Cam Little’s Preseason Spectacle: A 70-Yard Kick for the Ages

Cam Little’s Preseason Spectacle: A 70-Yard Kick for the Ages

 

JACKSONVILLE, Aug. 9, 2025 — Late in the first half of the Jacksonville Jaguars' preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, rookie kicker Cam Little kicked a breathtaking 70-yard field goal, mesmerizing fans and the Jaguars' players as well. While it will not be written into the NFL record books, the sheer gall and accuracy have already established it as instant legend.

The Moment: A Record-Breaking Kick—Almost At the strike of midnight, Jaguars head coach Liam Coen summoned Little for what appeared to be a highly unlikely attempt. "He wanted it, so we gave it to him," Coen said during the halftime break.

Little launched a miraculous shot from long distance—beating distance, wind, and pressure—to not only clear the crossbar, but do so with such strength and accuracy that the ball boy intercepted it in mid-air.

On the sideline, rookie sensation Travis Hunter was one of the first to congratulate him—recording a mid-air body bump in a celebration that caught the camaraderie and spark of the Jaguars' locker room.

Why It Doesn't Count—And What Still Makes It Special

Regardless of its impressive length, this kick won't usurp Justin Tucker's official 66-yard record from 2021. The reason? NFL preseason stats just aren't a part of the official record books.

Still, the feat stands as potentially the longest successful field goal in any organized regulation football game, setting a new benchmark for in-game leg strength and accuracy—albeit unofficially.

Little’s Ascent: From Arkansas to Jacksonville Legend?

Selected in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft (212th overall) from Arkansas, Cam Little is already the youngest kicker ever drafted in league history. He moved quickly into the Jaguars' starting job by surpassing veteran Riley Patterson.

His rookie stats were extraordinary: 27 of 29 field goals converted (93.1%) and all 27 extra points made. Little's longest successful attempt that year was 59 yards, and he was 5-of-6 from 50 yards or more.

Collegiately, at Arkansas, he concluded his career with the highest field-goal percentage in school history (82.8%) and a flawless extra-point record, cementing his reputation as a reliable and powerful kicker.

What the Coaches and Analysts are Saying

Coach Coen conceded, "You wish that one would've gone in the record books." The play demonstrated Little's leg strength and confidence—qualities that perhaps cemented his spot at the top of the Jaguars' depth chart in the future.

Media responses varied from wonder to guarded optimism. ESPN commented that he "nailed a 70-yard field goal" that would have broken the NFL record in a regular-season situation. AP termed the kick as one that "would have broken the NFL record if it had been done during the regular season." The Economic Times stated that the kick "amazed fans" and referred to it as a milestone.

What's Next for Cam Little?

While preseason, this kick establishes a high standard for the 2025 season—taking expectations high for possible game-winning long-range kicks in close situations as the regular season progresses. His immaculate debut—four-for-four on field goals (from 41, 40, 70, and 52 yards) and one-for-one on extra points—presents a sound early warning to opposing teams.

It also increases internal confidence: with proven power and precision, Little could be one of the league's scariest threats at any distance.

The Broader Context: 

Kicking Evolution in the NFL    Special teams have increasingly become the most important area of strategy. Guys like Justin Tucker set the bar higher on distance and dependability—now, Little's preseason heroics remind fans and teams what can be achieved with elite leg strength combined with poise.

The unofficial—but sensationalized—70-yard field goal might redefine how coaches structure end-of-half play calls, particularly in high-pressure situations. Whether or not it's in the books, it's already changing minds.

Final Thoughts

Cam Little's 70-yard field goal might never technically set the NFL record, but in everything it stands for, it already surpasses it. For a young, up-and-coming kicker with a smooth and powerful leg, this moment is more than a highlight—it's a statement.

With the 2025 season now in preparation, one thing is certain: each and every time Cam Little steps back to take a long-distance kick, all eyes will be glued onto him, just waiting for another momentous strike.