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Why NFL field goals are getting longer, and what’s changed this season
NFL kickers have made 28 field goals of at least 55 yards in the first five weeks, the most ever, after rule changes allowed pre-game ball preparation.
- On October 7, 2025, the NFL reports 50-plus-yard field goals are now routine, with four kicks of at least 60 yards this season, including Chase McLaughlin's 65-yarder.
- Seven NFL teams proposed the change this year to reduce stress on equipment staffs, allowing teams to prepare kicking balls before game day and practice with the same balls.
- The NFL has set records in each of the last four seasons for made field goals of at least 50 yards, reaching 195 in 2024, with 72.5% success and 28 made from at least 55 yards through five weeks.
- Vic Fangio warned that the range for many kickers now exceeds 60 yards, changing late-game strategy in a major way.
- K ball rules began in 1999 after specialists allegedly used microwaves, dryers and saunas; current rules forbid high heat and limit ball use to no more than three games, while Eddy Pineiro estimates broken-in balls add 3 or 4 yards.
Insights by Ground AI
14 Articles
14 Articles
The field goals of more than 50 yards, which used to be a rarity in the NFL, are now as common as the much shorter shots of the previous generation. The range of many kickers now exceeds 60 yards, changing the strategy of the last few minutes significantly.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left7Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution64% Left
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources lean Left
64% Left
L 64%
C 36%
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