NFL Fair Catch Free Kick Rule Explained
By Michael Luciano
Fans on two continents were left puzzled when the Carolina Panthers attempted a "fair catch free kick," which allows a team that just fair caught the ball to attempted either drop kick or place kick.
To answer your question, yes, it looked as bizarre as it sounds. Take it away, Joey Slye!
#JoeySlye attempts @NFL Fair Catch Free Kick. That’s the first time I’ve seen that! #faircatchfreekick @Panthers pic.twitter.com/h8h3SJDDIU
— HoopDaddy ‘73 (@Hoopdaddy73) October 13, 2019
What is the NFL Free Kick Rule?
The NFL's own fair catch kick was inspired by a rubgy rule that allows a player to take a free kick from the spot of a fair catch.
The receiving team can attempt either a drop-kick or place-kick after the fair catch, and the opposing team must be lined up 10 yards away from the spot of the ball.
Standard field goals rules apply on this kick, as the kicking team is given three points if the ball goes through the uprights. Likewise, the defense has the option of returning the kick if they field a miss within the field of play.
When Was the Last Fair Catch Free Kick in the NFL?
The kick has only been attempted once since 2009, when San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson missed a 71 yard kick against the then-St. Louis Rams. The last made kick came from San Diego Chargers kicker Ray Wersching in 1976.
It looks like the last attempted fair catch-free kick was by Phil Dawson for the 2013 Niners. The last successful one was Ray Wersching for the Chargers in 1976 (!) https://t.co/S9ZSUyD1SG
— Robert Mays (@robertmays) October 13, 2019
The folks in London were treated to something that hasn't been attempted at all in half a decade, and hasn't been pulled off successfully in 43 years. What are the odds?