Fair catch kick

File:CatchyOliphant.jpg

Elmer Oliphant holds the record for most fair catch kicks and attempts, with two goals on four attempts, all in 1921.

The fair catch kick is a rule at the professional and high school levels of American football that allows a team that has just made a fair catch to attempt a free kickTemplate:Refn from the spot of the catch. The kick must be either a place kick or a drop kick, and if it passes over the crossbar and between the goalposts of the opposing team's goal, a field goal, worth three points, is awarded to the kicking team. The fair catch kick has its origins in rugby football's goal from mark, which has since been abolished in both major rugby codes; a similar rule, the mark, is a major part of Australian rules football.

The fair catch kick is considered to be an obscure rule and it is rarely attempted. Because most fair catches are made well out of field goal range, and a team making a fair catch has possession of the ball and a first down, it is rarely to a team's advantage to attempt a fair catch kick rather than run a play from scrimmage. A team may attempt a fair catch kick if it makes a fair catch when the clock expires at the end of either half, as a half must be extended in order to allow a fair catch kick attempt. At the professional level, the most recent successful fair catch kick was made on December 19, 2024, by Cameron Dicker of the Los Angeles Chargers against the Denver Broncos; prior to that, the last successful attempt had occurred in 1976.

Rule

The fair catch kick rule states that, after a player has made a fair catch or has been awarded a fair catch as the result of a penalty such as kick catch interference, their team can attempt a kick from the spot of the catch;<ref name="NFHS Rulebook, p. 46.">NFHS Rulebook, p. 46.</ref><ref>NFL Rules, p. 55.</ref> the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) rulebook also allows a kick to be made if the down following the fair catch or awarded fair catch has to be replayed.<ref name="NFHS Rulebook, p. 46." /> Prior to the kick, the opposing team must be lined up at least ten yards beyond the spot of the ball.<ref name="NFHS Rulebook, p. 52.">NFHS Rulebook, p. 52.</ref><ref name="NFL Rules, p. 59">NFL Rules, p. 59.</ref> The kick itself can be either a place kick or drop kick;<ref>NFHS Rulebook, p. 32.</ref><ref>NFL Rules, p. 57.</ref> a kicking tee cannot be used at the professional level, but use of a tee up to two inches in height is permitted at the high school level.<ref name="NFL Rules, p. 59" /><ref>NFHS Rulebook, pp. 15, 32.</ref> Like other field goal attempts, the kicking team is awarded three points if the kick goes above the crossbar and between the goalposts of the opposing team's goal and did not touch a player of the kicking team after the kick.<ref>NFHS Rulebook, pp. 55, 66.</ref><ref>NFL Rules, p. 56-59.</ref> If the attempt fails, the opposing team is awarded control of the ball from the spot of the kick.<ref>NFHS Rulebook, p. 37.</ref><ref name="NFL Rules, p. 58.">NFL Rules, p. 58.</ref> The opposing team can also return the kick if it does not go out of bounds.<ref name="NFHS Rulebook, p. 52."/><ref name="NFL Rules, p. 58." />

In the NFHS rulebook, the fair catch kick is specifically defined as a free kick.<ref>NFHS Rulebook, p. 55.</ref> The National Football League (NFL) rulebook specifically states that the fair catch kick is not a free kick,<ref name="NFL Rules, p. 59" /> instead considering the fair catch kick to be a distinct type of kick.<ref>NFL Rules, p. 13.</ref> Despite this, reporters at both levels describe the fair catch kick as a free kick.<ref name="Bears shocked Packers with last-minute free kick" /><ref name="Rackers Botches Fair Catch Kick">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Rare free kick leads to huge, last-minute win in Miami">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The XFL (2020) and UFL rulebook defines the fair catch kick separately from the free kick. Under the XFL rules, a fair catch kick cannot itself be returned and the play ends when either team secures possession of the ball; the formation is executed under the XFL's rules for an onside kick, which are separate from those of the XFL's standard kickoff formation.<ref name=2023xflrules>Garcia, Dany and Dean Blandino. XFL 2023 Rule Book. 3-18-4, p. 12; 3-25-5, p. 17; 4-8-2(e), p. 28)</ref>

History

The fair catch kick found in American football originated in rugby football. A similar rule in rugby, the goal from mark, allowed a player who had fair caught a ball to attempt an uncontested free kick from the spot of the fair catch. Both major codes of rugby have eliminated the rule: rugby league abolished the goal from mark in 1922, and rugby union removed it in 1977.<ref name="The Rarest Play in the NFL">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Australian rules football has retained the rule, and it is a vital part of the Australian game; a "fair catch" of a ball kicked more than 15 meters in the air is called a mark, and the player making the mark is then awarded a free kick.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The fair catch kick has been present in the NFL rulebook since the league's inception,<ref name="Bears shocked Packers with last-minute free kick">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and also remains in the NFHS rulebook.<ref>Nelson 1993, p. 253.</ref> The fair catch kick is not legal in National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) football; the NCAA abolished the fair catch in 1950, but re-added it a year later. When the fair catch returned to the rulebook, however, the option to attempt a kick after the fair catch was removed.<ref>Nelson 1993, pp. 253.</ref>

