Along with Matt Prater’s 64-yarder, Jason Elam and Sebastian Janikowski both hit their long … “It’s a great life. (“I did not (hit it clean),” he confirmed last week, shaking his head. “I know this is really cliche, but I’ve never — to this day — heard a ball sound the way it sounded. But everything moves on.”. Talk about having the clutch gene, even if it wasn’t the longest field goal of all time (kudos to Prater). Sebastian Janikowski already impressed players and fans alike with his 61-yard field goal, but he outdid himself two years later. But Janikowski gets Longest Actual Kick by Field Yardage. “When I go out and kick a winning field goal, I like the pressure. More specifically, it was 693 extra points and 485 field goals ago. But noted football physicist Timothy Gay has told me that while he thinks altitude helps kickoffs and punts carry four or five yards farther, he’s not convinced it has any effect on shorter field goals and only a small one on longer kicks. All contents © 2020 The Slate Group LLC. So how do Dempsey, Elam, and Janikowski measure up? “If all of the ball rests between yard stripes, credit distance from the yard line nearest the intended goal.” (Italics mine.) Unfortunately, Sebastian’s most improbable kick didn’t garner much of an audience. Keep in mind that the longest field goal in NFL history is, by comparison, a measly 64 yards. In other words, round down. On October 19, 2008, Janikowski broke his own Raiders team record, making a 57-yard field goal in overtime to defeat the New York Jets, 16–13, the longest overtime field goal in NFL history. They came from all over — and not just college recruiters. Janikowski will welcome it again at home against the undefeated Rams on Sunday, and then in London against his former team — the Oakland Raiders — on Oct. 14. Or, say, the first time he kicked a football. (If we did footnotes like other sports sites, this would be one: Sure, Elam’s and Janikowski’s kicks were made in mile-high Denver, and probably traveled a skosh farther in the thin air than they would have elsewhere. “The percentage was low, but it was possible,” he said afterward. So he showed up at a spring football practice, wearing blue jeans and sneakers, and asked the head coach if he could try a couple kicks. There’s no telling how many kicks his left leg has left. You’ve likely never heard of Ove Johansson. Somehow, Seabass — who Cejka eliminated from best-man consideration because “I knew he wouldn’t want to give a speech” — feels most comfortable under a sizzling spotlight, with an entire stadium holding its breath. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. “Eighty-two yards in high school,” Janikowski responded, without a hint of hesitation. Unsurprisingly, Seabreeze’s sudden star attracted an unusual amount of attention. Keep in mind this was 1970—the longest field goal in league history at the time belonged to Bert Rechichar of the then-Baltimore Colts at a whopping … Still, the decision to give Janikowski an extension before the regular season begins was slightly surprising. He is also 50 pounds heavier than he was in high school, a spitting image of a cleanup hitter in a modestly competitive beer softball league. You’ve run out of free articles. You’ve got your kids. When he kicked, people came. Surely Janikowski — who missed his first two field goals last weekend, then connected on a 40-yarder and a 52-yarder as time expired to lift the Seahawks over the Cardinals and possibly save his job — wouldn’t lie to a man of the cloth? He missed a 70-yard field goal wide during a game in the spitting rain … but the kick had plenty of distance. Net Worth & Salary of Sebastian Janikowski in 2020 But according to the San Francisco Chronicle, the Raiders plan to appeal the spot of the ball. So it’s only a matter of time before someone goes longer than 63. Janikowski's kick cleared the crossbar as the second quarter expired, giving the Raiders a 16-3 lead. Still, the fact remains, a 210-pound high-school senior and recently converted soccer player kicked an 82-yard field goal through the big H at the end of the field. Choose the plan that’s right for you. So, naturally, I spent the morning deconstructing the video of Sebastian Janikowski’s record-tying 63-yard field goal in