Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos set a new personal best with a 58-yard field goal late in Thursday night’s 30-24 victory over the New England Patriots at Soldier Field, matching the franchise record previously established by Robbie Gould in 2013.

The successful kick came after Santos had missed an earlier 53-yard attempt, which struck the right upright. Initially, with the Bears holding a six-point lead in the closing moments, head coach Ben Johnson signaled for a punt. However, following an injury to Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore, the Bears took additional time to reconsider their decision. Santos then volunteered to attempt the long field goal.

After evaluating the conditions, which included minimal wind, Santos proceeded with the kick and converted the 58-yard field goal. “This was a career long for me,” Santos said, highlighting his pregame routine and favorable weather as key factors contributing to his confidence.

Johnson explained that the choice to allow Santos the attempt was influenced by both instinct and confidence in the veteran kicker’s abilities. Santos, who has been with Chicago since 2020 and holds the franchise’s record for accuracy, acknowledged the frustration from his earlier missed kick but noted it motivated him to succeed with the later attempt.

Before Thursday, Santos’s longest career kicks were from 55 yards. He entered the game with a 35-for-53 success rate on field goals from 50 yards or more. The clutch performance drew praise from teammates and coaches alike. Tight end Colston Loveland remarked on the trust the coaching staff placed in Santos, while the kicker expressed gratitude for the opportunity to redeem himself under pressure.

The 58-yard field goal not only contributed crucial points late in the game but also underscored Santos’s growing reputation as one of the team’s most reliable and capable kickers.