Korean kicker turned NFL player into ‘a man worth 34 billion won’

There is a saying that an American’s year is divided into the time spent enjoying the NFL (American Professional Football) and the time waiting for the next season. That’s why the NFL boasts unrivaled popularity in the United States. The number of American viewers who watched the Super Bowl, the NFL championship game, last February reached 123.7 million. Although football (American football) is an unpopular sport in Korea, there is still a Korean-American player who catches the attention of domestic sports fans. This is Younghoe Koo (30), the starting kicker for the Atlanta Falcons.

Younghoe Koo, who is in his sixth season with the Falcons, is a kicker representing the NFL. The salary proves this. He signed a five-year contract worth $24.25 million (about 34 billion won) with the Falcons ahead of the 2022 season. A few mistakes and you have to pack your bags. A long-term contract achieved as an NFL kicker, which is no different from ‘the life of a fly.’ In terms of total annual salary, he is second among kickers on 32 NFL teams, following the Kansas City Chiefs’ Harrison Butker ($25.6 million). In a written interview prepared by Coupang Play, which broadcasts NFL games in Korea, Koo Young-hoe said, “I am realizing that the number of NFL fans around the world, including in Korea, is increasing more and more,” and “I am playing with the mindset of representing Korea.”

Koo Young-hoe, born in Seoul in 1994, moved to New Jersey at the age of 12 when his mother, a nurse, found a job in the United States. He enjoyed playing soccer as a child and had the talent to kick the ball straight and far. He entered Georgia Southern University as a soccer kicker and was recognized for his skills enough to be nominated for the Lou Groza Award (the best college kicker). He joined the LA Chargers in 2017 and entered the NFL of his dreams, but was released after missing 3 of 6 field goals in the first 4 games. With his utmost determination, he showed off his outstanding skills in the lower leagues and re-entered the NFL wearing a Falcons uniform in 2019. The following year, he achieved the honor of being selected to the Pro Bowl (All-Star) by scoring 37 field goals, the most in the league, with a 94.9% success rate. Koo Young-hoe said, “Before kicking, I think about the training I have gone through and calm myself down.” He added, “Believing in the effort I have put in so far and trusting the process are the driving forces behind making a good kick.”

In order to protect her identity as a Korean, Younghoe Koo uses the name ‘YOUNGHOE KOO’ without a separate English name. At first, the American broadcasters shared a guideline to call it ‘YOUNG-WAY’, saying it was difficult to pronounce. Now, you can often hear the chant of “Koo~” cheering for Koo Young-hoe at the Falcons’ home stadium. He said, “It’s the most powerful sound,” and “It feels like receiving the energy of the audience.” For two weeks last season, the NFL established a ‘Heritage Program’ in which the national flag of the country symbolizing one’s nationality, ancestry, or origin was attached to the helmet. In addition to Koo Young-hoe, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray and Baltimore Ravens safety ( Rear defender Kyle Hamilton and others played with the American flag and the Korean national flag on their helmets. Murray’s maternal grandmother and Hamilton’s mother are from Korea. Koo Young-hoe said, “Whenever we meet at the stadium, we always say hello and encourage each other. “Korean culture, such as K-pop and Korean food, has become very popular in the United States, giving me a sense of pride,” he said. “It’s special to see people from different backgrounds and cultures working together toward a common goal of victory.”

Younghoe Koo is somewhat sluggish this season, with a field goal success rate of only 72.4%. The Falcons lead the NFC (National Conference) South Division with 6 wins and 6 losses. The fate of the Falcons could change thanks to Koo Young-hoe, who has never been to the playoffs since entering the NFL. Koo Young-hoe said, “It is important to keep working hard every day,” and “If we do our best in the present, we will be able to advance to the playoffs, which we had hoped for.”

☞Kicker

In ball (American football), if a player does not advance 10 yards in three attack opportunities, and less than 50 to 60 yards remain from the kick point to the goal post, the kicker attempts a 3-point field goal on the fourth and final attack. Since close games are often decided by a successful field goal right before the end of the game, it is essential for NFL teams to have high-quality kickers in order to achieve good results. In addition to field goals, kickers are responsible for bonus kicks (1 point) and kickoffs after touchdowns.