David Akers of the San Francisco 49ers tied an NFL record by kicking a 63-yard field goal Sunday against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in a 30-22 San Francisco win.
The Silicon Valley Mercury News reported that Akers, a 37-year old six-time Pro Bowler, lined up for the kick at the end of the first half Sunday. He was looking to make his third field goal of the half and give his team a 16-7 edge at halftime. The snap was good, the hold was good and the kick — after a dramatic pause — was also good, making Akers one of less than a handful of kickers to make good from that distance.
The Huffington Post reported that Akers boomed a low line drive that was just to the left of dead center as it approached the uprights. The ball then bounced on the crossbar, going high into the air before going through for three points.
Four kickers have made a 63-yard field goal in NFL history. The first was New Orleans’ Tom Dempsey in 1970. Denver’s Jason Elam did it in 1998, and Oakland’s Sebastian Janikowski did it last season and now David Akers has joined the 63-yard club with Sunday’s record-tying field goal.
Akers had a good day even aside from the record. He also made first-half field goals of 40 and 43 yards and was 3-for-3 on point after touchdown attempts.
David Akers is a graduate of Tates Creek High School in Lexington, Ky. and he played collegiate ball at the University of Louisville. He has played for the Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles and 49ers in his NFL career.
