FOXBOROUGH — Andy Borregales delivered the necessary caveats.
His only priorities are doing what’s best for the Patriots in the midst of this magical run that the team is on. He wouldn’t put a personal goal ahead of anything team-related etc. etc.
But given the chance in the appropriate circumstances, he’d like a crack at 60 yards.
“I mean, hey, if I have the opportunity, I’ll take it. But you know, I’m just taking whatever opportunity arises,” said Borregales, who made four field goals and two extra points on Sunday. “If it’s in God’s plan for me to hit a 60 something yard, then so be it.”
In history, there have been 47 regular-season field goals in NFL history of 60 yards or more, by 33 different kickers.
Seemingly forever Tom Dempsey’s 63-yarder for the Saints in 1970 was the standard. Jason Elam matched it in 1998, but received an unofficial asterisk in many minds because his kick came at high altitude.
But improved technique and training has moved the goalposts on what’s a huge kick for elite kickers.
Stephen Gostkowski became the first Patriots kicker to break 60 in 2017 with a 62-yarder. Joey Slye broke this franchise record last year making a 63-yard field goal.
Matt Prater broke the record with a 64-yarder, again in Denver in 2013. That record stood until 2021 when Justin Tucker hit his from 66. Cam Little broke the record this year, making one from 68 after hitting a 70-yarder in the preseason.
Now three of the six longest kicks in an NFL season have come this year. Borregales has taken notice.
“Cam Little. That’s one of my best friends. Seeing him hit a 70 in preseason and 68 in a the season to have the record,” Borregales said. “That’s just awesome, I’m so proud of him. And obviously you want to be in that position as well but it’s kind of how the dominoes fall.”
So far, Borregales’ long is a 53-yarder. He hit a 56-yarder in college last year for Miami. He said he hit a 70-yarder in practice in college and a 65-yard field goal on his own in New England.