League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Breaking News

NFL kickers trend toward longer field goals this season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 29, 2026, 11:30 AM

Last updated Aug 29, 2026

NFL kickers trend toward longer field goals this season

Summary

In the 2025 NFL season, changes to kicking balls and kickoff rules have contributed to a rise in long field goals. Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little set a record with a 68-yard field goal, which followed his 70-yarder in preseason. Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker also made a 69-yard field goal recently. The NFL’s new rule allows teams to break in kicking balls before game day, making them easier to kick from distance. Additionally, updated kickoff rules have improved starting field positions, increasing opportunities for kickers to attempt long field goals as teams benefit from starting at the 35-yard line rather than the 25. NFL executives have noted an uptick in exciting game-ending field goals as a result.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Latest Updates

•Cam Little hit a record 68-yard field goal in 2025.
•Harrison Butker made a 69-yard field goal last week.
•New rules allow earlier breaking in of kicking balls.
•Kickoff changes have improved starting field positions by 5 yards.
•NFL executives report more game-ending long field goals.

Latest Updates

11:30 AMYahoo Sports — You’re going to see some absurdly long field goals in the NFL this season. Here’s why

What they're saying

"
Last season, Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little drilled a 68-yard field goal that became the longest field goal ever made in an NFL game. That kick was actually shorter than the 70-yarder he hit during the preseason. Then, just last week, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker hit a 69-yarder of his own. Absurdly long…
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Jacksonville Jaguars Kansas City Chiefs Philadelphia Eagles Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Football