Will Reichard of the Minnesota Vikings set a new NFL record on Sunday with a 61-yard field goal, surpassing the previous mark of 66 yards set in 2021. The kick extended Reichard’s impressive streak and further cemented his place in NFL history.
Reichard’s achievement is notably notable given the historical context of Alabama alumni in the NFL. Prior to Reichard’s arrival in the league, only one Alabama alumnus, van Tiffin, had successfully made a field goal of 50 yards or more – a 50-yard kick in 1987. Reichard made seven field goals of at least 50 yards during his rookie season and is now 3-of-3 from beyond midfield in 2025.
The previous Alabama field goal record was held by Van Tiffin, who connected from 50 yards out in 1987 while playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Other Alabama alumni to make field goals in the NFL/AFL include Riley Smith (11), Don Hutson (7), Tommy booker (41), and David Ray (110).
Reichard, who finished his college career at Alabama as the program’s all-time leading scorer, has already made 30 field goals through the first half of his 16th regular-season game. His record-breaking kick underscores a shift in the capabilities of NFL kickers and highlights the growing impact of specialists in the modern game.
