For the Atlanta Falcons, the potential to make the playoffs as a division winner is a realistic possibility. That is what made it so fitting to have a special, historic moment to celebrate for a potential playoff seeking squad. Among teams that are close in the NFC South, struggling to separate themselves, having one of the premiere special teams players may prove to be the difference.
Atlanta Falcons history when needed most
While some records are set during games that are already well out of hand, or when season standings have already been established, this was far from the case for Younghoe Koo. Against the divisional opponent Saints at home, the Falcons maintained a slim lead during the fourth quarter. While holding onto a one possession lead, the 29 year old kicker trotted on to the field to extend the margin to a two possession game.
Just as he had done numerous times in college, and for his NFL team he went through his usual approach routine, signaled for the snap, and calmly drilled the attempt through the field goal posts. What some may not have realized in the stands at the time is that Koo had just eclipsed the all time field goal making percentage in NFL history at 90% (minimum 100 attempts).
For an Atlanta Falcons team that may require several tie breakers later on, forcing an otherwise hounding and opportunistic Saints team play out of their element, chasing a second score, may prove to be a key moment in their season.
Atlanta Falcons journey for Younghoe Koo
Growing up in South Korea, Koo played soccer. Not unusual for someone living in a different country, as soccer is more of a global sport. It is here that he decided to focus most of his efforts, as he admits to not have been a good student.
Moving to America as a middle schooler, without knowing enough english to communicate with his classmates, sports once again became his source of comfort. This time switching to American football, he was able to find something in common, and a way to connect with his new friends. Having played soccer, the kicking aspect of football came easy to him, as he had well developed technique through years of kicking a soccer ball.
As a senior in New Jersey, Koo would go on to be a team MVP while receiving regional first-team recognition, both for his contributions as a defender and in the kicking game. He would go on to have an impressive collegiate career at Georgia Southern, amassing school records while leading the nation in multiple kicking stats.
Bumpy start for Atlanta Falcons kicker in the NFL
As an undrafted free agent, he signed for the Chargers and managed to win the starting kicker spot. It was at this moment that a little complacency crept in, and a valuable, but then tough lesson was to shape the rest of his career.
After four weeks he was cut.
Living in months of limbo allowed Koo to self-reflect, establish new habits, and connect with other free agents waiting for their call from a team. This would later lead him to say the following:
I wanted to be someone better than what I was with the Chargers, because if I didn’t improve after what I went through it didn’t mean anything. That’s kind of the growth mindset that I picked up.
With someone that has since gone on to have a successful career with the Atlanta Falcons, he now holds the all-time field goal percentage. It’s safe to say that his mental shift has led to more than the intended positive effect that he was hoping for.
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