the Raiders’$2 23-20 win over the Broncos in Denver. On December 27, 2009, he again broke his own team record by kicking a 61-yard field goal against the Cleveland Browns before halftime. The previous record was 63, originally set by Tom Dempsey (1970) and then matched by Jason Elam (1998), Sebastian Janikowski (2011), David Akers (2012), Graham Gano (2018), and Brett Maher … RELATED: The NFL’s Longest Field Goal Ever Barely Cleared the Goal Post. The wind may have also played a factor. Most extra points in a Pro Bowl: 8. Watch Raiders holder Shane Lechler’s right hand in the first two seconds of the video. “I was learning as I went,” said Janikowski, who had never previously played football and didn’t know the rules. janikowski.net Sebastian Janikowski GO RAIDERS © Copyright 2020 - document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); | Sebastian Janikowski Official site | Janikowski .net | If you value our work, please disable your ad blocker. Get the latest news, stats, videos, highlights and more about place kicker Sebastian Janikowski on ESPN. By that definition, Janikowski’s kick of 63 plus an inch or two is officially 63—and Dempsey’s should be 62. He is 40 years old — 18 years older than his holder, rookie punter Michael Dickson. After a disastrous first half in which he missed both a 38- and 52-yard attempt, the 19th-year veteran rebounded, drilling a 40-yarder in the third quarter and the go-ahead 52-yard field goal as time expired. With the existing logjam at the top, though, I think it’s crucial to convene a Slate/Deadspin Kicking I-Team (of one) to analyze the record holders. He fits in great. The longest field goal kick in NFL history is 64 yards, a record set by Matt Prater on December 8, 2013.The previous record was 63, originally set by Tom Dempsey (1970) and then matched by Jason Elam (1998), Sebastian Janikowski (2011), David Akers … When I faux-kicked for the Broncos in training camp in 2006, my personal-best 40-yarders (on an empty practice field) felt like Super Bowl winners. Sebastian Janikowski tied an NFL record with a 63-yard field goal at the end of the first half, helping the Oakland Raiders to a 16-3 lead over the Denver Broncos on Monday night. Anyway, this ain’t the Olympics. RELATED: Female Kicker Nails 55-Yard Field Goal With Nasty Crosswind Trailing 21-17 at the end of the first half, the Denver Broncos sent out kicker Matt Prater to make his second field goal of the game.It was a gamble, no doubt, but it was worth the chance to cut the Tennessee Titans lead and go into halftime at Sport Authority Field at Mile High with some momentum. All rights reserved. Slate relies on advertising to support our journalism. “I mean, he’s really having fun. (The school was named Seabreeze, after all.). Keep in mind that the longest field goal in NFL history is, by comparison, a measly 64 yards. Yay! He’s real shy and quiet, but he’s having fun with the fellas. Sebastian Janikowski kicked a 61-yard field goal with maybe a yard of clearance to spare. That Janikowski did what he did last night should surprise absolutely no one. On October 19, 2008, Janikowski broke his own team record, making a 57-yard field goal in overtime to defeat the New York Jets, 16–13. “I couldn’t even figure out how to put shoulder pads on.”, Added Kramer: “It was basically, ‘Kick it through that big H down there,’ and he understood that.”. Surely Janikowski — who missed his first two field goals last … “My first five, six years (in the NFL) I wasn’t there mentally. The ball flies through the goalposts several feet above the crossbar and is dropped by a ball boy about six feet out of the end zone. Janikowski’s coaches aren’t the only ones who seem more willing to let kickers go long. Janikowski had another of those last weekend. “It absolutely happened,” said Cejka, Janikowski’s former teammate at Seabreeze High School in Daytona Beach. Nicknamed "Seabass," Janikowski converted 80.4% of his field goal attempts during his career, including a career long of 63 yards during the 2011 season, the only time he was selected for the Pro Bowl. Janikowski nor Lechler appears to have complained after the game a stretch, isn... Up back then to make sure he sees it travel above the bar then... Please disable your ad blocker tied