Jim Harbaugh
As far as the minutiae of football are concerned, few catch the fancy like the free-kick field goal. To Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, this obscure rule is not merely a footnote in the rulebook: It is his favorite. The thrill of an attempt at a play that embodies strategy, skill, and timing has been an enduring fascination for Harbaugh during his coaching career.
The game on December 19, 2024, during the Chargers’ electrifying 34-27 victory over the Denver Broncos, put the free-kick rule front and center of Harbaugh’s obsession. Following the fair catch at 57 yards, Cameron Dicker took a swing and actually made a field goal after 48 long years—a feat that had players and fans alike gawking at it.
What Is a Free-Kick Field Goal?
For those who might have not very much familiarity with this rule, a free-kick field goal is that one enigmatic rule in football that provides a team after a fair catch with the opportunity to go for a field goal. Unlike any traditional field goal, there is no snap or defensive rush. The ball is placed where it was caught, and the kicker gets a free shot at the goalposts with the help of a holder.
Due to the very special circumstances under which it could happen, it is among the least used plays in the game. And a successful attempt could create a huge momentum swing, as illustrated in the kick from Dicker.
Jim Harbaugh
Harbaugh’s love for the rule.
Jim Harbaugh’s love for a free-kick field goal is certainly not a new thing. He first tried it during his tenure as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers when he attempted a record 71-yard fair-catch kick with Phil Dawson against then-St. Louis Rams in 2013. While the kick missed the mark, it showed that Harbaugh was willing to try something out of the box.
“It’s my favorite rule in football,” said Harbaugh after Thursday’s game. “I want to get one basically every game.”
Although the statement was made in jest, it mentions the strategic mentality that Harbaugh possesses in his job. Knowing how the play could affect the game later on, he has his guys always prepared for it.
Jim Harbaugh
The Anatomy of Dicker’s Historic Kick
A major blunder from Denver’s Tremon Smith set the stage for Dicker’s record-breaking 57-yard kick. As the first half wound down, Smith committed fair-catch interference on Derius Davis’ punt return attempt. The penalty moved the ball to Denver’s 47-yard line on an untimed down for the Chargers.
“Pretty much,” Harbaugh said with a bemused smile when asked whether he thought the moment was catered to him. “I was really happy, too, because coach [Ryan] Ficken had gone over it this week. He doesn’t go over that every week, but he had gone over it this week.”
Following a timeout to regroup the team, Harbaugh sent Dicker onto the field. With J.K. Scott as the holder, Dicker made a solid kick that sent the Chargers ahead three valuable points and shifted the momentum of the game.
The Strategic Value of the Play
Though it seldom occurs, the field goal awarded after a free-kick can be a big change for the game. It is a unique opportunity for a team to score without the opportunity of a blocked kick or defensive penalties. For coaches like Harbaugh, those who search for every possible edge, the rule is a worthy weapon of opportunity.
“Good thing about free-kick is you don’t have to go back 8 yards from the snap,” Harbaugh explained. “You get it right at the spot. So, it’s great work.”
The Chargers also showed just how important preparation can be. Special teams coach Ryan Ficken deserves credit for keeping the team prepared for this sort of situation, as Harbaugh pointed out in his post-game comments.
Reactions From Players and Coaches
The kick taken by Dicker was met by a mix of awe and confusion. Seasoned players and coaches certainly confessed to being a little caught off-guard by the play.
“I was definitely confused,” said Chargers edge rusher Joey Bosa. “I was ready to take a shower and get in the locker room, though I’m happy that we had a shot.”
The Legacy of the Free-Kick Field Goal
Not only did Cameron Dicker’s 57-yarder set the NFL record for the longest fair-catch kick, but also, it rekindled interest in one of the most obscure rules of the sport. For
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