Items from Chargers’ fair catch kick on display in Canton

San Diego Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker added his name to the NFL record book Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024.

Dicker, playing in his third NFL season, converted a rarely executed fair catch kick at the end of the second quarter of the Chargers’ 34-27 comeback win against division rival Denver Broncos. Dicker’s 57-yard effort was the longest fair catch kick in league history.

The attempt came after Chargers punt returner Derius Davis was interfered with on the previous play, resulting in a penalty against Denver with no time remaining in the first half.

Per NFL rules, the Chargers had the option of an untimed snap from scrimmage or attempt the kick:

Rule 10 OPPORTUNITY TO CATCH A KICK, FAIR CATCH

ARTICLE 5. EXTENSION OF A PERIOD. If time expires during a play in which a player has signaled for a fair catch, the following shall apply: (a) If the player makes a fair catch, the receiving team may elect to extend the period with a fair catch kick but does not have the option to extend the period by a snap from scrimmage. (b) If the kicking team interferes with a receiver who has signaled for a fair catch, the receiving team will have the option to extend the period by attempting a fair catch kick or by a snap from scrimmage after enforcement of any applicable penalties.

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh told NFL.com, “It’s my favorite rule in football. Just trying to get one of those in every game.”

As coach of the San Francisco 49ers, Harbaugh had kicker Phil Dawson attempt a 71-yard field goal via the rule.

Prior to Dicker’s record-setting effort, the previous nine attempted fair catch kicks were unsuccessful.

Coincidentally, the last successful fair catch kick was performed by a member of the Chargers’ organization. In 1976, Ray Wersching sent a kick through the uprights on a 45-yard attempt against the Buffalo Bills as the first half of their game expired.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame received the jersey and pants Dicker wore during his record-setting performance and the ball he kicked. The items are on display in the “Pro Football Today Gallery.”