What is the free-kick rule, and why is it so rare? According to the NFL rulebook, a free kick is a kickoff, safety kick or onside kick that puts the ball in play to start a free kick down.

But why, you may ask? A free kick is not often utilized in the NFL these days and one hasn't been made in nearly 50 years, since Ray Wersching did so in 1976. But what is a free kick?

Chargers' Cameron Dicker made a rare fair-catch free-kick field goal from 57 yards out, the longest in NFL history. Only seven free kicks have been successful in the league.

The Los Angeles Chargers scored against the Denver Broncos on a rare play that hadn't been seen since 1976 - a free kick.

Dicker's kick—essentially a field goal attempted without contest from the defense—was made possible by a little-known rule that allows a team to attempt a free-kick field goal after a fair catch.

Chargers' Cameron Dicker made a rare fair-catch free-kick field goal from 57 yards out, the longest in NFL history. Only seven free kicks have been successful in the league.

During "Thursday Night Football," the Chargers' Cameron Dicker nailed a 57-yard free kick field goal, the first successful one since 1976.

Lionel Messi moved into the top three in all-time free kick goals in soccer history with his 67th direct free kick goal in an Inter Miami MLS match.

When Arsenal were awarded a free kick on the edge of the penalty area against Manchester United, not even the most optimistic fan held out much hope of a goal. Arsenal have not scored after ...

Here's a look at the obscure rule. What is a fair catch kick? Whenever a player makes a fair catch his team has the option to play a regular down or attempt a free kick.

The Los Angeles Chargers successfully made a fair catch, free kick, something that hasn't been done in nearly 50 years.

But why, you may ask? A free kick is not often utilized in the NFL these days and one hasn't been made in nearly 50 years, since Ray Wersching did so in 1976. But what is a free kick?