From Co-Pilot AI:
“Justin Tucker set his 66-yard field goal record *before* the NFL changed its rules on preparing kicking balls to enhance distance.**
Here’s the timeline breakdown:
### š Justin Tucker’s Record Field Goal
- **Date:** September 26, 2021
- **Distance:** 66 yards
- **Game:** Baltimore Ravens vs. Detroit Lions
- **Significance:** It was the longest successful field goal in NFL history at the time.
### š§Ŗ NFL Rule Change on Kicking Balls
- **Rule Change:** In **March 2025**, the NFL passed resolution G-2 allowing teams to **prepare and condition kicking balls (”K-balls”) before game day**, similar to how game balls are treated.
- **Impact:** This change gave kickers more control over ball feel and performance, contributing to a surge in long-distance field goals during the 2025 season.
### š What Changed?
Before 2025, kickers had to use freshly unwrapped “K-balls” with minimal preparation, which limited distance and consistency. The new rule allowed:
- Pre-game conditioning of kicking balls
- Practice with game-day balls
- Enhanced grip, feel, and flight characteristics
This shift helped kickers like Cam Little break Tuckerās record with a **68-yard field goal** in November 2025.”
Itās way different from the days when both teams used the same ball and there were no k balls.
They had to kick or punt whichever ball was in the game.