Thursday Night Football Shocker: The Fair Catch Free Kick Explained!

Pigskin Dispatch

A rare NFL occurrence took place during the Thursday Night Football game on December 19th, when viewers witnessed the fair catch free kick, a rule that hasn't been activated since 1976. This unique play occurred just before halftime in a competitive match between the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Chargers, ultimately leading to a surprising 60-yard field goal by Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker. The episode delves into the history and mechanics of the fair catch free kick, explaining how it operates and its significance in football. Host Darren Hayes sheds light on the origins of this rule, tracing it back to the 19th century, and clarifies the differences between free kicks and regular kicks in the game. As the episode unfolds, listeners gain insights into the strategic implications of this rare play and the overall context within which it occurred, celebrating the rich history of football.

Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see even more Positive football news! Sign up to get daily football history headlines in your email inbox @ Email-subscriber

Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts.

Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.