Topzle Topzle

Younghoe Koo

Updated: Wikipedia source

Younghoe Koo

Younghoe Koo (Korean: 구영회; pronounced ; YUNG-way; born August 3, 1994) is a South Korean–American professional football placekicker. Known for his ability to successfully execute onside kicks, Koo played College Football at Georgia Southern before signing with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017 as an undrafted free agent. Koo played four seasons of college football for the Georgia Southern Eagles and was named a finalist for the Lou Groza Award in 2016. He began his professional career with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017, but was released four weeks into the season after missing consecutive game-ending kicks. Following a year away from football, Koo played for the Atlanta Legends of the Alliance of American Football (AAF), scoring the first points in league history and converting all of his kicks until the AAF indefinitely suspended operations. Koo returned to the NFL with the Falcons the same year. In 2020, Koo was named to the Pro Bowl after leading the league in scoring.

Infobox

Position
Placekicker
Roster status
Active
Born
(1994-08-03) August 3, 1994 (age 31)Seoul, South Korea
Height
5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight
185 lb (84 kg)
High school
Ridgewood (Ridgewood, New Jersey, U.S.)
College
Georgia Southern (2013–2016)
NFL draft
2017: undrafted
Field goals made
185
Field goals attempted
217
Field goal percentage
85.3
Longest field goal
58
Touchbacks
94

