What’s the Deal with the Fair Catch Kick in Football?

American football is full of quirky rules and plays, but few are as mysterious—or as rarely used—as the Fair Catch Kick. It’s like that one obscure tool in your garage you’ve never touched but keep around just in case. In this article, we’ll break down what a Fair Catch Kick is, where it came from, and why it’s such a big deal (or not) in today’s game.

Where Did the Fair Catch Kick Come From?

Believe it or not, the Fair Catch Kick has its roots in rugby, the sport that heavily influenced American football’s early days. In rugby, players could call a “mark” (basically a fair catch) and then attempt a free kick at the goal. When football started to take shape in the late 1800s, this idea was borrowed and tweaked to fit the new game. Fast forward to today, and the Fair Catch Kick is still in the rulebook—though it’s about as common as a unicorn sighting.

Here’s the gist: if a team fair catches a punt, they can immediately attempt a field goal from the spot of the catch. No snap, no rush, just a straight-up kick. Sounds simple, right? But there’s a catch (pun intended): the fair catch has to happen in a spot that makes the kick feasible. If you’re 60 yards out, good luck with that.

How Does a Fair Catch Kick Work?

Pulling off a Fair Catch Kick isn’t as easy as it sounds. There are some pretty specific rules to follow:

• First, the receiving team has to call and successfully complete a fair catch during a punt.
• The kick must happen from the exact spot where the fair catch was made—no sneaking a few yards closer.
• There’s no snap involved. The kicker just sets up and goes for it.
• The team has to declare their intention to attempt a Fair Catch Kick to the refs.

Teams can choose between a place kick (the usual method) or a drop kick (which is about as rare as the Fair Catch Kick itself). The opposing team has to line up 10 yards away, and the clock stops during the attempt. It’s like a field goal, but with a twist.

Why Don’t Teams Use It More Often?

On paper, the Fair Catch Kick sounds like a golden opportunity. But in reality, it’s a high-risk, low-reward play. Let’s break it down:

The Upsides

For starters, there’s no defensive rush. That means the kicker gets a clean shot at the goal without a bunch of 300-pound linemen charging at them. Plus, since it’s so rare, the opposing team might not even know how to defend it. Talk about catching them off guard!

The Downsides

Here’s the thing: the stars have to align perfectly for a Fair Catch Kick to make sense. The fair catch has to happen close enough to the goalposts to make the kick realistic. If you’re too far out, it’s just not worth the risk. And let’s be honest, how often do you see a fair catch inside the 40-yard line? Exactly.

Has Anyone Actually Pulled This Off?

Believe it or not, yes! One of the most famous examples is Ray Wersching of the San Diego Chargers, who nailed a 45-yard Fair Catch Kick back in 1976. It’s one of the few successful attempts in NFL history, and it’s still talked about today.

There have also been a handful of attempts in college and high school games. These moments are rare, but they show that some coaches and players are willing to think outside the box to gain an edge.

What’s the Future of the Fair Catch Kick?

In today’s fast-paced, high-stakes game, the Fair Catch Kick feels like a relic from a bygone era. It’s not something teams plan for, and it’s definitely not something you’ll see every Sunday. But that’s what makes it so fascinating. It’s a reminder of football’s roots and the creativity that’s always been part of the game.

So, is the Fair Catch Kick a game-changer? Probably not. But could it be the difference-maker in a tight game? Absolutely. And that’s why it’s worth knowing about, even if you never see it in action.

Final Thoughts

The Fair Catch Kick is one of those quirky rules that makes football so unique. It’s a blend of strategy, tradition, and a little bit of luck. While it might not be a go-to play for most teams, it’s a testament to the depth and complexity of the game. So next time you’re watching a game and someone calls a fair catch, you’ll know exactly what could happen next—even if it probably won’t.

What is a Fair Catch Kick? It’s a rare, fascinating play that’s equal parts history lesson and Hail Mary. And who knows? Maybe one day, it’ll make a comeback. After all, in football, anything can happen.