Usage

The fair catch kick rule is very rarely invoked,<ref name="Bears shocked Packers with last-minute free kick" /><ref name="Rare free kick leads to huge, last-minute win in Miami" /><ref name="The Rarest Play in the NFL" /> and it is one of the rarest plays in football.<ref name="Rare free kick leads to huge, last-minute win in Miami" /><ref name="The Rarest Play in the NFL" /> The rule has been regarded as "obscure",<ref name="Bears shocked Packers with last-minute free kick" /><ref name="Rackers Botches Fair Catch Kick" /> "bizarre",<ref name="The Rarest Play in the NFL" /> and "quirky".<ref name="Fair catch kick would add old-time pizzazz to playoffs">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> A unique set of circumstances is required for a fair catch kick to be a viable option. For one, the fair catch would need to be made at a point on the field where a field goal attempt has a reasonable chance of being successful;<ref name="Ron Pexa: What About That Call?" /> most fair catches are made well outside of field goal range.<ref name="The little-known fair catch kick">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Furthermore, for a fair catch kick to be a viable option near the end of the fourth quarter, the team attempting the kick needs to be either tied or behind by three points or fewer; even if such a situation were to occur, a coach might still decline to attempt a fair catch kick. For example, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, known for his knowledge and utilization of obscure football rules, declined the opportunity to attempt a 75-yard fair catch kick at the end of regulation in Super Bowl LI. Although kicker Stephen Gostkowski was able to kick the ball that far and the game was tied, Belichick felt the risk of a return touchdown by the opposing team off a failed kick outweighed the opportunity to score from the kick.<ref name="DeCosta">Template:Cite news</ref> Art McNally, who led the officiating department of the National Football League from 1968 to 1990, said that even in the event a fair catch is made within field goal range, most teams would attempt to score a touchdown unless there is not enough time left to score one.<ref name="Monolithic Packers-Bears Rivalry Evokes Numerous Memories ">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Accordingly, most fair catch kick attempts occur when a team has fair-caught a ball from a punt from deep in their opponent's territory but there is not enough time left in the half to go for a touchdown.<ref name="The Rarest Play in the NFL" />

Despite its drawbacks, there are several unique advantages to using the fair catch kick. Because the play does not start until the ball is kicked, the kicker can take a running start before kicking as opposed to the typical two steps taken on regular field goal attempts. Similarly, the kicker does not have to worry about a low snap because the ball is not snapped. Because the defense cannot come within 10 yards of the kicker before the ball is kicked, the kicker can give the ball a lower trajectory than a field goal kick from scrimmage without the threat of it being blocked. The fair catch kick would also be of a shorter distance than a normal field goal attempt from the same spot, because the fair catch kick is taken from the spot of the catch, while a typical field goal is taken seven yards behind the line of scrimmage.<ref name="Ron Pexa: What About That Call?">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Known attempts in the NFL

The NFL does not keep a record of fair catch kick attempts, so the exact number of attempts is unknown.<ref name="Monolithic Packers-Bears Rivalry Evokes Numerous Memories " /> Out of the 33 recorded fair catch kick attempts in regular season and postseason games, ten were successful; all five known attempts in exhibition games were unsuccessful. Since 1933, all known fair catch kick attempts were made within the last 30 seconds of either the 2nd or 4th quarter. The last attempt was made on December 19, 2024, by Cameron Dicker of the Los Angeles Chargers. At 57 yards, it is the longest successful kick to date.