Tables

Pre-draft measurables · Professional career
mw- .mw- .mw- .mw- 5 ft 9+3⁄8 in(1.76 m)
mw- .mw- .mw- .mw- 5 ft 9+3⁄8 in(1.76 m)
Height
mw- .mw- .mw- .mw- 5 ft 9+3⁄8 in(1.76 m)
Weight
182 lb(83 kg)
Arm length
29+1⁄4 in(0.74 m)
Hand span
9 in(0.23 m)
All values from Pro Day
All values from Pro Day
Height
All values from Pro Day
Height
Weight
Arm length
Hand span
mw- .mw- 5 ft 9+3⁄8 in(1.76 m)
182 lb(83 kg)
29+1⁄4 in(0.74 m)
9 in(0.23 m)
All values from Pro Day
· NFL career statistics
Bold
Bold
Legend
Bold
Legend
Career high
Legend
Led the league
Bold
Career high
· NFL career statistics › Regular season
FGM
FGM
Year
FGM
Team
FGA
GP
FG%
Field goals
<20
Field goals
20−29
Field goals
30−39
Field goals
40−49
Field goals
50+
Field goals
Lng
Field goals
XPM
Field goals
XPA
Field goals
XP%
2017
2017
Year
2017
Team
LAC
GP
4
Field goals
3
Field goals
6
Field goals
50.0
Field goals
0–0
Field goals
2–2
Field goals
0–0
Field goals
1–4
Field goals
0–0
Field goals
41
Extra points
9
Extra points
9
Extra points
100.0
Total points
18
2019
2019
Year
2019
Team
ATL
GP
8
Field goals
23
Field goals
26
Field goals
88.5
Field goals
0–0
Field goals
6–6
Field goals
9–10
Field goals
7–9
Field goals
1–1
Field goals
50
Extra points
15
Extra points
16
Extra points
93.8
Total points
84
2020
2020
Year
2020
Team
ATL
GP
15
Field goals
37
Field goals
39
Field goals
94.9
Field goals
0–0
Field goals
10–10
Field goals
11–12
Field goals
8–9
Field goals
8–8
Field goals
54
Extra points
33
Extra points
36
Extra points
91.7
Total points
144
2021
2021
Year
2021
Team
ATL
GP
17
Field goals
27
Field goals
29
Field goals
93.1
Field goals
0–0
Field goals
8–8
Field goals
9–9
Field goals
6–7
Field goals
4–5
Field goals
54
Extra points
30
Extra points
30
Extra points
100.0
Total points
111
2022
2022
Year
2022
Team
ATL
GP
17
Field goals
32
Field goals
37
Field goals
86.5
Field goals
0–0
Field goals
9–9
Field goals
7–7
Field goals
9–10
Field goals
7–11
Field goals
54
Extra points
33
Extra points
35
Extra points
94.3
Total points
129
2023
2023
Year
2023
Team
ATL
GP
17
Field goals
32
Field goals
37
Field goals
86.5
Field goals
0–0
Field goals
10–10
Field goals
10–10
Field goals
9–11
Field goals
3–6
Field goals
54
Extra points
27
Extra points
28
Extra points
96.4
Total points
123
2024
2024
Year
2024
Team
ATL
GP
14
Field goals
25
Field goals
34
Field goals
73.5
Field goals
0–0
Field goals
7–7
Field goals
5–7
Field goals
7–11
Field goals
6–9
Field goals
58
Extra points
26
Extra points
26
Extra points
100.0
Total points
101
2025
2025
Year
2025
Team
ATL
GP
1
Field goals
2
Field goals
3
Field goals
66.7
Field goals
0–0
Field goals
0–0
Field goals
1–1
Field goals
1–2
Field goals
0–0
Field goals
41
Extra points
2
Extra points
2
Extra points
100.0
Total points
8
NYG
NYG
Year
NYG
Team
6
GP
4
Field goals
6
Field goals
66.7
Field goals
1–1
Field goals
1–1
Field goals
1–1
Field goals
1–1
Field goals
0–2
Field goals
44
Field goals
11
Extra points
12
Extra points
91.7
Extra points
23
Total
Total
Year
Total
Team
98
GP
185
Field goals
217
Field goals
85.3
Field goals
1–1
Field goals
53−53
Field goals
53−57
Field goals
49−64
Field goals
29−42
Field goals
58
Field goals
186
Extra points
194
Extra points
95.9
Extra points
741
Year
Team
GP
Field goals
Extra points
Total points
FGM
FGA
FG%
<20
20−29
30−39
40−49
50+
Lng
XPM
XPA
XP%
2017
LAC
4
3
6
50.0
0–0
2–2
0–0
1–4
0–0
41
9
9
100.0
18
2019
ATL
8
23
26
88.5
0–0
6–6
9–10
7–9
1–1
50
15
16
93.8
84
2020
ATL
15
37
39
94.9
0–0
10–10
11–12
8–9
8–8
54
33
36
91.7
144
2021
ATL
17
27
29
93.1
0–0
8–8
9–9
6–7
4–5
54
30
30
100.0
111
2022
ATL
17
32
37
86.5
0–0
9–9
7–7
9–10
7–11
54
33
35
94.3
129
2023
ATL
17
32
37
86.5
0–0
10–10
10–10
9–11
3–6
54
27
28
96.4
123
2024
ATL
14
25
34
73.5
0–0
7–7
5–7
7–11
6–9
58
26
26
100.0
101
2025
ATL
1
2
3
66.7
0–0
0–0
1–1
1–2
0–0
41
2
2
100.0
8
NYG
6
4
6
66.7
1–1
1–1
1–1
1–1
0–2
44
11
12
91.7
23
Total
98
185
217
85.3
1–1
53−53
53−57
49−64
29−42
58
186
194
95.9
741

