Robots haven’t take over the world yet, but we might have to investigate the NFL kickers to ensure they’re human.
Fans used to moan and groan when a kicker trotted onto the field, especially when it wasn’t so automatic. Fans may still moan and groan, but it’s hard to end a drive without at least three points in the modern NFL.
Chase McLaughlin has entered that circle of trust in recent years and continued to prove why on Sunday. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker drilled a 65-yard field goal as time expired in the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The made kick is the longest outdoor field goal in NFL history, according to ESPN.
It’s not the longest kick in NFL history, however. Former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker still owns that honor with his 66-yard field goal against the Detroit Lions in 2021, but McLaughlin didn’t come up empty being entered into the history books.
Unlike Tucker’s field goal, McLaughlin’s wasn’t a game-winner. Instead it just cut a 21-point halftime deficit to 18.
