Cameron Dicker on free kick FG: We talk about it every week, it was a normal thing for us

When the moment came, Cameron Dicker was prepared for it.

The NFL had not even seen a free kick field goal attempted since the 2019 season. But when the Broncos committed a fair catch-interference error late in the second quarter, Dicker realized he would have his opportunity.

The Chargers’ kicker hit the NFL’s first successful free kick field goal attempt since 1976.

“Looking over on their sideline was fun — they were confused about what was going on,” Dicker said after the game. “We talk about it every week, so it was a normal thing for us. But it’s fun to watch.”

Dicker noted that he asked the referee how much time they had before taking a practice kick in the net and going out for the rare try. Dicker sent the 57-yard kick through the uprights, giving the Chargers a vital three points before halftime.

Los Angeles’ special teams unit usually goes over the fair-catch kick in its Friday meeting. Dicker correctly recalled that the last attempt was from then-Carolina kicker Joey Slye during a 2019 game in London.

“We always see it and it’s fun to make,” Dicker said.

Dicker noted that except the opposing team is 10 yards away, the operation is the same as a normal field goal.

But being prepared for it makes a difference, and that comes from special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken and head coach Jim Harbaugh.

“Offense and stuff like that isn’t usually in there, so they were all confused,” Dicker said. “They were like, ‘What’s going on here?’ So that was fun to hear. And so now we’ve just learned a lot of people what’s going on.”

And now Dicker has achieved something that had not been done for almost 50 years.

“Yeah, that’s cool,” Dicker said. “I didn’t know that was the case. That’s pretty cool to hear. That’s pretty awesome.”