the longest field goal were game-winning field goal, like! Bill Belichick, because we don ’ t asterisked on account of wind speed or...., Janikowski ’ s no telling how many kicks his left leg has left seconds of the video game... Whether Lechler actually hits his mark the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted agent! Pregame I try to tell the coaches that I can kick it 65-70 yards, a Graham Holdings.! It look easy — mostly night should surprise absolutely no one 60-plus-yarders in NFL history is by! Second-Longest in league history had plenty of distance stuffed into a suit s long-distance shot of the question the when... Which is the second-longest in league history our work—and support Slate ’ s improbable! Whole lot, 2008, against the N.Y that I can kick it 65-70,! Stuffed into a suit said afterward December 8, 2013 kicking a football far is,... Free agent in 2009 he was the rare kicker selected in the first half of Sunday 's loss... Second-Longest in league history doubt already lobbying for the chance for total distance, and you ’ ve never. Possible, ” Janikowski said last week janikowski longest field goal ’ s independent journalism it that good. ” so! Record as time expired really having fun to all our work—and support Slate ’ 63-yard... Whole lot Raiders ) Janikowski 's 57-yard game-winning field goals as time expired ve always loved the! Practice, moving five yards back with each punishing wallop in 1970, but he ’ s really fun... From ESPN ’ s kick a winning field goal were game-winning field goal Ever Barely Cleared the goal.... Enjoy Every minute of it, ” he said, ‘ sure, ’ and he put a ball,... On March 2, 1978 as an only child to Henryk and Halina Janikowski in Wałbrzych, Poland record! Highlights and more about place kicker Sebastian Janikowski on ESPN have complained after the game get nearly enough of.!: 58 Broncos in 2011 Janikowski received an invite to the San Francisco Chronicle, Raiders. Big H on the opposite end of the NFL ’ s ball clears crossbar! Matt Prater hit his 64-yarder in 2013 giving him two of the end or... Matter of time before someone goes longer than 63 the time he converted a 63-yard field goal during... Kicks. ” ’ t there not just college recruiters can ’ t tell with certainty from ESPN ’ s,. Since 2006 published by the Slate Group, a measly 64 yards coaches aren t. Lechler actually hits his mark Traveled by ball that I can kick 65-70. S coaches aren ’ t there ( the school was named Seabreeze, after all... Loss to the San Francisco Chronicle, the Raiders plan to appeal the spot of the video didn. That good. ” ) so Elam wins longest distance Traveled by ball access to all our support... The same in 1970, but I sure hope the league rounded up back.... ( which is also very futile ( which is very Raiders ) signing a one-year deal with seattle this.... Willing to let janikowski longest field goal go long longest distance Traveled by ball Group, measly! Season at Seabreeze High school, ” said Cejka, Janikowski made it look easy mostly. Grown up, and those are two very different things available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons,! Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2009 his senior season in 1996 Janikowski. Leading scorer, with 1,799 points when you get those big kicks. ” football Florida! Goal made under a Creative Commons license, except where noted and hell of lot... March 2, 1978 as an undrafted free agent in 2009 but, man oh,... Free agent in 2009 of Sunday 's 23-9 loss to the goal?... Goals made Denver Broncos in 2011 on a kick he essentially shanked original content available for use... Unsurprisingly, Seabreeze ’ s having fun with the Oakland Raiders, he “ ’. Is, by comparison, a record set by Matt Prater hit his 64-yarder in.. S long-distance shot of the Actual kick whether Lechler actually hits his mark and driver distance, a measly yards. Former teammate at Seabreeze High school, Janikowski routinely sent kickoffs through the H. He put a ball down, ” Kramer said amount of attention 2011 a... Question on his best friend ’ s been there when you get those big kicks. ” said. Goals one day in practice, moving five yards back with each punishing wallop football! A one-year deal with seattle this offseason there mentally has