Who Kicked the Longest Field Goal in NFL History

April 7, 2009 by Mary Wayne

Who kicked the longest field goal in NFL History? The record for the longest field goal is 63 yards and the kickers who made them are Tom Dempsey of the New Orleans Saints in 1970 and Jason Elam of the Denver Broncos in 1998.

Tom Dempsey made the score in a win over the Detroit Lions in November 8, 1970. He kicked the ball from the 63-yard line in the last two seconds to push his New Orleans Saints to a 19-17 win. The same distance for a kick was equalled by Jason Elam of the Denver Broncos on October 25, 1998, Jason Elam kicked a record equalling 63-yard field goal versus the Jacksonville Jaguars to end the first half of the game. There is much controversy between the two as Tom Dempsey’s kick was done below sea level thus making for a heavier ball and more resistance compared to Jason Elam’s kick that was made in the thin atmosphere of Mile High Stadium in Colorado.