NFL kickers have seen significant improvements in recent years, with the 2024 season showcasing record highs in 50-plus-yard field-goal attempts and makes. Kickers have nearly doubled their attempts and tripled their makes from 50-plus yards since 2019. The surge in long-distance kicks has been particularly impressive, with 82.5 percent of successful 60-yard field goals occurring since 2009.
Former NFL kicker John Carney, who now trains specialists, believes this kicking boom is not a fluke and expects further improvements in the future. Brandon Aubrey of the Dallas Cowboys, who has made a name for himself with his long-distance kicks, has been a standout performer in this trend. Coaches attribute the kicking explosion to improved coaching, specialized training, enhanced equipment, and better networking among kickers.
Aubrey, a former soccer player, has quickly risen to prominence in the NFL due to his strong leg and dedication to training. With kickers focusing on explosiveness, balance, agility, and recovery, they have been able to push the boundaries of what was once thought possible in terms of field goal distances. Kickers now have access to advanced training techniques, equipment, and networks of resources that were not available in the past.
As kickers continue to push the limits of their range, it is believed that the record for the longest field goal in NFL history could soon be surpassed. With advancements in training, technology, and athlete development, kickers are poised to break new ground and redefine what is considered possible in the world of field goal kicking.
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