NFL fans react as Chargers get 'rare' Fair Catch Free Kick: "That is the dumbest rule"

The Chargers versus Broncos game saw some history being made at the end of the first half as a Fair Catch Free Kick led to a field goal with the clock at 0:00. It came about after Denver punted the ball as the second quarter ended and the Los Angeles receiver called for a fair catch.

He was interfered with by the gunner and that led to a penalty even after time had expired. That led to a 15-yard penalty which put them in field goal range.

The rule states that a team might attempt a free kick if they had called for or caught a fair catch. As was the case here, Cameron Dicker attempted it from 57 yards and managed to sneak it in through the goalposts for three points.

It is such an obscure rule that this was the first time that a Fair Catch Free Kick had been attempted since 1976. Fans were baffled and took to social media to air their thoughts. Here are some comments from X/Twitter.

The posts kept coming and most weren't aware that this was a rule in the first place. Here are some more reactions.

"Never heard of this." - said one.

"Someone explain this to me I’m so confused" - added another.

"I have no idea what’s going on" - wrote a third.

Chargers' Fair Catch Free Kick versus Broncos a vestige from rugby

American and Canadian football evolved from rugby and some rules have remained despite the laws diverging from the original codes. Originally in rugby, a fair catch, also called a mark, allowed the team to attempt a free kick. Both rugby union and league have since removed it.

On the other hand, Australian Rules Football is wholly dependent on it. Every catch is a mark, which allows the team to attempt a kick. Soccer sees free kicks for fouls outside the penalty area too.

Given that a Fair Catch Free kick is always allowed, it theoretically could be attempted every match. However, since most punts are too far for a field goal, it is rarely attempted.

However, with modern kickers being able to kick 60 yards or more, this could make a comeback. In close games, one could see coaches attempt this from time to time. The NFL might then even decide to change the rule. But until then, those fans watching the game between the Broncos and Chargers should feel lucky because they saw history being made.