We haven't seen a converted free kick in the NFL since 1976, so let's check the rulebook before we go any further.
Here's Article 5, Section 2 of Rule 10:
If time expires during a play in which a player has signaled for a fair catch, the following shall apply:
(a) If the player makes a fair catch, the receiving team may elect to extend the period with a fair-catch kick, but does not have the option to extend the period by a snap from scrimmage.
(b) If the kicking team interferes with a receiver who has signaled for a fair catch, the receiving team will have the option to extend the period by attempting a fair catch kick or by a snap from scrimmage after enforcement of any applicable penalties.
And here's what happened at the end of the first half in last night's game between the Chargers and the Broncos.
Interesting note here: If Denver hadn't interfered with the returner who'd called the fair catch, we'd have just seen a Hail Mary there to end the half (or a kneel-down) as time hadn't quite expired when the kick hit the ground. But the penalty, and the fumble (or muff) of the punt, allowed that time to expire, and we got to see the longest converted fair catch kick in NFL history at 57 yards.
What a treat on a Thursday night!
Chargers win, 34-27.
