NFL fans are in shock after learning of an interesting rule that allowed Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker to accomplish an extremely rare feat on Thursday night.
At the end of the second quarter, Tremon Smith of the Broncos was flagged for fair catch interference. That moved the ball to Denver territory, allowing Dicker to kick a 57-yard free kick for three points to close out the half.
It’s also the first successful NFL free kick field goal since 1976, by the way.
The rule is rather simple: NFL teams are allowed to try a “free kick” if their team calls for a fair catch on a punt return. Of course, teams rarely try the free kick because almost every single fair catch happens in the return team’s territory, well out of a kicker’s range.
Needless to say, social media was in shock after learning of the free kick rule:
“Someone explain how this even happens?,” a confused fan inquired.
“Obscure rule gives #Chargers a shocking field goal, leaving opponents scratching their heads since the Carter administration,” another user wrote.
“This was bananas. I wasn’t sure what to think about it. I didn’t know this was allowed. Smart play by the Chargers,” another fan said.
“Wait , what is this?!?!?,” a user asked.
“NFL script writers been working overtime,” joked one fan.
“Someone explain this to me I’m so confused,” said another.
“I didn’t know that rule existed,” claimed one user.
“Only real ball knowers knew about this rule 😂 shoutout Harbaugh for doing this!! 🔥,” wrote another.
Cameron Dicker Leads Chargers To Pivotal Win
Dicker’s 57-yard field goal proved to be a momentum changer, as the Chargers cut the lead to eight and poured it on the Broncos to complete the season-series weep. The Bolts are now 9-6 with two games to go, while Denver must wait longer to clinch a playoff spot.
