{
  "id": 4177648,
  "title": "You’re going to see some absurdly long field goals in the NFL this season. Here’s why",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/youre-going-to-see-some-absurdly-long-field-goals-in-the-nfl-this",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-29T11:30:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/going-see-absurdly-long-field-113041015.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The NFL has quietly made changes to its kicking balls, allowing teams to break them in before games rather than during. This adjustment, coupled with revised kickoff rules, has resulted in an increase in extremely long field goals in recent seasons. Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio highlighted the impact, comparing it to the steroid era in baseball, as his team experienced a high number of successful long field goals. Kicker statistics back up the trend, with a significant rise in successful kicks beyond 60 yards from 2024 to 2025. The new rules have also improved starting field position, as kickoff touchbacks now grant the offense possession at the 35-yard line, up ten yards from the previous 25-yard line. This change has led to more scoring opportunities and potentially more opportunities for long field goals, as kickers can capitalize on the increased range provided by the new kicking balls. With many reliable long-range kickers on the roster, such as Cam Little and Harrison Butker, experts anticipate a noticeable surge in absurdly long field goal attempts in the upcoming NFL season and beyond.",
  "summary": "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…",
  "key_points": [
    "NFL alters kicking balls for pre-game breaking, allowing teams to condition them before games.",
    "Kicking rules revised, improving starting field position to 35-yard line after touchbacks."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}