Jake Moody began writing his story in the NFL. The San Francisco 49ers kicker already gave something to talk about in his first games, converting his first three field goals and three extra points in Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, becoming the first rookie kicker since Justin Tucker (2012) in complete three or more attempts of both one and three points.
Additionally, in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams, he again completed three extra points and three field goals, including a 57-yarder that gave him the record for the longest kick by a rookie in Niners history. But he wants to live in the present.
“Yeah, that was pretty cool, especially coming so early in the season. But I can’t focus on that for long. I have to focus on what’s next; I like to give one kick at a time. “Not focusing on any kick I have in the future or one from the past,” Moody acknowledged in an interview with MILENIO-La Aficion.
A trip of more than 3,800 km
That’s the distance that separates the University of Michigan from Levi’s Stadium, where the 49ers hold their home games. Jake grew up in the Great Lakes State, played sports such as football, basketball and baseball, playing at Northville Highschool and then collegiately with the Wolverines. Like many football kickers, he made the transition from soccer to football.
“I think I was successful as a kicker, because I was a former footballer. From there I went to recruiting camps, moved up through the different ranking systems, and ultimately ended up at Michigan, which is what led me to being here,” he shared.
He was drafted in the last draft in the third round with the 99th pick, joining Roberto Aguayo (of Mexican descent) as the only kickers chosen within the first 100 picks in the last 15 years. The task was not easy, since he had to replace Robbie Gould, one of the most successful kickers of the last decade and who is a free agent. In addition, traveling the country to venture into an NFL franchise meant a touch of nerve and another touch of charm for what could come in his future.
“I didn’t think they were going to pick me as high as it happened. But I was very excited,” she said. “Moving across the country was a little scary at first, but I’m happy to have ended up here, it was probably the best possible place to end up, because you know how good the team is, the coaches and how great the fan base is.” .
Of all the positions, kicker is perhaps the most difficult. In a League in which a field goal can represent a huge difference, mistakes are rarely forgiven. Also, there is no substitute, so you are more likely to be cut from the team to bring in someone else. Staying on the team is a feat, but staying on the team is also a feat.
“It is difficult to stay on the roster, especially as a kicker, since there is only one per team, there are no substitutes in my position. So if you don’t perform well, it will be difficult to keep your job. I hope to continue doing my kicks and try to stay in the squad as best I can,” he commented.
And part of this is also due to the pressure they may be under in games. For Moody, there is not much difference between playing at home and playing away. “Being focused is difficult, especially when there are a lot of fans and noise. In my case, I do breathing exercises and reduce my heart rate. “I put myself in the zone to stay focused on all the kicks, no matter how hard they are or what the situation is.”
His goals in the NFL
His story in the NFL is just beginning, but he also sets goals. The first is to finish the season strong, have a great rookie year and move on to next season. But there are also bigger goals.
“I would like to be a Pro Bowler this year, be an All-Pro kicker in my first season, which is very difficult, but I think I have the ability to do it,” he noted.
That’s what he said
“It is difficult to stay on the roster, especially as a kicker, since there is only one per team, there are no substitutes and if you do not perform well, it will be difficult to keep your job”
“Moving across the country was a little scary at first, but I’m happy to be here, it was the best place to arrive, because you know how good this team is”
Jake Moody
San Francisco 49ers kicker
Besides
Highlights favoritism
With one of the most talented rosters, the 49ers have a good chance of winning Super Bowl LVIII in February 2024. Moody highlights the work ethic to hold that role at the organizational level. “Everyone comes to work as hard as they can every day. You’re not going to get to a Super Bowl without working hard. We have many guys who are motivated”
Your numbers
Item Figure
Field goals 6/6
Extra points 6/6
Longest 57 yards
Points 24
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2023-09-23 09:19:00
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