Korean American NFL placekicker Younghoe Koo has been a bright spot for the Atlanta Falcons, even during losses.
On Sunday, Koo made all five of his placekicks during the Falcons’ 28-23 loss to the Tennessee Titans, CBS Sports reports. He made three field goals and two extra-point kicks, helping the team earn 11 points. One of those field goals was nearly 50 yards.
Koo has been consistent all season long. According to his 2023 season statistics listed on ESPN, Koo has only missed two of his 28 placekicks so far; one field goal and one extra point.
During Week 7 of the 2023 NFL Season, Koo’s placekicks earned the Falcons a victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He made three field goals and one extra point kick, for a total of 10 points in
His final field goal was a 51-yarder in the dying seconds of the game. The kick pushed the Falcons to a 16-13 win over the Buccs. Koo was subsequently named NFL Special Teams Player of the Week.
From 51 yards out, Koo hits it through. @AtlantaFalcons win! pic.twitter.com/natd9uE7UE
— NFL (@NFL) October 22, 2023
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Koo was born in Seoul, South Korea, but moved to New Jersey in the sixth grade to live with his mother who was pursuing a nursing career in the U.S., NBC News reports. His father remained in South Korea as a university professor.
Like other placekickers, Koo grew up playing both American football and soccer, eventually choosing to focus on being a placekicker. He went on to play college ball at Georgia Southern University and then signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017 as an undrafted free agent.
Koo signed with the Falcons in 2019, making all four of his field goals on his debut for the team. In 2020, he made the Pro Bowl for the first time. It appears that the 29-year-old’s career is on an upward trajectory.
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