Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little made NFL history by drilling a record-breaking 68-yard field goal, which sparked his team to a dramatic 30-29 overtime victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. The kick, which came as time expired in the first half, set a new benchmark for the longest field goal in league history.
The record attempt occurred at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, an indoor venue with natural grass, providing ideal conditions for such a long kick. Little, a second-year player from Arkansas, approached the moment with calm determination, later explaining that he focused on hitting the ball straight and hard. His successful kick easily cleared the crossbar and bounced off the wall behind the end zone, electrifying the Jaguars’ sideline and giving them a crucial momentum shift heading into halftime.
Jaguars coach Liam Coen had no hesitation in sending Little out for the attempt, citing the kicker’s proven ability, including a 70-yard field goal in the preseason. “We made that decision very quickly,” Coen said. “I looked at [special teams coordinator] Heath [Farwell]. Heath was like, ‘Let’s go.’ I’m like, ‘Let’s go, man. What are we going to do? Throw a Hail Mary?'” The decision paid off, with Coen describing the celebration as if they had “won the Super Bowl,” highlighting how the kick ignited the team’s confidence and energy.
Little’s feat broke the previous NFL record of 66 yards, set by Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens in 2021. Tucker’s kick had itself surpassed Matt Prater’s 64-yard record from 2013. According to ESPN Research, there have been seven field goals of at least 60 yards this season, already the most in a single NFL season, indicating a trend towards longer successful kicks and the evolving skill set of modern kickers.
The game was tightly contested, with the Raiders missing an extra point earlier, adding to the drama. Raiders coach Pete Carroll expressed his frustration, saying, “The all-time longest field goal in the history of the game, and [we] missed an extra point.” This contrast underscored the fine margins in professional football and the emotional swings for both teams, as the Jaguars capitalized on opportunities while the Raiders faced setbacks.
For Little, the record-setting kick marked a redemption after he missed three kicks in the previous two games, including two field goals over 50 yards and a PAT. Despite this, the team maintained confidence in him, and his performance upon return from the bye week demonstrated his resilience. “Everybody’s been trying to get us to lose confidence in him, and I know that for sure [that] we have never lost confidence in him,” Coen affirmed, emphasizing the support system within the organization.
In overtime, the Raiders opted to go for the win on fourth down rather than attempt a field goal, but the play was unsuccessful, sealing the Jaguars’ victory. Coach Carroll defended the decision, stating he did not regret the aggressive call, as it reflected the team’s philosophy to pursue victory directly. The win improves the Jaguars’ playoff prospects in a competitive AFC South, while the Raiders reflect on a narrow loss that could impact their postseason hopes.
Looking forward, Little humorously noted that his record might not stand for long, given the talent among NFL kickers. “I don’t doubt that someone will probably break that record at some point,” he said, acknowledging the competitive nature of the league. This historic moment not only cements Little’s place in NFL history but also highlights the pivotal role of special teams in determining game outcomes, with implications for how teams approach strategic decisions in high-pressure situations.