References

  1. He joined John Lee, Hines Ward, and Kyle Love
  2. No Cut News
    http://www.nocutnews.co.kr/news/4856794
  3. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
    https://www.ajc.com/sports/football/falcons-koo-found-his-way-from-south-korea-the-nfl/66nwFfyuerSqS6IZU4BtFM/
  4. Pro-Football-Reference.com
    https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/fg_perc_career.htm
  5. CBSSports.com
    https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/falcons-younghoe-koo-onside-kick-master-delivers-again/
  6. gseagles.com
    http://gseagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2148
  7. Bleacher Report
    https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2732985-chargers-kicker-younghoe-koos-story-is-familiar-for-many-korean-americans
  8. Bergen Record
    http://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/columnists/tara-sullivan/2017/05/11/sullivan-former-ridgewood-kicker-younghoe-koo-pursuing-nfl-dream/317485001/
  9. NBCNews.com
    https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/korean-born-kicker-fighting-spot-la-chargers-n768466
  10. Chargers Wire
    https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2017/05/02/5-things-to-know-about-new-chargers-kicker-younghoe-koo/3/
  11. Sulivan, Tara. "Sullivan: Former Ridgewood kicker Younghoe Koo pursuing NFL dream", The Record (Bergen County), May 11,
    http://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/columnists/tara-sullivan/2017/05/11/sullivan-former-ridgewood-kicker-younghoe-koo-pursuing-nfl-dream/317485001/
  12. www.gseagles.com
    http://www.gseagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=560
  13. DraftScout.com
    https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=127517&DraftYear=2017
  14. Chargers.com
    http://www.chargers.com/news/2017/04/29/chargers-agree-terms-15-undrafted-free-agents
  15. profootballtalk.nbcsports.com
    http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/09/02/chargers-cut-josh-lambo-keep-younghoe-koo-at-kicker
  16. Yahoo.com
    https://sports.yahoo.com/rookie-younghoe-koo-wins-chargers-kicking-competition-continuing-fantastic-story-232036535.html
  17. Los Angeles Daily News
    http://www.ocregister.com/2017/09/11/chargers-comeback-falls-short-in-24-21-loss-to-broncos/
  18. The Ringer
    https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2017/9/17/16323842/younghoe-koo-missed-kick-chargers-dolphins
  19. Los Angeles Times
    http://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/la-sp-chargers-release-koo-20171005-story.html
  20. Chargers.com
    http://www.chargers.com/news/2017/10/05/chargers-sign-kicker-nick-novak-waive-younghoe-koo
  21. ESPN.com
    https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/20925484
  22. NESN.com
    https://nesn.com/2019/10/nfl-rumors-patriots-also-signing-kicker-younghoe-koo-to-practice-squad/
  23. Yahoo! Sports
    https://sports.yahoo.com/chargers-move-quickly-cut-rookie-kicker-younghoe-koo-195505556.html
  24. "Looking forward to this new @TheAAF opportunity. #enjoythejourney"
    https://x.com/YounghoeKoo/status/1084996768625016834
  25. Georgia Southern Eagles
    https://gseagles.com/news/2019/2/1/football-two-former-eagle-players-make-aaf-rosters.aspx
  26. CBS Sports
    https://www.cbssports.com/aaf/news/aaf-week-1-scores-highlights-spurrier-calls-philly-special-for-td-orlando-and-san-antonio-win-openers/
  27. "Younghoe Koo kicks Legends to first AAF victory"
    https://www.nfl.com/news/younghoe-koo-kicks-legends-to-first-aaf-victory-0ap3000001020894
  28. "Commanders QB Logan Woodside named AAF offensive player of the week"
    https://news4sanantonio.com/sports/commanders-qb-logan-woodside-named-aafs-offensive-player-of-the-week
  29. ESPN.com
    https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26957796/inside-short-unhappy-life-alliance-american-football
  30. CBSSports.com
    https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/younghoe-koo-wont-sign-with-chicago/
  31. Patriots.com
    https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-sign-k-younghoe-koo-to-the-practice-squad
  32. NESN.com
    https://nesn.com/2019/10/patriots-cut-quarterback-cody-kessler-amid-flurry-of-roster-moves/
  33. AtlantaFalcons.com
    https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-cut-longtime-kicker-matt-bryant
  34. Falcons Wire
    https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2019/11/10/falcons-kicker-younghoe-koo-a-perfect-6-for-6-in-debut/
  35. NFL.com
    https://www.nfl.com/news/jamal-adams-jadeveon-clowney-among-players-of-the-week-0ap3000001076380