Regular season and post-season games

List of known fair catch kick attempts in regular and post-season games

Date	Kicker	Kicking team	Opponent	Yards	Result	Game time	Note(s)	Reference(s)
October 10, 1920	Heinie Miller	Buffalo All-Americans	All-BuffaloTemplate:Dagger	15	Good	4th quarter	Attempt followed 15-yard penalty for kick catch interference. Non-league opponent.	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
October 9, 1921	Elmer Oliphant	Buffalo All-Americans	Columbus Panhandles	50	Good	2nd quarter		citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
October 16, 1921	Elmer Oliphant	Buffalo All-Americans	New York Brickley Giants	32	Good	2nd quarter		citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
November 6, 1921	Curly Lambeau	Green Bay Packers	Evansville Crimson Giants	35	Good	2nd quarter	Made after a "sky high" punt that went only about 25 yards.	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
November 13, 1921	Elmer Oliphant	Buffalo All-Americans	Akron Pros	30	Missed	3rd quarter	Attempt followed 15-yard penalty for kick catch interference.	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
November 20, 1921	Elmer Oliphant	Buffalo All-Americans	Canton Bulldogs	24	Missed	2nd quarter		citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
November 9, 1924	Benny Boynton	Buffalo Bisons	Kenosha Maroons	42	Missed	1st quarter	Ball landed in field of play and Buffalo recovered at 7 yard line, being live under contemporary rules.	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
November 8, 1925	George Abramson	Green Bay Packers	Chicago Cardinals	35	Missed	4th quarter	Game played in snow on a muddy field.	<ref>Crusinberry, James (Nov. 9, 1925). "Cards Win 9-6; Driscoll's Toe Tells Tale". Chicago Daily Tribune, p. 23. Retrieved January 14, 2015.</ref>
November 26, 1933	Ken Strong	New York Giants	Green Bay Packers	30	Good	3rd quarter		<ref>Kelley, Robert F. (Nov. 27, 1933). "Giants turn back Green Bay by 17-6". The New York Times, p. 21. Retrieved June 23, 2013.</ref>
October 23, 1955	Ben Agajanian	New York Giants	Pittsburgh Steelers	56	Missed	2nd quarter (0:30)		<ref>Effrat, Louis (Oct. 24, 1955). "Giants defeated by Steelers in seesaw contest at Polo Grounds". The New York Times, p. 31. Retrieved June 23, 2013.</ref>
November 2, 1958	Gordy Soltau	San Francisco 49ers	Detroit Lions	61	Missed	2nd quarter (0:15)		<ref>"Old-timers Perry, McElhenny, Tittle star in 24-21 rally". (Nov. 3, 1958). Los Angeles Times, p. c1. Retrieved June 23, 2013.</ref>
September 13, 1964	Sam Baker	Philadelphia Eagles	New York Giants	47	Missed	2nd quarter (0:00)		<ref>Wallace, William N. (Sep. 14, 1964). "Safetyman blitz shackles Tittle". The New York Times, p. 44. Retrieved June 23, 2013.</ref>
September 13, 1964	Paul Hornung	Green Bay Packers	Chicago Bears	52	Good	2nd quarter (0:00)		<ref name="Monolithic Packers-Bears Rivalry Evokes Numerous Memories " /><ref>White, Gordon S., Jr. (Sep. 14, 1964). "Rout of Chicago led by Hornung". The New York Times, p. 44. Retrieved June 23, 2013.</ref>
December 4, 1966	Fred Cox	Minnesota Vikings	Atlanta Falcons	40	Good	2nd quarter (0:00)		<ref>Rollow, Cooper (Dec. 11, 1966). "Berry almost blanked out on play that whipped the Bears". Chicago Tribune, p. E3. Retrieved June 23, 2013.</ref>
November 23, 1967	Bruce Gossett	Los Angeles Rams	Detroit Lions	55	Missed	2nd quarter (0:03)		<ref>Florence, Mal (Nov. 25, 1967). "Wanted three points". Los Angeles Times, p. a2. Retrieved June 23, 2013.</ref>
November 3, 1968	Mac Percival	Chicago Bears	Green Bay Packers	43	Good	4th quarter (0:20)	Game-winning field goal	<ref name="Bears shocked Packers with last-minute free kick" /><ref>"Bears upset Packers, 13 to 10, on free kick in final seconds". (Nov. 4, 1968). The New York Times, p. 62. Retrieved June 23, 2013.</ref>
December 8, 1968	Fred Cox	Minnesota Vikings	San Francisco 49ers	47	Missed	2nd quarter (0:00)		<ref>Dozer, Richard (Dec. 9, 1968). "Vikings stay alive". Chicago Tribune, p. g1. Retrieved June 23, 2013.</ref>
October 5, 1969	Curt Knight	Washington Redskins	San Francisco 49ers	56	Missed	4th quarter (0:02)	The game finished as a 17–17 tie.	<ref>"Redskins tie 49ers, 17-17". (Oct. 6, 1969). The New York Times, p. 64. Retrieved June 23, 2013.</ref>
November 23, 1969	Tom Dempsey	New Orleans Saints	San Francisco 49ers	57	Missed	2nd quarter (0:00)		<ref>Rollow, Cooper (Nov. 30, 1969). "Pro football patter". Chicago Tribune, p. b4. Retrieved June 23, 2013.</ref>
December 21, 1969	Sam Baker	Philadelphia Eagles	San Francisco 49ers	49	Missed	2nd quarter (0:00)		citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
November 1, 1970	Curt Knight	Washington Redskins	Denver Broncos	49	Missed	2nd quarter (0:00)		<ref>"Jurgensen on target". (Nov. 2, 1970). Los Angeles Times, p. d8. Retrieved June 23, 2013.</ref>
November 8, 1971	David Ray	Los Angeles Rams	Baltimore Colts	45	Missed	2nd quarter (0:00)		<ref>Oates, Bob (Nov. 9, 1971). "L.A.'s special teams cost win in Baltimore". Los Angeles Times, p. d1. Retrieved June 23, 2013.</ref>
November 21, 1976	Ray Wersching	San Diego Chargers	Buffalo Bills	45	Good	2nd quarter (0:00)		citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="NFL fair catch kick attempts">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
November 25, 1979	Mark Moseley	Washington Redskins	New York Giants	74	Missed	4th quarter	Longest field goal attempt on record until 2008.	<ref>Katz, Michael (Nov. 26, 1979). "Giants topple Redskins, 14-6". The New York Times, p. C1. Retrieved June 23, 2013.</ref>
September 29, 1980	Fred Steinfort	Denver Broncos	New England Patriots	73	Missed	2nd quarter (0:00)		<ref>Roberts, Ernie (Jan. 21, 1981). "Color Rockingham grey". The Boston Globe, p. 1. Retrieved June 23, 2013.</ref>
November 18, 1984	Raul Allegre	Indianapolis Colts	New England Patriots	61	Missed	2nd quarter (0:00)	Fair catch was made on a botched squib kick.	<ref>"Colt 'free kick' no consequence". (Nov. 14, 1984). Indianapolis News, p. 30. Retrieved June 23, 2013.</ref>
January 1, 1989	Mike Cofer	San Francisco 49ers	Minnesota Vikings	60	Missed	2nd quarter (0:00)	NFC Divisional Playoff game	<ref>"One play gave New York 2 hits" Template:Webarchive. (Jan. 3, 1989). Los Angeles Times, p. 2. Retrieved June 23, 2013.</ref>
October 9, 2005	Rob Bironas	Tennessee Titans	Houston Texans	58	Missed	2nd quarter (0:00)		citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Fair catch kick is Cox flashback">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
November 23, 2008	Neil Rackers	Arizona Cardinals	New York Giants	68	Missed	2nd quarter (0:05)		citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
December 28, 2008	Mason Crosby	Green Bay Packers	Detroit Lions	69	Missed	2nd quarter (0:00)	Ball was on target but fell just short of the crossbar.	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
September 26, 2013	Phil Dawson	San Francisco 49ers	St. Louis Rams	71	Missed	2nd quarter (0:04)		citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="49ers pull in front of Rams 14-3 at the half">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
October 13, 2019	Joey Slye	Carolina Panthers	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	60	Missed	2nd quarter (0:01)	Game played in London	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
December 19, 2024	Cameron Dicker	Los Angeles Chargers	Denver Broncos	57	Good	2nd quarter (0:00)	Longest recorded successful fair catch kick. Attempt followed 15-yard penalty for fair catch interference.	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Exhibition games

