Free Kick Rule in NFL is one of the special features of the American football game, in which the fair catch can be followed by the field goal attempt. This particular rule which is hardly invoked received some lime light recently when the Los Angeles Chargers’ kicker Cameron Dicker made a 57-yard free kick against the Denver Broncos on December 19, 2024. This day was the record, the best fair catch free kick that the NFL ever recorded. But what does this rule mean and why such rule is quite rare in games?
Understanding the NFL Free Kick Rule
The NFL Free Kick Rule allows a team that has a fair catch to take a free kick from where the catch was made. This kick can be a place kick or drop kick but the kick must be taken without having to use the kicking tee. During this attempt, the defence cannot be closer than ten yards from the line of scrimmage. The rule comes more handy during the last few minutes of the half when the team is trying to score as many points as possible.
However, because of these reasons, the free kick is not often attempted although it is a very good opportunity in getting a goal. Usually, teams do not want to lose the ball after a kick move and prefer to hold it and retain the ball. In fact, there are only 5 documented cases of such attempt in the last 36 years as per ESPN.
Why Is It So Rare?
The tricky aspect of free kicks might be the main reason why free raids are not very common. Free kicks usually expose teams to high-risk situations and preferring to go for a common attack instead of a free kick is evident in most teams. However, if the kick is missed, it switches the possession of the ball to the other team at the point of the kick, which is disadvantageous.
Usually, it occurs less frequently due to the mandatory need to be in definite conditions such as when the team is near the opponent’s basket, all field goals are not made, and time is almost up. For instance, during the Chargers vs Broncos match, Dicker achieved it as a result of a penalty that placed them in a good position to attempt a field goal before half-time.
Engaging with the Rule
Can you describe some situations where you believe that teams should try to take a free kick? Is it possible to increase the frequency of this rule and lead to more entertaining plays?Â
Before Dicker, the last known fair catch free kick was implemented by Ray Wersching of the San Diego Chargers in 1976, proving how rare such activities are in contemporary football according to ESPN. The fact that this play is not frequently performed brings out the aspect of mystery each time it happens.
In conclusion, the NFL Free Kick Rule is one of those options that are usually given to teams as a chance to score a point or more under distinct circumstances, but they remain rather infrequent. Therefore, it remains one of football’s most peculiar rules because of the interplay between tactical approaches and precedent.
