When the moment came, Cameron Dicker was prepared for it.
The NFL hadn’t even seen a free-kick field goal attempted since the 2019 season. But once the Broncos committed a fair catch interference foul at the end of the second quarter, Dicker realized he’d get his opportunity.
The Chargers’ kicker nailed the attempt for the NFL’s first successful free-kick field goal since 1976.
“Looking over at their sideline was funny — they were confused what was going on,” Dicker said postgame. “We talk about it every week, so it was a normal thing for us. But it’s funny to watch.”
Dicker noted that he asked the official how much time they had before taking a practice kick in the net and going out make the rare attempt. Dicker sent the 57-yard kick through the uprights, giving the Chargers an important three points before halftime.
Los Angeles’ special teams unit usually goes over the fair-catch kick in its Friday meeting. Dicker correctly recalled that the last attempt was from then-Carolina kicker Joey Slye during a 2019 game in London.
“We always watch that one and it’s fun to do,” Dicker said.
Dicker noted that aside from the opposing team being 10 yards away, the operation is the same as a normal field goal.
But to be prepared for it makes a difference, and that comes from special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken and head coach Jim Harbaugh.
“Offense and stuff isn’t usually in there so they were all confused,” Dicker said. “They were like, ‘What’s going on here?’ So that was funny to hear. And so now, we just taught a bunch of people what’s going on.”
And now Dicker has accomplished something that hadn’t been done in nearly 50 years.
“Yeah, it’s cool,” Dicker said. “I didn’t know that was the case. That’s a pretty cool thing to hear that. It’s pretty awesome.”
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