San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers scores record-tying 63-yard touchdown – NFL News
San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers shocked the entire National Football League (NFL) community as he scored a 63-yard field goal against Green Bay Packers in their season opener on Sunday, September 09, tying the record for the longest field goal ever in the league by any player.
As time ran out to mark the end of the first half, the 49ers had possession of the ball, but a playing drive could not have resulted in any scoring move and a field goal attempt seemed an evident option.
49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh vested confidence in the kicker and asked him to try his luck. Akers, who had already scored two field goals in the game, stepped on the field, hoping to increase the lead.
As he kicked the ball, all eyes adjusted their focus to the ball that was sailing in the air. It hit the goalpost and surprisingly went through the posts instead of coming back. According to the team’s website, Akers considers it a miracle. He said:
“I tried really hard to get it there. I didn’t think I actually hit it that great, I was like, ‘Oh well it was fun to give it a shot.’ Then I was like, ‘Wait, it’s still kind of going.’”
The kicker continued:
“When you hit the goalpost, whether it’s the crossbar or the upright, it usually makes a really loud and obnoxious sound coming back at you. It went through and I think that’s about the biggest miracle I’ve seen in a long time.”
Although the 49ers won the game, which itself is an impressive feat, the highlight of the game was Akers’ kick.
Harbaugh said after the game that he had firm belief that Akers could manage the kick. Appreciating the kicker, the head coach said:
“With David Akers you’re talking about maybe the best kicker in the history of the game.”
Akers is 37 and still plays like a hundred percent fit athlete. The six-time Pro Bowler hopes to continue playing for the 49ers as long as possible and see his team winning Super Bowl. 49ers have signalled deadly intentions for other teams after defeating Packers and hope that all their players continue to work hard for next games.
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