  36. CBS Sports
    https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/falcons-convert-back-to-back-onside-kicks-as-saints-caught-sleeping-on-special-teams/
  37. New York Daily News
    https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/ny-onside-kick-thanksgiving-atlanta-falcons-new-orleans-saints-20191129-t246t5ogrffalmjqvxlpdsvveu-story.html
  38. ESPN
    https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127869
  39. ProFootballTalk
    https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/12/11/younghoe-koo-named-nfc-special-teams-player-of-the-week/
  40. AtlantaFalcons.com
    https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/atlanta-falcons-sign-younghoe-koo-ryan-allen-to-one-year-extensions
  41. NFL.com
    https://www.nfl.com/news/players-of-the-month-patrick-mahomes-dalvin-cook-tj-watt-cameron-jordan
  42. TheFalconsWire
    https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2020/12/07/falcons-younghoe-koo-nfl-leading-scorer/
  43. Chiefs Wire
    https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/2020/12/29/kansas-city-chiefs-tanoh-kpassagnon-younghoe-koo-kick-tipped/
  44. NFL.com
    https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-reveals-complete-afc-nfc-rosters-for-2021-pro-bowl
  45. AtlantaFalcons.com
    https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-re-sign-younghoe-koo-three-more-exclusive-rights-free-agents
  46. NBC Sports
    https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/09/26/falcons-get-their-first-win-on-last-second-field-goal/
  47. AtlantaFalcons.com
    https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/bair-falcons-erasing-old-narratives-one-clutch-win-at-a-time
  48. Atlanta Falcons
    https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/three-gut-reactions-to-falcons-week-9-contest-against-rival-saints
  49. Atlanta Falcons
    https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-sign-younghoe-koo-to-five-year-extension
  50. Pro-Football-Reference.com
    https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202210300atl.htm
  51. Pro-Football-Reference.com
    https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202301010atl.htm
  52. Atlanta Falcons
    https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/younghoe-koo-named-special-teams-player-of-the-month
  53. ESPN
    https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401547417
  54. USA TODAY
    https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2023/10/08/younghoe-koo-field-goal-gives-falcons-victory-over-texans-in-final-seconds/71112383007/
  55. NBC Sports
    https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/younghoe-koos-51-yard-fg-on-final-play-gives-falcons-16-13-win
  56. Atlanta Falcons
    https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/younghoe-koo-named-nfc-special-teams-player-of-the-week-x1409
  57. Atlanta Falcons
    https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/kicker-younghoe-koo-week-16-nfc-special-teams-player-of-the-week
  58. Atlanta Falcons
    https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/what-happened-recap-week-4-new-orleans-saints-2024
  59. ESPN.com
    https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/41607302/todd-bowles-wishes-bucs-slowed-falcons-game-tying-drive
  60. atlantafalcons.com
    https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/younghoe-koo-injured-reserve-riley-patterson-signed
  61. thefalcoholic.com
    https://www.thefalcoholic.com/atlanta-falcons-depth-chart/86722/falcons-part-ways-with-longtime-kicker-younghoe-koo
  62. AtlantaFalcons.com
    https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/younghoe-koo-released-parker-romo-signed
  63. giantswire.usatoday.com
    https://giantswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/giants/2025/09/23/new-york-giants-sign-kicker-younghoe-koo-practice-squad/86313259007/
  64. "Giants takeaways, report card from NFL Week 10 loss to Bears"
    https://nypost.com/2025/11/09/sports/giants-takeaways-report-card-from-nfl-week-10-loss-to-bears/
  65. CBS Sports
    https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/younghoe-koo-kick-giants-patriots/
  66. www.giants.com
    https://www.giants.com/news/giants-waive-younghoe-koo-roster-moves-week-16-minnesota-vikings-caleb-murphy-evan-neal
  67. CNN
    https://edition.cnn.com/videos/sports/2023/12/31/exp-nye-2024-south-korea-younghoe-koo-123110aseg2-cnni-sports.cnn
Image
Source: —
Tip: Wheel or +/− to zoom, drag to pan, Esc to close.