How much farther could a FG go if no blockers?

[SJUHawks]

How much farther do you think an NFL kicker could kick a FG if he didn't have to worry about it being blocked? Does the fact that he could kick it on a lower starting trajectory add possible distance, and if so how much?

My guess would be that he could get up to 10 more yards. Any ideas?

[nsdjoe]

As far as a kickoff?

[SJUHawks]

That was my original thought, but the tee has to add something, no?

[Green Kool Aid]

I think a slightly longer run to the ball would help as well.

[battschr]

I think the record would go from 63 yards to about 68 or so.

[GiantWalleye]

I would say a 70 yarder would be realistic.

[battschr]

Yeah, 70-75 is not out of the question.

[mattsey9]

[ QUOTE ]
How much farther do you think an NFL kicker could kick a FG if he didn't have to worry about it being blocked? Does the fact that he could kick it on a lower starting trajectory add possible distance, and if so how much?

My guess would be that he could get up to 10 more yards. Any ideas?

[/ QUOTE ]

I was watching the Super Bowl III replay and one of the kickoffs from Curley Johnson of the Jets struck the upright. That was 65 yards away as I believe they were kicking from the 35 at the time. Some factors:

1. He wasn't even trying to kick a FG.
2. There was a strong crosswind (20-ish MPH) that would impede the ball.
3. He wasn't exactly the epitome of a modern athlete.

Without blockers... 75 yards? 80?

[SJUHawks]

As I said in OP, I think 10 yards is reasonable. Anything beyond that might a bit much IMO. The reason I have a problem with 80 yards is that this means the ball would be spotted at the 30 yard line. Kickoffs are currently from the 30. They use a tee which has to add something, and I've never seen anyone come close to putting it through the uprights.

[battschr]

He had a tee, that's a big difference.