, power, and nerve. What was once considered impossible has become a reality thanks to advances in training, biomechanics, and game strategy. As kickers grow stronger and special teams evolve, long-distance kicks are no longer desperation plays but calculated, high-stakes opportunities.
The modern record showcases not only extraordinary athletic ability but also the science behind perfect ball flight, timing, and technique. This milestone has inspired a new generation of specialists determined to push the boundaries of what’s achievable in the longest field goal in NFL history.
The New Record Holder: Cam Little’s 68-Yard Blast
The title for the longest field goal in NFL history belongs to Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little, who successfully drilled a 68-yard kick. This monumental achievement occurred on November 2, 2025, against the Las Vegas Raiders. The kick surpassed the previous record by two yards, pushing the boundary of what many thought was achievable in a regular-season game. It was a massive moment that cemented Little’s place in the NFL record books, capturing the imagination of fans who crave seeing the longest field goal in NFL history broken.
| Rank | Distance | Kicker | Team | Date | Location |
| 1 | 68 yards | Cam Little | Jacksonville Jaguars | Nov. 2, 2025 | Allegiant Stadium (Dome) |
| 2 | 66 yards | Justin Tucker | Baltimore Ravens | Sept. 26, 2021 | Ford Field (Dome) |
| T-3 | 65 yards | Brandon Aubrey | Dallas Cowboys | Sept. 22, 2024 | AT&T Stadium (Dome) |
| T-3 | 65 yards | Chase McLaughlin | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Sept. 28, 2025 | Raymond James Stadium (Outdoor) |
| T-5 | 64 yards | Matt Prater | Denver Broncos | Dec. 8, 2013 | Mile High (Altitude) |
| T-5 | 64 yards | Brandon Aubrey | Dallas Cowboys | Sept. 14, 2025 | AT&T Stadium (Dome) |
The spectacular kick by Little was a right-footed thunderbolt that took place just before halftime. Kicking inside the Allegiant Stadium dome likely provided ideal, stable conditions, maximizing the chance for the ball to travel the distance required for the longest field goal in NFL history. Little had already demonstrated this kind of power in the preseason, connecting on a 70-yard attempt, making his record-breaking longest field goal in NFL history a matter of when, not if.
Top Kicks That Defined Kicking History
Before Cam Little’s towering kick, the record for the longest field goal in NFL history had seen several iconic moments, each representing a significant leap in the evolution of the kicking game . These historic kicks show that environmental factors, high pressure, and sheer power all play a role in achieving the longest field goal in NFL history.
- Justin Tucker (66 yards): Tucker’s 2021 game-winner against the Lions was a moment of pure drama. As time expired, his kick bounced off the crossbar before dropping through the uprights. It broke the record held by Matt Prater and was the first time the mark had been extended since 2013, proving that clutch performance is as important as leg strength in achieving the longest field goal in NFL history.
- Matt Prater (64 yards): Prater’s 2013 kick for the Broncos held the record for eight years. Crucially, this kick was made at Mile High Stadium in Denver, whose high altitude (over 5,200 feet) significantly aids ball travel. This factor has always made Mile High a prime location for the longest field goal in NFL history attempts.
- Tom Dempsey (63 yards): Dempsey’s kick for the Saints in 1970 was a legendary moment that stood alone for 28 years. Using a custom, flat-faced shoe (Dempsey was born without toes on his kicking foot), he booted a game-winning kick that demonstrated immense power and inspired a rule change—cementing his incredible mark in the history of the longest field goal in NFL history. His record was later tied by several kickers, including Jason Elam, Sebastian Janikowski, David Akers, Graham Gano, Brett Maher, and Joey Slye, before the 64-yard mark was finally eclipsed.
The Science Behind Breaking the Record
Achieving the longest field goal in NFL history is not just about a powerful leg; it’s a perfect synthesis of technique, ball velocity, and environmental conditions. The increasing frequency of 60-plus-yard kicks points to advancements in training, coaching, and equipment that enable kickers to consistently achieve the required distance for the longest field goal in NFL history.
- Aerodynamics and Elevation: The drag on the football, a crucial factor in long kicks, is significantly reduced at higher altitudes, which is why Matt Prater’s 64-yarder in Denver was such a huge factor. Domes also eliminate wind, allowing kickers like Little and Tucker to focus solely on their trajectory and power, maximizing the potential distance of the longest field goal in NFL history.
- Modern Technique and Training: Today’s kickers are highly specialized athletes who train year-round. They utilize bio-mechanics to maximize power transfer from the leg through the ball, often experimenting with techniques like the “crow hop” to gain a few extra yards of distance and secure the record for the longest field goal in NFL history. This ongoing evolution ensures that the record will likely continue to fall.
The pursuit of the next yard will continue to drive kickers. Given the recent flurry of 65- and 64-yard kicks, it’s clear the new 68-yard mark for the longest field goal in NFL history is the current target, but perhaps not the final one.
