Chase McLaughlin’s Monster Boot: When 65 Yards Just Isn’t Quite Enough

Sometimes you witness greatness, and sometimes you witness almost greatness. Tampa Bay’s Chase McLaughlin gave us the latter Sunday afternoon, unleashing a career-defining 65-yard field goal that had everyone in Raymond James Stadium—and Tom Brady in the broadcast booth—losing their minds. But here’s the thing about “almost” in the NFL: it’s still pretty darn spectacular.

The Moment That Had Brady Speechless

Chase McLaughlin's 65-yard field goal is the longest outdoor made field goal in NFL history.
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— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 28, 2025

Picture this: You’re down 24-3 to the Eagles with seconds left in the first half. Most teams would punt, take a knee, or maybe attempt a Hail Mary. Not Todd Bowles. The Bucs coach looked down the field, saw 65 yards of green grass between his kicker and the goalposts, and essentially said, “Hold my Gatorade.”

McLaughlin stepped up and absolutely crushed it. The ball sailed through the uprights with room to spare, cutting the deficit to 24-6 and giving Tampa Bay some much-needed momentum heading into the locker room. Even Brady, who’s seen his share of clutch moments, was genuinely impressed by the sheer audacity and execution of the kick.

So Close to History, Yet So Far

Here’s where it gets interesting for football history buffs. McLaughlin’s 65-yarder ties him for the second-longest field goal in NFL history, matching Brandon Aubrey’s boot from 2024. But Justin Tucker’s 66-yard record from 2021 still stands as the gold standard.

One yard. That is all that separated McLaughlin from joining the most exclusive club in football. Instead, he finds himself in pretty elite company with a group that includes Matt Prater, Joey Slye, and several other kickers who’ve pushed the boundaries of what’s humanly possible with a football.

The Elite Company McLaughlin Joined

The longest field goals in NFL history read like a who’s who of leg strength:

• Justin Tucker (Baltimore): 66 yards in 2021 – The king of the mountain
• Chase McLaughlin (Tampa Bay): 65 yards in 2025 – The newest member
• Brandon Aubrey (Dallas): 65 yards in 2024 – Still fresh in memory
• Matt Prater (Denver): 64 yards in 2013 – The thin-air advantage

What makes McLaughlin’s kick even more impressive? He did it at sea level in Florida humidity, not in the thin air of Denver, where several of these record attempts have taken place.

Why This Kick Matters More Than the Record Books

Sure, McLaughlin didn’t break Tucker’s record, but let’s put this in perspective. The man just connected on a field goal from nearly the length of a basketball court. In a hostile environment. With his team getting throttled. That takes stones the size of bowling balls.

This wasn’t some meaningless attempt in garbage time either. Those three points actually mattered in the context of the game, giving Tampa Bay something to build on as they headed to the locker room. Sometimes, momentum is worth more than records.

The Evolution Of the NFL Kicking Game

McLaughlin’s boot is just the latest example of how the kicking game has evolved. Twenty years ago, a 50-yard field goal was considered a moon shot. Now? Kickers are regularly attempting—and making—kicks from 60-plus yards.

The combination of better training, improved technique, and yes, even better equipment, has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible. McLaughlin’s career-long kick is a testament to how far the position has come.

What This Means For McLaughlin’s Career

For a kicker who’s bounced around the league, this moment could be career-defining. McLaughlin has played for multiple teams, always fighting to prove he belongs. Sunday’s kick wasn’t just about three points—it was about making a statement.

In a league where kickers can go from hero to zero in a single missed attempt, having a 65-yarder on your resume is like having a get-out-of-jail-free card. It shows you’ve got the leg strength and the mental fortitude to deliver when it matters most.

The beauty of McLaughlin’s kick wasn’t just the distance—it was the timing. When his team needed a spark, he delivered thunder. That’s the kind of moment that defines careers and creates legends, record or no record.