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Chargers, Cameron Dicker convert first fair catch free kick since 1976 vs. Broncos on TNF

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•12/19/24•

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Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker and HC Jim Harbaugh
© Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

As time expired in the second quarter of Thursday Night Football, Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers faced a decision. The Denver Broncos got called for a kick-catch interference penalty on a fair catch, which resulted in a 15-yard penalty and a chance to do something no NFL team had done since 1976.

Los Angeles could run one last play, whether it be a Hail Mary or a kneel-down, or try a free kick. Per NFL rules, a free kick occurs from the spot of a fair catch. But because of the 15-yard penalty, the spot of the ball moved into Cameron Dicker’s range.

He drilled the 57-yarder, cutting the Los Angeles deficit to 21-13 heading into halftime. It also marked the first time a team converted a free kick since 1976 – when, appropriately, the Chargers did it.

The play came about because of a few different events. It started with an interception by Justin Herbert at the goal line, which gave the Broncos the ball back. But they went three-and-out – but thanks to an incomplete pass, Harbaugh was able to call a timeout with eight seconds left.

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The Chargers received the kick, but Tremon Smith committed kick-catch interference. That resulted in a 15-yard penalty to move the ball to the other 47-yard line. That meant it was decision time for Los Angeles.

Explaining fair catch free kick rule, how many attempts in NFL history

Prime Video rules analyst Terry McAulay pointed out the possibilities. He noted the potential for a free kick as Harbaugh and the staff talked it over to decide what they wanted to do.

“If they do a fair catch kick, they’re going to kick from where the ball is right now – the 47-yard line,” McAulay said on the broadcast. “So a 57-yard kick. And they’d line up just as they would on a normal free kick. No, it can’t be blocked, but they can certainly kick from where it is right now.”

Thursday’s free kick marked the 27th such play in NFL history. None have been outside the final 30 seconds of a half.

The last attempt came in 2019 when Joey Slye missed a 60-yarder in London, and the last successful try came for the then-San Diego Chargers in 1976. Ray Wersching drilled a 45-yarder as the first half ran out against the Buffalo Bills.