Ove Johansson’s Historic 69-Yard Field Goal Achieves College Football Record

On October 16, 1976, Ove Johansson made history in Abilene, Texas, by kicking a 69-yard field goal against East Texas State. This remarkable achievement established him as the record-holder for the longest field goal in college football history.

The event took place during homecoming weekend at Abilene Christian University, where the stands were filled with students, faculty, parents, and alumni. Among the crowd, there was anticipation of a significant record being broken, as Wilbert Montgomery was on the verge of surpassing Walter Payton‘s career collegiate touchdown record.

Prior to the game, Johansson had successfully made two pregame warmup kicks from 70 yards. He expressed confidence, stating, ‘The leg was working,’ according to a 2019 interview with NCAA.com.

As fate would have it, Johansson was not the only player aiming for greatness that day. Ten minutes before he was set to attempt his kick, Tony Franklin of Texas A&M had scored a 65-yard field goal, which added pressure to Johansson’s attempt.

Johansson remarked on the excitement of attempting the historic field goal, acknowledging the significance of making a play that no one had ever accomplished in college football. With favorable wind conditions, his kick proved to be a monumental success, with officials claiming it would have been good from 75 yards.

Despite some skepticism regarding the extraordinary nature of the kick, Johansson attributed his success to preparation and skill rather than luck. The sound of his foot connecting with the football was described as reminiscent of a shotgun.

After the successful attempt, Johansson encountered reactions from spectators, including disbelief from individuals who questioned the decision to kick from such a distance. Coach Wally Bullington defended the choice, affirming that they needed the points.

Before this historic moment, Johansson had limited experience in collegiate football, having only kicked four field goals. Originally from Sweden, he had moved to Texas to pursue soccer but eventually found his way onto the football team after a special tryout.

Johansson’s journey led him to be drafted by the Houston Oilers in 1977, becoming the oldest player drafted in NFL history. Beyond football, he continues to engage with his love for soccer while mentoring high school kickers.

Johansson remains a beloved figure in the narrative of college sports, often recalling that unforgettable day when he broke the record and forever changed college football history.