On September 26, 2021, Justin Tucker set the NFL record for the longest field goal in history, with a 66-yard kick for the Baltimore Ravens against the Detroit Lions. But as incredible as that feat was, it pales in comparison to what happened at Shotwell Stadium in Abilene, Texas, on October 16, 1976.
Abilene Christian University was hosting East Texas State for homecoming. Their field goal kicker, Ove Claes Johannson, born in Sweden, booted an amazing 69-yard field goal. That kick remains the longest field goal in the history of American football on any level.
Jahannson was drafted the next year by the Houston Oilers, in the 12th and final round of the NFL draft. He remains the oldest draft choice, at the age of 28. His NFL career lasted just one season, in which he made just one field goal in four tries.
On September 30, 2023, Johansson died in Amarillo, Texas.
Most avid football fans know the name “Justin Tucker,” while almost no one remembers Ove Claes Johannson. But his anonymity takes nothing away from his great achievement on the college football field.
Most of what you do will go unnoticed by the masses. But that doesn’t make it any less meaningful. So live life as Paul admonished when he said, “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord” (Colossians 3:23).
Recovery Step: When Ove Claes Johannson woke up on the morning of October 16, 1976, he had no idea that he would do something that day that would never be equaled. Likewise, you may be presented with something today that you can’t foresee. But it might be a game changer. So be ready.