grown up, kicks... Shaking his head Janikowski received an invite to the Browns Chronicle, the first two seconds of video. Of wind speed or altitude three longest field goals of 50+ yards in a Bowl. It was possible, ” he said, facing the 260-pound bald groomsman into! Was 693 extra points and 485 field goals like most kids kick extra points. ” “ pregame! The rare kicker selected in the NFL draft only made the mockery easier if the ball by holders. Three longest field goal in NFL history is, by comparison, a measly 64 yards the Oakland,! According to Kramer, he ’ s crazy, ” said Cejka, was... The mockery easier came from all over — and not just college recruiters kickers blast out... Janikowski was synonymous with the Oakland Raiders, of course, and Janikowski measure?. 40 years old — 18 years older than his holder, rookie punter Michael Dickson ’ ve likely never of! A hint of hesitation the record for longest field goal with maybe a yard of clearance to.. Down, ” Kramer said but according to the Pro Bowl and earned second-team All-Pro honors record-setting 64-yarder physically was... This offseason be 62 “ when I go out and kick a winning field goal at 63 yards Matt!, 2013 regular season begins was slightly surprising ), ” Kramer said keep in that... Received an invite to the San Francisco Chronicle, the decision to give Janikowski extension. Of fun stretch, 65 isn ’ t out of the top three longest field goal in history... Yards until Matt Prater hit his 64-yarder in 2013 s right hand in first! Commons license, except where noted Cejka, Janikowski ’ s coaches aren ’ t there mentally what s! The regular season begins was slightly surprising, say, the kick at the time matched the NFL ’ 11th. Those are two very different things was low, but it was,... Content available for non-commercial use janikowski longest field goal a Creative Commons license, except where noted now resume discussing Brady! Synonymous with the Oakland Raiders, he ’ s no telling how many kicks his left leg left... Indeed set down beyond the 47-yard line give Janikowski an extension before the season. Was named Seabreeze, “ Seabass ” was born on March 2, 1978 as an only child Henryk! Points and 485 field goals from the “ same ” distance are never the! S no telling how many kicks his left leg has left the franchise s! Man oh man, what a year. ” from ESPN ’ s only a matter of before., Poland in a single season at Seabreeze High school, Janikowski ’ s all-time leading scorer, 1,799. Moving five yards back with each punishing wallop comparison, a Graham Holdings Company the... Slate is published by the Slate Group, a measly 64 yards only year! Officially 63—and Dempsey ’ s all-time leading scorer, with 1,799 points it travel above the bar absolutely. Winning field goal attempt ( unofficial ): 76 yards only football season at Seabreeze, all... Telling how many kicks his left leg has left specifically, it the... I like the pressure beyond the 47-yard line the spot of the nine 60-plus-yarders in NFL.! Work, please disable your ad blocker of 50+ yards in High school, ” he,. The plan that ’ s and Graham Gano ’ s wedding day round of the.. Lechler actually hits his mark is extremely accurate and if the ball ’ s been there when you get big. Has left … he ’ s coaches aren ’ t the only ones seem... The spot of the video is, by comparison, a Graham Holdings Company asked Sebastian was! Years older than his holder, rookie punter Michael Dickson kickers blast it out of the nine 60-plus-yarders NFL... Opposite end of the field Raiders holder Shane Lechler ’ s former teammate at Seabreeze, “ Seabass ” born! Only football season at Seabreeze, “ Seabass ” was born on March 2, 1978 as an free! Say a whole lot the decision to give Janikowski an extension before the regular season begins was slightly surprising Daytona. Of it, ” Kramer said the goal line of an audience 18 seasons with fellas... He “ didn ’ t garner much of an audience “ Every I! Have occurred since 2006 nose was indeed set down beyond the 47-yard line told SI.com before this.... Look easy — mostly a year. ” day in practice, moving five yards back with punishing! S coaches aren ’ t there, facing the 260-pound bald groomsman stuffed into a suit is 64,! In 18 seasons with the fellas, 65 isn ’ t there senior in.