When you think of scoring in the NFL, you probably picture dramatic field goals or electrifying touchdowns. But what about the drop kick field goal? This rare and quirky play is legal but nearly extinct in modern football. It’s so rare that most fans have never seen one happen—but when it does, it leaves an unforgettable mark.
Let’s dive into the fascinating history of the drop kick and why it’s become such a curiosity in the NFL.
What Is a Drop Kick?
A drop kick involves dropping the football onto the ground and kicking it as it bounces back up. Players in the NFL use drop kicks for field goals, extra points, kickoffs, and even onside kicks. While the mechanics of the play are straightforward, pulling it off in a live game situation is anything but easy.
The drop kick originated in football’s early days and remains a staple in rugby for field goals and restarts. However, in the NFL, the play has largely fallen out of favor due to the rise of specialized kicking techniques like placekicking and punting.
Historical Drop Kicks in the NFL
The drop kick’s glory days in the NFL are long gone. The last successful drop kick for a field goal occurred in 1937, when Detroit Lions player-coach Dutch Clark executed a nine-yard attempt against the Chicago Cardinals. Over the years, the play became increasingly rare as modern placekicking dominated the sport.
The last successful drop kick for points before the modern era was in 1941. Ray McLean of the Chicago Bears nailed an extra point using a drop kick during the NFL Championship Game against the New York Giants at Wrigley Field. After that, the play became a relic of a bygone era.
Happy New Year and 17th anniversary of the drop kick! 🤙🏼🥳 pic.twitter.com/0znNIqYv7Z
— Doug Flutie (@DougFlutie) January 2, 2023
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Fast forward to January 1, 2006: Doug Flutie, then a backup quarterback for the New England Patriots, made history with the only successful drop kick in the modern NFL era. At 43 years old and in what would be his final NFL play, Flutie converted an extra point against the Miami Dolphins. He later estimated his chances of success at 80%, and his kick reignited curiosity about this nearly forgotten art.
Also Read: What Is A Punt And How Is It Different From A Kick?
Modern Attempts and Unique Situations
While successful drop kicks are almost nonexistent today, there have been some intriguing attempts. For example, in Week 14 of the 2022 NFL season, a botched play by the New York Giants punter led to an unintentional drop kick that gave the Philadelphia Eagles excellent field position. Though not a scoring play, it reminded fans that kicking the ball on the bounce is indeed legal.
This is inadvertently a missed drop kick field goal lol https://t.co/ITJmQDXdD2
— Darnet Hathaway (@MrZachDar) December 11, 2022
Drop kicks are more commonly seen during kickoffs and onside kicks. For instance, Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski attempted an onside drop kick during a free kick against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2011. Similarly, Seattle Seahawks punter Michael Dickson, an Australian with a background in rugby, has used drop kicks for kickoffs and onside kicks when needed. In 2019, Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker tried a short, high drop-kick kickoff against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, officials ruled the kick illegal because he struck the ball after it reached the rebound’s apex.
Will We See More Drop Kicks?
The chances of seeing more drop kicks in the NFL remain slim. Coaches and offensive coordinators rely heavily on analytics and play it safe with low-risk, high-reward strategies. A drop kick’s success depends on precise timing and execution, making it an unreliable option in today’s win-at-all-costs environment.
However, the drop kick’s rarity is part of its charm. When it does happen, it’s a spectacle that reminds us of football’s rich and evolving history. The drop kick adds intrigue to the NFL’s playbook, nodding to tradition and keeping defenses guessing, even if buried deep.
So, while you probably won’t see a drop kick in this Sunday’s game, it’s always worth remembering that this rare and unique play could make a comeback when you least expect it.
