Field goal

A field goal is a form of scoring in American Football wherein, instead of snapping the ball to a quarterback, the ball is snapped to a placeholder who holds the ball against the ground in such a way that a kicker can kick the ball through the goalpost, often referred to as the "uprights," in order to earn three points.

This is usually attempted on a fourth down in which it is unlikely that another first down or touchdown will be achieved but when gaining any amount of points would be desirable.

The current record for the longest field goal in the NFL is 63 yards by Tom Dempsey in 1970 and Jason Elam in 1998.

The current record for NCAA College Football Division 1-A is 67 yards and held by three people:

• Russel Erxleben on Oct. 10, 1977
• Steve Little on Oct. 15, 1977
• Joe Williams on Oct. 21, 1978