Falcons SHOCK: Fan Favorite Younghoe Koo Released! What Happened?!
In a stunning move, the Atlanta Falcons have released veteran kicker Younghoe Koo. The announcement came Friday, leaving fans reeling from the news. Koo, who has been with the Falcons since 2019, had become a beloved figure in Atlanta, known for his clutch kicks and consistent performance.
Parker Romo Takes Over
The Falcons have signed Parker Romo to the 53-man roster, and he will be the team's starting kicker moving forward. Romo impressed in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings, successfully converting all five of his field goal attempts, including a 54-yarder. This performance seemingly solidified his position and led to the Falcons' decision to move on from Koo.
Koo's Legacy in Atlanta
Younghoe Koo's time with the Falcons was marked by significant achievements. He scored exactly 700 points for the team, placing him third in franchise history behind only Matt Bryant and Morten Andersen. His best season came in 2020 when he led the league with 37 made field goals and a remarkable 94.9% success rate, earning him a Pro Bowl selection.
Decline in Recent Performance
However, Koo's consistency had waned in recent years. Last season, he made 25 of 34 field goal attempts, resulting in a 73.5% success rate, his lowest as a Falcon. A hip injury in Week 16 further hampered his performance. While Koo showed promise during the offseason and training camp, ultimately it wasn't enough to retain his position.
Koo's Farewell
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Koo expressed his gratitude to the Falcons organization and fans: "I want to thank the Falcons organization for giving me an opportunity when no one else would six years ago. This place helped me grow as a kicker and as a man. I will forever be grateful for the support from the fans during my time here. I have nothing but love and respect for everyone in the building, I wish yall the best. I'm full of gratitude and excitement as I continue my journey in this league."
What's Next?
The Falcons will now rely on Parker Romo to handle kicking duties, while Younghoe Koo becomes a free agent, seeking a new opportunity to continue his NFL career. This sudden change highlights the competitive nature of the league and the constant pressure on players to perform at their best.