Broncos’ Matt Prater Sets NFL Record With 64-Yard Field Goal

Broncos kicker Matt Prater (5) walks off the field after the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 51-28. (Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports)

Peyton Manning may get his own podium for press conferences every week, but the guy that every one wanted to get a hold of Sunday night after the Denver Broncos beat the Tennessee Titans 51-28 was the team’s kicker.

Matt Prater booted a 64-yard field goal in right before halftime, which was the longest kick in NFL history. Sure the altitude helps. However, cold air is denser and heavier than warm air, so for him to do it on an 18-degree day (at kickoff), it’s incredibly impressive.

“It was so cold. I knew I hit it pretty good, but I wasn’t sure with the cold and everything it was going to get there,” Prater said. “I saw the ref’s hands go up and I can’t even explain what after.”

Matt Prater (5) celebrates with teammates after kicking a 64 yard field goal at the end of the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. (Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports)

Prater said that his foot was numb from the cold while attempting the kick.

With punter Britton Colquitt jumping on Prater’s back to celebrate, it was the loudest that Sports Authority Stadium had ever been with the Broncos down by one point heading into halftime.

The seven-year veteran broke a record that was held by four kickers, including former Bronco Jason Elam.

That kick…well..kicked the Broncos into gear in the second half.

“Really just a momentum boost for us,” Manning said. “It felt like even though we were down one, it was tied or almost like we had the lead. To get that field goal and get points knowing we were going to get the ball at the beginning of the second half I thought was really critical.”

The Broncos put up 31 points in the second half and broke the franchise record for most points scored in a single season (515). Oh, and they still have three games to play.

Prater received the game ball from John Fox following the game.

This ain’t no “idiot kicker,” folks.

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