Introduction: The Making of a Record-Breaker
In the NFL, few players capture the public’s imagination like a kicker who can nail shots from beyond 60 yards. But in 2025, Cam Little didn’t just join that elite club — he obliterated expectations by hitting a 70-yard field goal in a preseason game. While it didn’t enter the official record books, it cemented his reputation as one of football’s most gifted young legs.
Little’s rise has been anything but ordinary. From his early days in Oklahoma to setting records in college and taking the NFL by storm, his story blends talent, discipline, and an uncanny ability to deliver in the clutch.
Early Life and Background
A Childhood in Moore, Oklahoma
Born August 17, 2003, in the close-knit community of Moore, Oklahoma, Cameron “Cam” Little grew up surrounded by sports. His parents, Ronda and Todd Little, encouraged him to try everything — baseball, basketball, soccer — before football eventually became his passion.
Family members recall a young Cam kicking anything he could find — from rolled-up socks to old footballs — down the hallway. His father often tells the story of how Cam, at just 9 years old, could send a ball soaring over neighborhood fences, prompting older kids to recruit him for backyard games.
Discovering Football’s Most Specialized Role
At Southmoore High School, Cam’s athletic versatility was obvious, but when coaches saw the power and accuracy in his kicking leg, they shifted him exclusively toward special teams duties. By his junior year, he was already on recruiting boards for major college programs.
High school statistics backed up the hype — multiple 50+ yard field goals, punts that flipped field position, and a field-goal percentage over 85%. Recruiting analysts ranked him among the nation’s top kicking prospects, predicting he’d be a college starter from day one.
College Career at the University of Arkansas
Freshman Year (2021): A Star is Born
When Little committed to the University of Arkansas, expectations were high — and he exceeded them immediately. In his first year, he nailed 20 of 24 field goals and was perfect on extra points.
One defining freshman moment came in a high-pressure game against LSU, when he drilled a 48-yard game-tying field goal with seconds left in regulation. Arkansas went on to win in overtime, and Little’s composure earned him Freshman All-American honors.
Sophomore Season (2022): Sharpening Skills
His second year was about refinement. Little worked on kick trajectory, situational awareness, and special teams chemistry. His stats remained strong — converting 84% of field goals — and he started to gain a reputation for being “automatic” from inside 50 yards.
Junior Season (2023): Records and Recognition
In 2023, Cam reached peak form. He set the school record for field-goal percentage at 82.8% across his career, never missing an extra point in three seasons. His 56-yard bomb against Ole Miss was the longest of his college career and became a highlight clip replayed on sports networks for days.
Beyond the field, he was named to the First-Team All-SEC and added to the Wuerffel Trophy watchlist — an honor recognizing players for exceptional community service and leadership.
Off the Field: Character Beyond the Game
The Down Syndrome Connection of Northwest Arkansas
Cam’s commitment to service was as strong as his kicking leg. While at Arkansas, he partnered with the Down Syndrome Connection of Northwest Arkansas, attending events, fundraising, and building personal relationships with families. His kindness and authenticity resonated deeply with the community.
National Spotlight for Giving Back
His work drew national attention, leading to an appearance on Good Morning America, where he spoke about the importance of using his platform to inspire and help others. For Little, giving back wasn’t a PR move — it was part of who he was.
NFL Draft: Making History with Jacksonville
2024 Draft Selection
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Cam Little in the sixth round (212th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft, making him the youngest kicker ever drafted. Analysts praised the Jaguars for investing in a young, long-term solution at the kicker position.
Earning the Starting Job
During training camp, Little faced competition from veteran kickers. His consistent performance in practice and flawless execution in preseason games earned him the starting spot before Week 1.
Rookie Season (2024): Consistency Under Pressure
Statistical Excellence
In his first NFL season, Little converted 27 of 29 field goals (93.1%) and all 27 extra points. His longest was a 59-yarder, which ranked among the top kicks of the season.
Game-Changing Moments
- Week 4 vs. Houston Texans: Hit a 55-yard field goal to extend Jacksonville’s lead in a tight defensive battle.
- Week 12 vs. Cleveland Browns: Drilled a 50-yard game-winner as time expired, earning him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
By season’s end, Little was named to the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) All-Rookie Team, confirming his status as one of the league’s elite young talents.
The 70-Yard Preseason Kick: August 2025
The Setup Against Pittsburgh
In the third quarter of a preseason matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Jaguars faced 4th-and-long near midfield. Instead of punting, they turned to Little. The attempt: 70 yards — further than any successful kick in regular-season history.
Execution and Reaction
With a smooth, powerful motion, Little struck the ball cleanly. It soared through the air, straight and true, before splitting the uprights with several yards to spare. The crowd exploded, teammates mobbed him, and social media lit up instantly.
Why It’s Not Official
Because the NFL only records regular-season and playoff kicks for record purposes, the 70-yarder remains unofficial. But among fans, analysts, and even rival players, there was no doubt — Cam Little had just shown he possessed the strongest leg in football.
Playing Style and Strengths
Power and Distance
Little’s range forces defenses to respect field goals well past midfield, altering game strategy.
Accuracy Under Pressure
High-pressure moments don’t faze him. Whether it’s a game-winner or a first-quarter kick, his routine and mental discipline stay the same.
Technical Mastery
From plant-foot placement to follow-through, Little’s kicking mechanics are refined and consistent, the product of years of disciplined training.
Future Outlook
Breaking Official Records
Many believe it’s only a matter of time before Little sets the official NFL record for longest field goal, potentially eclipsing Justin Tucker’s 66-yarder from 2021.
Becoming a Franchise Cornerstone
If he maintains his trajectory, Cam could be Jacksonville’s kicker for the next decade — a rare and valuable constant in a league known for turnover at the position.
Conclusion: The Journey is Just Beginning
Cam Little’s ascent from a young athlete in Oklahoma to one of the NFL’s most electrifying kickers is a story still being written. His 70-yard preseason kick may not be in the official record books, but it has already become part of NFL lore.
With his talent, work ethic, and commitment to excellence both on and off the field, Little is not just a promising player — he’s a potential legend in the making.
