djb@cbosgd.UUCP (David J. Bryant) (01/04/85)
> I am quite sure that the NFL record 63-yard field goal > which allowed New Orleans to beat Detroit 17-16 > several years ago was a free kick after a fair catch. > Furthermore, that fair catch was on the -37 yard line, > before the goal posts were moved to the back of the end zone. I happened to be watching that game by accident and saw the field goal. As Steve Vegdahl mentioned, Detroit had just scored to take a two point lead with only a few seconds to play. The Saints returned the kickoff to their 45 and stopped the clock to send in their field goal kicking team. At the time the NFL record was 57 yards, and the 63 yarder didn't seem to out of reach for Dempsey. I don't know anything about the Saints' coach being confused, and don't recall any evidence of confusion on the part of Dempsey or the Saints kicking unit. Dempsey simply lined it up (the ball happened to be in the dead center of the field) and blasted it through to win the game. No free kick after a fair catch, just a simple field goal after a time out. Hope my non-solid-state memory hasn't produced an altered recollection of what actually happened... Interestingly, the Detroit coach appealed the field goal after the game, arguing that Dempsey was kicking with an illegal shoe! (For those of you that don't remember, Tom Dempsey was born with only half a right foot, and right arm that stopped just below his elbow.) The league denied the appeal and allowed the field goal, the record, and the Saints' victory to stand. By the way, the 71 yard field goal was attempted by Kevin Butler of Georgia in the Fla. Citrus Bowl (against Florida State). He's kicked them about that distance in practice (with favorable conditions) and had a remarkable season all together - one of the best, most consistent kickers in college football. (He and Fuad Reveiz of Tennessee really put on a place kicking show in the SEC. Reveiz went to the Blue-Grey game and showed his talent there too - watch for him in the pros!) David Bryant AT&T Bell Laboratories Columbus, OH (614) 860-4516 (cbosgd!djb)