Rookie Phenomenon: Will Reichard’s 62-Yard Bomb Lifts Vikings, Shakes NFL History

A Kick for the Ages

On a crisp Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis, the NFL world witnessed a moment that will be replayed for years to come. With just seconds left in the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings rookie kicker Will Reichard trotted onto the field and lined up for what seemed an audacious attempt: a 62-yard field goal.

The stakes weren’t small. Minnesota already led 31–3 after a stunning offensive surge in the final two minutes of the second quarter. A miss would have been forgiven, chalked up as an ambitious try from a rookie. But a make? That would mean something else entirely.

With ice in his veins, Reichard launched the ball high and true, splitting the uprights as time expired. The crowd at U.S. Bank Stadium erupted. In one stroke, Reichard not only capped a jaw-dropping two-minute blitz that transformed a modest 17–3 lead into a commanding 34–3 halftime advantage, but he also carved his name into the Vikings’ history books.

Breaking the Vikings’ Ceiling

Reichard’s 62-yarder shattered the Vikings’ previous longest field goal record: Greg Joseph’s 61-yard bomb in 2022. Before Joseph, Minnesota’s longest makes topped out at 56 yards, a mark reached by Joseph, Blair Walsh (2012), and Paul Edinger (2005).

The rookie’s kick now isn’t just a franchise milestone — it’s tied for the fifth-longest in NFL history. Reichard joins an exclusive fraternity of long-range legends that includes Matt Prater (who has nailed two from 62), Harrison Butker, Brett Maher (two), Stephen Gostkowski, and Matt Bryant.

And here’s the kicker (pun intended): Reichard has only played three NFL games.

Chasing Tucker and the 60-Plus Club

The NFL’s all-time record still belongs to Justin Tucker, whose 66-yarder in 2021 for the Baltimore Ravens against Detroit remains the gold standard. No kicker has ever made a 65-yarder, though Brandon Aubrey of Dallas has already drilled two from 64, tying Matt Prater for second-longest.

The 63-yard club is equally legendary: Joey Slye (2024), Brett Maher (2019), Graham Gano (2018), David Akers (2012), Sebastian Janikowski (2011), Jason Elam (1998), and Tom Dempsey (1970).

Now, Will Reichard has entered this rarefied air. The difference? He’s doing it as a rookie, with a leg that looks like it’s still warming up.

Early Signs of a Special Leg

Reichard’s cannon isn’t exactly news to Vikings fans who’ve watched his first weeks in purple and gold.

• Week 1 vs. Chicago (at Soldier Field): He calmly nailed a 59-yarder, silencing a hostile crowd.

• Week 2 vs. Atlanta: He drilled a confident 51-yarder that helped Minnesota seize momentum.

• Week 3 vs. Cincinnati: He blew past all expectations, hitting from 62 to set a franchise record.

This isn’t a one-off miracle. This is a pattern of reliability from long range — something the Vikings have long craved after years of gut-wrenching kicking drama.

Reichard’s unflappable demeanor adds to the aura. He doesn’t pump his fists or shout. He jogs back to the sideline with the calm of a seasoned veteran, even as teammates mob him. For fans still scarred by infamous misses in playoff games, Reichard’s icy cool is as reassuring as his booming leg.

The Two-Minute Frenzy

The record-setting moment was only the exclamation point to one of the most explosive stretches in recent Vikings memory. In the final 1:47 of the half, Minnesota went from a 17–3 lead to a 34–3 laugher.

A lightning-fast touchdown drive, a defensive takeaway, another quick strike, and finally Reichard’s 62-yarder left the Bengals stunned. Cameras caught Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor shaking his head as he jogged off the field, later telling CBS Sports’ Tracy Wolfson:

“We got a lot of pride to play for right now.”

But for Minnesota, it was more than pride. It was dominance — capped by a rookie kicker who showed he can swing momentum with a single swing of his leg.

League-Wide Reverberations

Around the NFL, players and analysts immediately took notice. Social media lit up with slow-motion replays of the 62-yard blast. Former Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell tweeted: “That kid’s the real deal. Vikings finally found their guy.”

ESPN analyst Adam Schefter wrote: “The 2024 draft will be remembered for many things — but Minnesota taking Will Reichard might be one of the most underrated steals.”

Even Justin Tucker, the king of long kicks, reportedly reached out privately to congratulate the rookie.

For a franchise often haunted by its kicking history — from Gary Anderson’s miss in 1998 to Blair Walsh’s playoff heartbreak in 2015 — this felt like vindication. The Vikings might finally have the answer at a position that has defined so much of their heartbreak.

The Rookie Behind the Records

So who is Will Reichard?

A product of South Carolina, Reichard built his reputation in college as one of the most reliable legs in the nation. Scouts raved about his balance of power and accuracy, but some questioned whether his mechanics would hold up against NFL speed and pressure.

So far, he’s answered every question with a booming “yes.” His ability to block out noise, stay locked in, and rise to the moment has turned him into a fan favorite in record time. Jerseys bearing his name sold out on the Vikings’ online store within hours of his 62-yard masterpiece.

Reichard, true to form, downplayed the hype postgame.

“I just wanted to put points on the board for the team. Records are cool, but the goal is wins. That’s all that matters.”

But beneath his humility lies a kicker who clearly knows he belongs on the NFL’s biggest stages.

What’s Next for Minnesota

The Vikings’ win over Cincinnati wasn’t just about a rookie kicker — but Reichard’s moment crystallized the narrative of a team finding its rhythm early in the season. With an efficient offense, a swarming defense, and now a special teams weapon that can score from nearly anywhere on the field, Minnesota looks poised to make noise in the NFC.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell praised his rookie in the locker room:

“That wasn’t just a kick, that was a statement. Will’s not just part of this team — he’s a weapon.”

For fans, it’s a reminder that football history isn’t always made in touchdowns or interceptions. Sometimes, it’s made in the silence before a snap, the swing of a leg, and the roar of a crowd as a ball sails impossibly far and true.

Final Thoughts

On Sunday, Will Reichard didn’t just score three points — he scored a place in Vikings lore. His 62-yard field goal will be replayed alongside the NFL’s greatest kicks, a reminder that rookies can redefine what’s possible.

From now on, every time Minnesota lines up past midfield, defenses will have to respect the leg of their new “fighter jet.” And for Vikings fans, long haunted by the ghosts of missed kicks, Reichard represents something rare and precious: hope.

Because sometimes, the most unforgettable plays don’t come from quarterbacks or wide receivers. Sometimes they come from a rookie kicker, standing 62 yards away, daring history to stop him.