On September 26, 2021, the Detroit Lions played the Baltimore Ravens at Ford Field. The Lions led late, 17–16, after a gritty game in which Baltimore’s quarterback Lamar Jackson used his scrambling ability to threaten Detroit’s defense. My son Corey and I were in attendance and new before the game started the Lions would be challenged by Jacksons scrambling and running capabilities. But the end of the game took a different turn.
On fourth down with 19 yards to go and only 26 seconds remaining, the Ravens converted via a 36-yard pass completion that put them in position to attempt an extremely long game-winning field goal.
Then came the moment: kicker Justin Tucker launched a 66-yard field goal, which bounced off the crossbar and dropped just inside the uprights. He set the NFL record for longest successfully made field goal. Final score: Ravens 19, Lions 17.
Detroit’s defense had held up admirably for much of the day, and the offense had done enough to lead late. But that final bounce sent a collective heartbreak through the stadium. And for me and my son, at least we were together to witness this all-time record being set.
From where we sat, I can still hear the roar — the disbelief — as the ball hit the bar, teetered, and then dropped through. It felt like a cruel trick.
Key Takeaways
- The rare heartbreak of a record-setting moment that comes at your team’s expense
- Reflection on “what might have been” — if the offense had run one more play, or the defense forced a stop
- The sharp contrast between jubilation and agony in the same moment
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