Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson nails a would-be record 67-yard field goal, but it does not count after the Green Bay Packers' decision to call a timeout as the kicker proceeded
19:15 ET, 12 Oct 2025Updated 19:20 ET, 12 Oct 2025
Evan McPherson was denied a chance to make history for the Cincinnati Bengals
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Evan McPherson was denied a chance to make history for the Cincinnati Bengals(Image: X: @NFLonCBS)
Evan McPherson almost etched his name in the history books against the Green Bay Packers, with the star on the verge of adding to what already has been an interesting season for kickers.
With time running out in the first half of the Cincinnati Bengals' matchup with the Packers, McPherson lined up for a 67-yard field goal attempt to get his team on the board. At the time, the Bengals found themselves in a 10-0 deficit with McPherson's attempt putting Cincinnati on the board.
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As the 26-year-old prepared to take the field goal, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur watched the clock intently to see if he could throw McPherson off his rhythm. Of note, Cincinnati's matchup against Green Bay marked Joe Flacco's first outing as a member of the Bengals.
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With 0:01 remaining on both the game clock and McPherson just inches from making contact with the ball, LaFleur called a timeout, essentially rendering the play dead. Considering where he was when the timeout was called, McPherson continued with his follow-through and blasted the ball.
Although the play was dead, players from both teams watched as the ball sailed through the air and hit the crossbar. The ball bounced off the bar and through, with fans celebrating what they thought was a historic feat.
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However, fans and Bengals head coach Zac Taylor were left to just shake their heads, knowing that the kick was no good. When cameras spotted Taylor on the sideline, all he could do was smile at LaFleur's gamesmanship as the two head coaches attempted to outwit one another.
All Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor could do was smile after seeing Evan McPherson's almost historic attempt
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All Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor could do was smile after seeing Evan McPherson's almost historic attempt(Image: X: @NFLonCBS)
Currently, the longest recorded field goal was converted by embattled kicker Justin Tucker, who hit a 66-yard attempt in 2021. Playing for the Baltimore Ravens, Tucker's 66-yarder was the game-winner, with the ball also bouncing off the crossbar before falling through.
What's more, Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little converted on a 70-yard field goal in a preseason matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With one second remaining in the second quarter, Little, the Jaguars' kicker, lined up for a 70-yard field goal attempt as Jacksonville looked to cut into the Steelers' 14-6 lead.
Kicking the ball as time expired, Little and the rest of the Jaguars looked on as the ball sailed through the air.
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Rather than hitting the crossbar, the ball soared through the uprights as fans erupted in joy seeing the historic attempt succeed.
Various members of the Jaguars mobbed Little as they congratulated the kicker for seemingly etching his name in the history books. That said, because the attempt was done during preseason, it did not count toward actual records.
Bucky Brooks, one of the game's commentators, had a reaction that fans watching at home and in the stands could share. "Holy smokes," he said.
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With McPherson's attempt being discounted and his second attempt coming up short, Tucker's record appears safe for now. Though considering how close each kicker is getting, it might only be a matter of time before a new record is set.