Texans RB Dare Ogunbowale becomes the first non-kicker to make a regular-season field goal in 19 YEARS as he inspires 37-39 win over Buccaneers while filling in for injured teammate

Sunday’s game between the Texans and Buccaneers was not short of drama – with Houston RB Dare Ogunbowale proving an unlikely hero while setting a 19-year record in the process.

The two teams were tied at 30 with almost nine minutes remaining when non-kicker Ogunbowale stepped up on emergency notice for a field goal from 29 yards out after regular kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn had suffered a quad injury in the first half.

And in an incredible moment, the seven-year veteran successfully converted to give the Buccaneers a three-point lead. 

The last non-kicker to successfully convert a field goal was Wes Welker of the Miami Dolphins in 2004. 

Welker played as a return specialist, running back and wide receiver but stepped in after kicker Olindo Mare suffered a calf injury pregame. Aside from the field goal, Welker kicked off three times, registered a tackle, converted an extra point and made ten returns for 142 yards in a loss to the Patriots. 

Ogunbowale’s field goal gave the Texans a three-point lead on their way to a 37-39 win

19 years later, Ogunbowale showed his kicking ability after place kicker Fairbairn limped out through injury. Fairbairn kicked a 50-yard field goal with 5:17 remaining in the second quarter before exiting the game.

The Buccaneers later regained the lead after Baker Mayfield’s 14-yard pass was caught by Cade Otton for the touchdown. 

With seconds remaining in the game, Houston’s CJ Stroud completed a 15-yard pass to Tank Dell to win the game 37-39. Stroud had a total of 470 passing yards for five touchdowns, two of which were Dell’s. 

The Texans are now 4-4 for the season and sit second in the AFC South. 

They look to improve their record against the Cincinnati Bengals on November 12.