Chargers make history with rare fair catch kick against Broncos
The Chargers ended an otherwise disastrous first half against the Denver Broncos with a rare fair catch free kick from Cameron Dicker that cut the Chargers deficit to 21-13 entering the locker room.
Chargers punt returner Derius Davis was interfered with on a fair-catch attempt as time expired for the second quarter. The first half was extended for one untimed down with the Chargers getting the ball at the Denver 47-yard line.
The Chargers, who turned the ball over on a Justin Herbert interception on their previous offensive drive, initially ran the offense onto the field to possibly throw a Hail Mary.
But after deliberation, Dicker ran on.
Teams are allowed to kick immediately after a fair catch, but the obscure rule is almost never utilized. The last NFL player to connect on such a kick was the San Diego Chargers’ Ray Wersching on Nov. 21, 1976. He made a kick from 45 yards on the final play of the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills.
Dicker lined up behind punter JK Scott, who held the ball in a formation that looked similar to kickoff. Teammates were lined up out wide along the line of scrimmage. Dicker’s kick sailed through the uprights for a 57-yard field goal.
The last time a fair catch kick was attempted was 2019 when Joey Slye missed from 60 yards.
Justin Herbert and the Chargers surge in the second half, overcoming an 11-point deficit to defeat Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium.
Go beyond the scoreboard
Get the latest on L.A.'s teams in the daily Sports Report newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