List of known fair catch kick attempts in exhibition games

Date	Kicker	Kicking team	Opponent	Yards	Result	Game time	Note(s)	Reference(s)
January 9, 1966	Lou Michaels	Baltimore Colts	Dallas Cowboys	57	Missed	2nd quarter (0:00)	Playoff Bowl gameTemplate:Refn	<ref>"Matte's passing paces Colts to 35-to-3 upset of Cowboys in Playoff Bowl". (Jan. 10, 1966). The New York Times, p. 19. Retrieved June 23, 2013.</ref>
July 29, 1972	Chester Marcol	College All-Stars	Dallas Cowboys	68	Missed	2nd quarter (0:00)	Chicago College All-Star Game	<ref>Damer, Roy (Jul. 29, 1972). "Morton leads pro kings". Chicago Tribune, p. n_c1. Retrieved June 23, 2013.</ref>
August 9, 1972	Mac Percival	Chicago Bears	Houston Oilers	60	Missed	4th quarter (0:15)		<ref name="NFL fair catch kick attempts" />
August 31, 1986	Rafael Septién	Dallas Cowboys	Houston Oilers	53	Missed	4th quarter (0:00)		<ref>"Oilers 17, Cowboys 14". (Aug. 31, 1986). The New York Times, p. S9. Retrieved June 23, 2013.</ref>
August 8, 1993	Chris Gardocki	Chicago Bears	Philadelphia Eagles	63	Missed	2nd quarter (0:00)		<ref>Mitchell, Fred (Aug. 9, 1993). "63-yard fg try on free kick falls short". Chicago Tribune, p. 4. Retrieved June 23, 2013.</ref>

Notes

Notes

Footnotes

References

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