Chargers make history with rare fair catch kick against Broncos

The Chargers ended an otherwise disastrous first half against the Denver Broncos with a rare fair catch free kick from Cameron Dicker that cut the Chargers deficit to 21-13 entering the locker room.

Chargers punt returner Derius Davis was interfered with on a fair-catch attempt as time expired for the second quarter. The first half was extended for one untimed down with the Chargers getting the ball at the Denver 47-yard line.

The Chargers, who turned the ball over on a Justin Herbert interception on their previous offensive drive, initially ran the offense onto the field to possibly throw a Hail Mary.

But after deliberation, Dicker ran on.

Teams are allowed to kick immediately after a fair catch, but the obscure rule is almost never utilized. The last NFL player to connect on such a kick was the San Diego Chargers' Ray Wersching on Nov. 21, 1976. He made a kick from 45 yards on the final play of the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills.

Dicker lined up behind punter JK Scott, who held the ball in a formation that looked similar to kickoff. Teammates were lined up out wide along the line of scrimmage. Dicker's kick sailed through the uprights for a 57-yard field goal.

The last time a fair catch kick was attempted was 2019 when Joey Slye missed from 60 yards.

Read more: Chargers defeat Broncos in thriller to move to edge of playoff berth

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.