10 Longest Field Goals in NFL History

Drilling a long field goal is one of the most exhilarating moments in football. There’s a distinct shift in expectations depending on where the ball is spotted. Inside 40 yards? Most fans are already mentally adding three points to the scoreboard. Between 40 and 50 yards? That’s the gray zone—confidence dips slightly, nerves creep in, but you still think there’s a good chance it goes through.

Once a kicker lines up from 50+ yards, though, it feels like a whole different ballgame. The odds of making it drop significantly, and every fan knows it. But then come the outliers—the elite few who make 55-yard bombs look effortless, redefining what’s possible for their position.

Over the years, the NFL has seen some truly jaw-dropping kicks—booming field goals that defy distance, pressure, and physics. Whether it's the high altitude of Denver or a clutch moment in a pressure-cooker game, these kicks are etched in history.

Take Tom Dempsey, for example.

On November 8, 1970, Dempsey and the New Orleans Saints were facing the Detroit Lions. With just seconds left on the clock and the Saints trailing 17–16, Dempsey launched a stunning 63-yard field goal to win the game — a kick that shocked fans and etched his name into NFL history. That record-breaking kick stood untouched for 43 years.

But as the saying goes, records are made to be broken — and over time, plenty of NFL kickers have risen to the challenge.

Let’s take a look at the 10 longest field goals in NFL history—kicks that pushed the boundaries of leg strength, accuracy, and nerves of steel.

Justin Tucker (Baltimore Ravens): 66 Yards (2021)

As time expired, Justin Tucker nailed a record-breaking 66-yard field goal to lift the Baltimore Ravens over the Detroit Lions, 19–17. In a rare move, Tucker adjusted his kicking technique for the historic attempt, adding a “crow hop” to generate extra power. The controlled conditions inside the dome likely contributed as well, giving the NFL’s most reliable kicker the edge he needed to make history.

Brandon Aubrey (Dallas Cowboys): 65 Yards (2024)

Last season, Aubrey drilled a 65-yard field goal in the first quarter of a game against the Baltimore Ravens. The impressive kick came inside AT&T Stadium, with the retractable roof closed.

Matt Prater (Denver Broncos): 64 Yards (2013)

Prater’s 64-yard field goal capped off the first half of a dominant win over the Tennessee Titans on a chilly December afternoon at Denver’s Mile High Stadium.

Tom Dempsey (Saints): 63 Yards (1970)

As previously mentioned, Dempsey’s 63-yard field goal stood atop the record books for over 40 years. Depending on your perspective, the kick was either more impressive—or perhaps less so—because of his unique physical condition: a stub right foot and a custom-made, flat-fronted shoe.

Jason Elam (Broncos): 63 Yards (1998)

Dempsey’s record stood for 28 years until Elam matched it with a 63-yard field goal on the final play of the first half in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, which the Broncos went on to win.

Sebastian Janikowski (Oakland Raiders): 63 Yards (2011)

Janikowski’s 63-yard field goal sailed through the uprights on the final play of the first half during a Monday Night Football showdown against the Broncos—proof that the thin mountain air in Denver is no myth.

David Akers (San Francisco 49ers): 63 Yards (2012)

To close the first half, Akers’ kick clanged off the crossbar before barely sneaking over, silencing the stunned crowd at Lambeau Field. The 49ers went on to win the game, 30–22.

Graham Gano (Carolina Panthers): 63 Yards (2018)

The 2018 season had its ups and downs for the Panthers, but one unforgettable high point came on October 7, when Graham Gano nailed a dramatic 63-yard game-winning field goal to defeat the New York Giants.

Brett Maher (Cowboys): 63 Yards (2019)

Maher closed out the first half of the Cowboys’ October 20 showdown against NFC East rival Philadelphia with a spectacular 63-yard field goal. Dallas carried that momentum to a commanding 37-10 victory.

Joey Slye (New England Patriots): 63 Yards (2024)

The Patriots had a rough outing against the 49ers, but Slye’s 63-yard field goal just before halftime was a standout moment. Not only did it make history, but it also set a new franchise record for the longest field goal ever.

Other Notable Long Field Goals

There have been seven 62-yard field goals in NFL history. Matt Prater has made two for the Arizona Cardinals, Brett Maher has two for the Dallas Cowboys, and Harrison Butker (Kansas City), Stephen Gostkowski (New England), and Matt Bryant (Tampa Bay) have each made one. Notably, all but Bryant’s 62-yarder—which was kicked in 2006—have occurred since 2017.

Additionally, since 1984, there have been 12 successful 61-yard field goals and 12 successful 60-yard field goals.

Cover Credits - The Sporting News