Don't dismiss Matt Prater's record field goal because of altitude.
 

Then why hasn't Dempsey's record been broken before now?

5. Matt Prater, Denver Broncos place-kicker: Prater broke the NFL record with a 64-yard field goal just before halftime of the Broncos' 51-28 victory over the Tennessee Titans. And immediately, there were calls to qualify the record given Denver's well-chronicled altitude. (I'm told the city sits a mile higher than sea level.) So it's important to note that cold temperatures also impact field goals, and at kickoff Sunday, it was 18 degrees at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Brian Burke of NFL Advanced Stats published this analysis of cold-weather field goal attempts in January 2012, finding that long-distance attempts lose 5 yards of distance for every 30 degrees colder than the ideal. The graph available via the link provides a visual look at the impact. So let's be careful about downgrading Prater's accomplishment.

NFL Week 14 Studs and Duds - NFL Nation Blog - ESPN

Re: Don't dismiss Matt Prater's record field goal because of altitude.
 

And Dempsey's 63 was 5 feet below sea-level. They are all awesome kicks no matter. Congrats to him.

Re: Don't dismiss Matt Prater's record field goal because of altitude.
 

Dempsey had a half of foot which makes it's even more special.

Re: Don't dismiss Matt Prater's record field goal because of altitude.
 

Congrats to Matt Prater, Denver Broncos place-kicker. Great job.

Re: Don't dismiss Matt Prater's record field goal because of altitude.
 

Hear hear!

Re: Don't dismiss Matt Prater's record field goal because of altitude.
 

I am really happy for him. I remember the Dempsey record from my childhood. You play the game where ever they tell you to play the game, if it's a legit NFL game then the record is legit, regardless of altitude. In a way, with all the advances in sports science and medicine, I was somewhat surprised that this particular record was not broken long ago.

Re: Don't dismiss Matt Prater's record field goal because of altitude.
 

Very true.
This is one of those situational records- there are only a handful of guys with the ability, and the opportunity rarely comes up; it was always be at the end of a half or game

here are some long missed attempts:
76 yards Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland Raiders v. San Diego Chargers, 9/28/2008
74 yards Mark Moseley, Washington Redskins v. New York Giants, 11/22/1979
73 yards Fred Steinfort, Denver Broncos v. New England Patriots, 9/29/1980
70 yards Mark Moseley, Washington Redskins v. Houston Oilers, 9/2/1979 [a 72 as well?]
71 yards Joe Danelo, New York Giants v. Los Angeles Rams, 10/28/1979
69 yards Mason Crosby, Green Bay packers v. Detroit Lions, 12/28/2008 [on a fair-catch free-kick attempt
68 yards Neil Rackers, Arizona Cardinals v. New York Giants, 11/23/2008 [on a fair-catch free-kick attempt]
66 yards Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland Raiders (L 13-34) Washington Redskins, 12/13/2009
66 yards Greg Zuerlein, St. Louis Rams (L 14-17) at Mimami Dolphins, 10/14/2012
64 yards Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland Raiders (W 26-23O.T.) Jacksonville Jaguars, 10/21/201

Re: Don't dismiss Matt Prater's record field goal because of altitude.
 

come kick that distance in the swamp, horsies.

Re: Don't dismiss Matt Prater's record field goal because of altitude.
 

I was always shocked that Janikowski never broke the record.

Cheers to Matt Prater!