History of Fair catch kick in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: December 21, 2024

In American football, a fair catch kick allows a team that has just fair caught the ball to attempt a free kick, place kick or drop kick. It's a strategic play often used to take advantage of field position without risking a turnover on downs or a blocked punt. The catch can be made from a punt, kickoff, or free kick, and the subsequent kick can be a place kick or drop kick. If successful, the kicking team earns three points, similar to a regular field goal. This unusual and rarely used play is distinct from a normal field goal attempt after a touchdown or from an onside kick, which involves specific formations and strategies to retain possession. Although legal and allowed by the rules, the strategy carries the risk of missing the field goal and giving the opponent good field position, making it a high-risk, high-reward play. The fair catch kick has been part of football rules for a long time, although its utilization is uncommon due to the low percentage of success and the availability of more reliable scoring options.

1922: Rugby League Abolishes Goal from Mark

In 1922, rugby league removed the goal from mark, a rule similar to the fair catch kick.

1950: NCAA Abolishes and Reinstates Fair Catch, Removes Kick Option

The NCAA abolished the fair catch in 1950 but brought it back a year later without the option to attempt a fair catch kick.

1968: Art McNally Leads NFL Officiating

Art McNally became the head of NFL officiating in 1968.

1976: Previous Successful Fair Catch Kick

Prior to Dicker's kick in 2024, the last successful fair catch kick in professional football occurred in 1976.

1977: Rugby Union Eliminates Goal from Mark

Following rugby league's decision, rugby union also eliminated the goal from mark rule in 1977.

1990: Art McNally Retires from NFL Officiating

In 1990, Art McNally retired from his role as head of NFL officiating.

2020: XFL Defines Fair Catch Kick

In 2020, the XFL rulebook distinguished the fair catch kick from the free kick, specifying unique rules for its execution, including a non-returnable kick and onside kick formation.