When we talk about the “Longest Field Goal in NFL History: The Record‑Breaking Kick,” the name Cam Little leaps off the page—and with good reason. His 68-yard strike changed the game’s record books forever. It’s wild how something that felt like a one‑in‑a‑million moment has quickly become a defining highlight of modern NFL lore.
Setting the Stage: How Records Fell
Kicking records don’t fall every week. Historically, the NFL’s longest field goal was a 66-yarder by Justin Tucker in 2021—an astounding indoor kick that bounced off the crossbar before dropping in and won the Ravens the game. Enter Cam Little, who smashed that mark with a 68-yard successful field goal in the regular season on November 2, 2025, against the Raiders. And then, he did it again—delivering a 67-yard field goal outdoors against the Titans in early January 2026.
What’s fascinating is how his preseason performance foreshadowed this. In August 2025, Little launched a 70-yard field goal—the longest recorded in any NFL game, though it doesn’t count toward the official record. It’s as if he was saying, “Heads-up—I’ve got this.”
The Mechanics Behind Record-Kicking
The Kick Itself: Distance and Conditions
Field goals over 60 yards are exceedingly rare events, requiring ideal trajectory, stadium conditions, and—above all—elite leg strength. Justin Tucker’s 66-yarder was indoors, giving him a controlled environment. Little’s 68-yarder, though, happened in a dome at Allegiant Stadium, around mid-height altitude, not exactly a vertical breeze zone. Then there’s his 67-yard kick, which stands as the longest outdoor field goal ever, performed at ground level.
Technique, Training, and the Human Touch
The jump in such long kicks often reflects not just physical strength but biomechanics, game-day pressure, cognitive clarity, and—let’s not forget—a little bit of luck. An imperceptible shift in wind or angle can turn glory into near-miss. What’s remarkable is how Little has delivered time and again under those exact conditions.
Breaking It Down: Why This Matters
Evolution of the Role
We’ve entered an era—the “age of the kicker”—where names like Brandon Aubrey and Chase McLaughlin are frequently connecting from beyond 60 yards. But Little’s feat still stands out—even among these heavy-hitters—as truly exceptional.
Memorable Moments, Elevated Stakes
Imagine the drama: time winding down, the offense lines up on the 50-yard line, and in one swing, a kicker changes the narrative of a game. That’s not hype—that’s millions of fans dropping their jaws in unison. It’s storytelling, tension, and athleticism combined.
Noteworthy Kicks That Led Up to This
Here’s a quick look at some of the key kicks in the NFL’s long-distance legacy:
- 66 yards – Justin Tucker (2021): Hall-of-Fame accuracy, indoors, took the record.
- 65 yards – Brandon Aubrey (2024) and Chase McLaughlin (2025): Twin bursts of distance, Aubrey got one inside, McLaughlin took the outdoor crown.
- 64 yards – Matt Prater (2013): Held the record for years; iconic lift from Mile High.
These guys pushed the bar, but Little shattered it.
“Cam Little’s 68‑yard field goal didn’t just set a new record—it rewritten how we think about the ceiling for scoring chances.”
— Special Teams Analyst, Opta Analyst
What’s Next? Tracking the Shifting Horizon
The crystal ball is hazy—sure—but several trends suggest we might continue seeing deep kicks become more normalized:
- Improved Physical Training: Kickers now train like elite power athletes with strength, flexibility, and biomechanics evaluation.
- Sports Science Edge: Data-driven tweaks in angle, placement, and consistency bolster success rates.
- Adapting Game Strategy: Coaches are becoming more willing to go for long field goals when the reward outweighs the risk (especially with the cold season approaching or in dome conditions).
- Rising Talent Pool: Looking ahead, combining that with kickers trained with soccer-style background or hybrid development programs may continue expanding that range.
Conclusions
Cam Little’s 68-yard kick isn’t just a stat—it’s a milestone. It represents a shift in what’s possible when technique meets opportunity. Throw in the preseason 70-yarder and his 67-yard outdoor bomb, and we’re talking about a player reshaping expectations of field goal range. As kicking distances creep higher, the legacies being written now will set the stage for even bolder futures.
FAQs
Q: Who currently holds the official NFL record for the longest field goal?
A: Cam Little holds the regular-season record with a 68-yard field goal executed on November 2, 2025.
Q: Is there an even longer field goal in any context?
A: Yes—in a preseason game, Cam Little kicked a 70-yard field goal in August 2025, but preseason stats are excluded from official records.
Q: What’s the longest outdoor field goal ever?
A: Cam Little’s 67-yard field goal in January 2026 is the longest successful outdoor kick in NFL history.
Q: Who held the previous longest official record?
A: Justin Tucker held the record with a 66-yard kick made indoors in 2021, until it was surpassed by Little.
Q: Why don’t preseason field goals count toward official NFL records?
A: NFL policy excludes preseason statistics from official record keeping to maintain consistency, given the variable competitiveness and testing nature of those games.
Q: Are long field goals becoming more common?
A: There’s a growing trend of 60‑plus yard field goals, thanks to advances in training, technique, and strategic offense decisions, though kicks above 65 remain rare and spectacular.
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