On Sunday afternoon, Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little made history by kicking a remarkable 68-yard field goal against the Las Vegas Raiders, setting a new NFL record for the longest made field goal. This achievement not only cemented Little’s place in football history but also underscored the increasing precision and power of modern kickers.
Little’s feat surpassed the previous record held by Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens, who had previously set the mark with a 66-yard field goal in September 2021. This breakthrough was highlighted by Little’s decision to attempt the field goal, which was made possible by the Jaguars’ coaching strategy under head coach Liam Coen, who opted for a field goal instead of a risky Hail Mary pass.
The significance of this milestone is further emphasized by the presence of other notable kickers in the league. For instance, Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin had previously hit a 65-yard field goal against the Philadelphia Eagles, tying Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey for the second-longest field goal in NFL history. Meanwhile, Aubrey’s 64-yarder against the New York Giants also contributed to the league’s growing list of long-distance field goals.
Little’s performance is not his first major achievement in the league. During the preseason, he astounded fans with a 70-yard field goal, a feat that is rarely seen in regular-season games. Only eight kickers have attempted 70-yard field goals during the regular season, and all have failed. This statistic highlights the rarity and difficulty of Little’s achievement, suggesting that he might soon attempt to break his own record with a 70-yard field goal.
Despite the Jaguars’ early lead of 6-3 at halftime, the team’s performance in the second half will be crucial as they continue their season. The Raiders’ tight end, Brock Bowers, caught a touchdown pass from Geno Smith, adding to the game’s intensity. The match will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as it marks another significant moment in the NFL’s ongoing evolution.