What Is Matt Prater’s Longest Field Goal?
Matt Prater’s longest field goal is 64 yards, set while playing for the Denver Broncos on December 8, 2013. This kick is tied for the fifth-longest in NFL history and remains the Broncos franchise record. It is not the longest in league history overall, but it stands as one of the longest verified makes under game conditions. Below, we break down the specifics, compare notable long attempts, and clarify common reporting questions about distance, context, and records.
Key Details of the 64-Yard Kick
Distance, Date, and Team Context
On December 8, 2013, at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Prater connected on a 64-yard field goal as time expired to lift the Broncos to a 51–48 victory over the Tennessee Titans. The kick originated from the Titans’ 14-yard line and required a favorable wind and precise execution. It is officially recognized by the NFL as the Broncos’ record and remains one of the longest field goals in league history that did not occur in overtime or special circumstances.
NFL’s Longest Field Goal Compared
The all-time longest regular-season field goal is 66 yards, achieved by Justin Tucker in 2021. The longest made in any condition is 67 yards, set by Ola Kim in a 2024 preseason game. Prater’s 64-yarder ranks among the top makes, but it is shorter than Tucker’s and Kim’s marks and not an NFL single-season or career record. Below is a concise comparison of these distances and contexts.
| Kicker | Distance (yards) | Date | Type | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ola Kim | 67 | 2024 (preseason) | Preseason | Preseason/Exhibition |
| Justin Tucker | 66 | 2021 | Regular season | Regular Season/Game |
| Matt Prater | 64 | 2013 | Regular season | Game/Verified |
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Some reports conflate preseason, exhibition, or overtime kicks with regular-season records. Prater’s 64 yards is a regular-season, game-winning kick under standard conditions. It is not the longest possible distance ever achieved, but it is among the longest verified makes in NFL history. The term “longest” can refer to (a) outright distance, (b) conditions, or (c) context; Prater’s kick meets high bar for verified game situations but does not surpass Tucker’s or Kim’s distances.
How Field Goal Distance Is Measured and Verified
NFL field goal distance is measured from the line of scrimmage to the goal line, plus 17 yards to the back of the end zone, then adjusted for hash marks and wind. Officiating crews and stadium video verify the spot. For long attempts, the league reviews video and logs to confirm distance. Prater’s 64-yarder was reviewed and confirmed by the NFL’s officiating department, making it a reliable record within the league’s database.
Matt Prater’s Career Context and Durability
Longevity, Teams, and Reliability
Drafted in the seventh round in 2007, Prater has played for multiple teams, including the Lions, Broncos, Texans, Colts, and Patriots. Known for his leg strength and consistency, he has remained productive into his late 30s. The 64-yard kick came during a period when he was a reliable starter, not a situational fill-in. His career reflects durability across teams and systems, and the 64-yard record remains a durable highlight of his tenure with Denver.
Records, Consistency, and Practical Takeaways
For fans and students of the game, Prater’s 64-yard field goal is an important benchmark of power and precision. When evaluating long-field-goal narratives, compare like with like: regular season vs. preseason, game vs. warm-up, and distance from scrimmage vs. yard line made. Prater’s kick is among the longest verified regular-season makes, and it continues to inform how teams approach kick strategy, roster construction, and special-teams investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Matt Prater’s longest field goal? 64 yards, made December 8, 2013, for the Denver Broncos.
- Is this the NFL record? No; the outright record is 66 yards (Justin Tucker) and 67 yards in preseason (Ola Kim).
- What conditions apply? The kick was made in a regular-season game with wind assistance and was verified by the NFL.
- Does it stand as a franchise record? Yes, it remains the Denver Broncos’ longest field goal.