Broncos’ Prater breaks field goal record
Denver Broncos kicker Matt Prater, right, kicks a 64-yard field goal as Britton Colquitt holds during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in Denver. The Denver Broncos released veteran kicker Matt Prater on Friday after he came off a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy related to alcohol. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos kicker Matt Prater, bottom, celebrates 64-yard field goal with Britton Colquitt during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos kicker Matt Prater, left, celebrates a 64-yard field goal with Britton Colquitt during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos kicker Matt Prater, left, celebrates a 64-yard field goal with Britton Colquitt during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
DENVER — Denver kicker Matt Prater kicked an NFL-record 64-yard field goal as the first half expired in the Broncos’ game against Tennessee on Sunday.
Prater’s kick on a clear day in 14-degree weather with nary a hint of wind barely cleared the crossbar. He and holder Britton Colquitt jumped in jubilation as their teammates rushed into the tunnel for halftime.
The record-breaking kick cut Tennessee’s lead to 21-20 at the break.
The 64-yarder bested the record of 63 set by New Orleans’ Tom Dempsey in 1970 and tied by Denver’s Jason Elam in 1998, Oakland’s Sabastian Janikowski in 2011 and San Francisco’s David Akers last season.
Janikowski’s and Elam’s kicks also came in Denver’s thin air.
