Who Is the Falcons Kicker Right Now?
The term “Falcons kicker” currently refers to veteran Zane Gonzalez, who was signed after Atlanta waived John Parker Romo following a series of costly misses, including a late extra point that contributed to a one-point loss to the New England Patriots.[1][6] Gonzalez steps into a role that has already changed hands multiple times this season, underscoring how unsettled the position has become in Atlanta.[1][6]
Gonzalez brings years of NFL experience, having kicked for several teams since 2017 and most recently appearing in six games for the Washington Commanders in 2024, where he made just over 70% of his field goals.[1] While not an elite statistical upgrade, his veteran presence is viewed as a stabilizing option as the Falcons try to secure more reliable production from their special teams unit in high-leverage moments.[1][6]
From Younghoe Koo to Parker Romo
For years, “Falcons kicker” was synonymous with Younghoe Koo, who became one of the league’s most accurate and trusted specialists during his seven-season run in Atlanta.[3] His release before the 2025 season marked a dramatic shift, as the team chose to move on from a proven veteran and open the job to competition, signaling a broader reset on special teams.[3]
John Parker Romo emerged as the first successor after excelling in alternative leagues and then impressing in a brief stint with the Minnesota Vikings, where he made 11 of 12 field goals.[2][5] In his early games with Atlanta, Romo appeared to justify the change by going 5-for-5 with a long of 54 yards in a dominant win over Minnesota, fueling optimism that the Falcons had found their new long-term kicker.[2][4][8]
Why the Falcons Kicker Job Matters Now
The instability at “Falcons kicker” has had direct on-field consequences, with missed field goals and extra points swinging the outcomes of close games and drawing intense scrutiny from fans and media.[1][3] In a season where the Falcons’ record and point differential keep them on the fringe of the playoff picture, a single missed kick can be the difference between staying in contention and slipping out of the race.[1][4]
Internally, the revolving door at kicker forces coaches and players to continually adjust to new timing, trust, and game-planning considerations on special teams.[3][6] Externally, it has turned the Falcons’ kicker situation into a trending topic, as each new signing or release signals how urgently the franchise is trying to stabilize a position that once felt automatic under Younghoe Koo but is now one of the biggest variables in Atlanta’s season.[1][3][6]