In an astonishing demonstration of strategic prowess, the Los Angeles Chargers became the first to successfully execute a fair catch kick in nearly half a century in their match against the Denver Broncos on December 19, 2024. Utilizing this obscure rule that had last been accomplished when Ray Wersching from the San Diego Chargers booted a 57-yard field goal in 1976, Kicker Cameron Dicker made good.
The fair catch kick is a rarely utilized provision in the NFL rulebook, in which a team is able to attempt a field goal from the spot of a fair catch. Unlike regular field goal attempts, this kick faces no defensive rush, as the opposing team must stay 10 yards away, almost like a kickoff. A ball can be held or drop-kicked, and an effective attempt results in three points. Because the specific conditions required to apply this rule—namely, a fair catch within reasonable field goal range—are relatively rare, this rule is seldom invoked.
It presented itself at the end of the first half when the Broncos’ Riley Dixon kicked a 46-yard punt fair caught by the Chargers return man, Derius Davis, back in his team’s end, at their 38-yard line. A Broncos cornerback Tremon Smith penalty for fair catch interference took it 15 yards. Now the Chargers were spotted on the Denver 47-yard line with no time on the clock left. Their head coach Jim Harbaugh called for a fair catch kick.
Cameron Dicker, who had previously demonstrated his reliability in clutch situations, lined up for the 57-yard attempt. With no defensive pressure, Dicker’s kick sailed through the uprights, marking the first successful fair catch kick in the NFL since Ray Wersching’s 45-yard conversion for the Chargers in 1976.
This rare execution not only added three points to the Chargers’ score but also reflected the deep understanding of the NFL’s subtle rules. Fans and analysts were left astonished and admiring this bold decision. The kick that was good enough proved to be a momentum booster for the Chargers as they won 34-27 against the Broncos.
The fair catch kick is actually a carryover from rugby football’s “goal from mark” and is still part of Australian rules football. It’s a rarity in the NFL, at least in modern times; only a few attempts have been made. Prior to Dicker’s successful attempt, the last conversion had been by Wersching in 1976 for the Chargers as well.
Cameron Dicker, known affectionately as “Dicker the Kicker,” has been an indispensable addition to the Chargers. Since his joining, he has shown steady performances and, most importantly, game-winning field goals. His latest achievement only reinforces his status as a reliable and effective kicker in big-time situations.
The Chargers’ successful fair catch kick is a testament to the team’s strategic ingenuity and thorough knowledge of the game’s lesser-known rules. This rare play not only captivated the audience but also highlighted the dynamic and unpredictable nature of football, where even the most obscure rules can come into play and make a significant impact.
