Younghoe Koo’s run in Atlanta has officially come to an end. The 31-year-old kicker was released on Friday, Sept. 19, as Raheem Morris and the Falcons decided to move forward with Parker Romo. Shortly after the release, Koo took to Instagram to deliver an emotional goodbye, leaving his teammates moved.
“I want to thank the Falcons organization for giving me an opportunity when no one else would six years ago,” Koo wrote. “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.✌” Almost instantly, the comments flooded in from his brothers in the locker room.
RB Bijan Robinson kept it short but strong, writing, “My brother forever ❤.” WR Drake London added, “Brudda man! Appreciate you 6 🫡🤞🏽.” Kyle Pitts Sr. jumped in too with, “My dawg 4L🤞🏽.” Even younger guys chimed in, as safety Billy Bowman Jr. dropped prayer emojis, and LB Jalon Walker simply dropped a heart. The love was obvious. But it didn’t just stop in Atlanta.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Broncos kicker Wil Lutz gave his respect too, posting, “ATL legend.” That wasn’t just empty praise either. Koo had earned it. Ever since joining in 2019, he has kept his numbers steady at 86.5% or higher every year. He even punched his ticket to the Pro Bowl in 2020 after converting on 94.9 percent of his field goal attempts. However, things changed last season.
Koo finished just 25-of-34 on field goal attempts, good for 73.5%. That was his lowest mark as a Falcon. On top of that, a hip injury forced him to the injured reserve by Week 16. Suddenly, the once automatic leg became a question mark.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
And in this league, patience runs thin. NFL teams can’t wait forever for a kicker to get back to form. For Atlanta, the breaking point came in Week 1. Koo’s missed kick (44-yard FG) against the Buccaneers cost the Falcons a shot at overtime. That moment, combined with his health struggles, pushed the team to sign Romo. Just like that, an era at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was over. But what’s next for Koo?
3 potential destinations for Younghoe Koo
The Chicago Bears could use a steady leg right now. At Soldier Field, Cairo Santos and Jake Moody are battling it out, but neither has locked the job down. Through two weeks, the Bears are just 50% on field goals while perfect on extra points. That’s not exactly the kind of reliability they want. Dropping Younghoe Koo into that mix would instantly raise the standard and give Bear Down fans some confidence every time the kicking unit trots out.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints are also on shaky ground. Blake Grupe was solid, putting up 130 points in 2023, but his production dipped last season to 112. This year, he has already missed two of four field goals, while going through extra points at 4 of 4. That’s why Koo makes so much sense here. His presence wouldn’t just provide insurance; it would push Grupe to find his form again.