The Minnesota Vikings celebrated a notable victory on Sunday night as they defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-26 at AT&T Stadium. Central to this triumph was kicker Will Reichard, who delivered a crucial field goal in the final minutes, solidifying his place among the NFL’s elite kickers. Following the game, head coach Kevin O’Connell recognized Reichard’s performance by presenting him with a game ball, declaring, “This guy has ice in his veins.”
Reichard’s kick was emblematic of his reliability, a trait that has been evident since the Vikings selected him in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels praised Reichard’s consistency, noting, “That was big time. That guy continues to be a monster for us.” The significance of this moment was not lost on Reichard, especially as he faced off against the Cowboys’ kicker Brandon Aubrey, who is often mentioned in discussions about the best in the league.
In a season where Reichard has made 24 of 26 field goal attempts, his only misses occurred from distances beyond 50 yards. Notably, he has maintained a perfect record on extra points since entering the NFL. Daniels highlighted the respect Reichard commands from opponents, stating, “Typically, the first thing that’s said from that person is, ‘You’ve got the right guy.’”
Reichard’s rookie season showcased his potential, as he began his career without missing a kick for several months. An unfortunate quad injury later affected his performance, leading to some inconsistency as the season unfolded. With heightened expectations this year, Reichard has risen to the occasion, delivering flawless kicks inside 50 yards and an impressive 9 of 11 from beyond that distance. Only Chase McLaughlin of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has more successful field goals from 50 yards or longer this season.
Despite a couple of misses that could be considered atypical—such as a 51-yard attempt against the Browns that hit a wire and a rushed 53-yard attempt against the Los Angeles Chargers—Reichard has been a dependable asset for the Vikings. His performance against the Cowboys has sparked conversations about his place among the NFL’s top kickers, alongside names like Cameron Dicker and Jason Myers.
When asked about who he considers the best kicker in the league, Daniels couldn’t hide his bias. “You can throw Will’s name right there at the top,” he said with a smile. As the Vikings continue to build momentum this season, Reichard’s contributions will be pivotal as they aim for success in the competitive landscape of the NFL.
