Football <\/p>\n
When the moment came, Cameron Dicker was prepared for it. <\/p>\n
The NFL hadn\u2019t 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\u2019d get his opportunity. <\/p>\n
The Chargers\u2019 kicker nailed the attempt for the NFL\u2019s first successful free-kick field goal since 1976. <\/p>\n
\u201cLooking over at their sideline was funny \u2014 they were confused what was going on,\u201d Dicker said postgame. \u201cWe talk about it every week, so it was a normal thing for us. But it\u2019s funny to watch.\u201d <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Los Angeles\u2019 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe always watch that one and it\u2019s fun to do,\u201d Dicker said.<\/p>\n
Dicker noted that aside from the opposing team being 10 yards away, the operation is the same as a normal field goal.<\/p>\n
But to be prepared for it makes a difference, and that comes from special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken and head coach Jim Harbaugh.<\/p>\n
\u201cOffense and stuff isn\u2019t usually in there so they were all confused,\u201d Dicker said. \u201cThey were like, \u2018What\u2019s going on here?\u2019 So that was funny to hear. And so now, we just taught a bunch of people what\u2019s going on.\u201d<\/p>\n
And now Dicker has accomplished something that hadn\u2019t been done in nearly 50 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, it\u2019s cool,\u201d Dicker said. \u201cI didn\u2019t know that was the case. That\u2019s a pretty cool thing to hear that. It\u2019s pretty awesome.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n