Detroit Lions

Lions' Matt Prater sets franchise record with 59-yard field goal

Published Jan. 3, 2016 2:51 p.m. ET

foxsports

Kicker Matt Prater gave the Detroit Lions a 10-0 lead just before halftime of Sunday's matchup with the Chicago Bears by hitting a 59-yard field goal, setting a new franchise record.

Prater's 59-yarder broke the previous record of 56 yards, set by longtime Lions kicker Jason Hanson against the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 8, 1995. Hanson later tied his own record against the Carolina Panthers on Nov. 16, 2008 -- more than 20 years later.

Although Prater's 59-yard field goal was the longest in Lions history, it was not the longest of his career. He holds the NFL's all-time record for longest field goal, after nailing a 64-yarder as a member of the Denver Broncos on Dec. 8, 2013.

Prater enjoyed one of his finest seasons in 2016. Before setting the franchise record, he missed only his second kick of the season with a failed 54-yard attempt against the Bears. His 59-yarder also set a record for the longest field goal in the history of Soldier Field, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.