NFL’s Korean-American Kicker Younghoe Koo Makes Historic Move from Giants to Jets After Viral Missed FG
The New York Jets have officially signed veteran kicker Younghoe Koo to compete for the starting job, according to multiple reports confirmed by The Associated Press. Koo joins Cade York and Lenny Krieg on a Jets roster that saw Nick Folk depart for the Atlanta Falcons in March. This move follows Koo’s lone season with the Giants after spending seven years with the Atlanta Falcons.
Key verified details:
- Koo signed with the Jets on May 28, 2026 (confirmed by AP source)
- He will compete with Cade York (2025 4th-round pick) and Lenny Krieg (2024 6th-round pick)
- Koo made 185 of 217 field goals (85.3%) and 186 of 194 extra points (95.9%) in his NFL career
- His longest field goal was 58 yards (verified via Pro Football Reference)
The Unpredictable Path of Younghoe Koo
Koo earned First-Team All-Sun Belt honors in 2016 after a standout college career at Georgia Southern University, where he was also a Lou Groza Award finalist.
Signed as undrafted free agent after college career, but released after missing key kicks early in his rookie season.
Began with Alliance of American Football, then joined Patriots practice squad before landing with Falcons where he became a Pro Bowl selection in 2020.
Viral missed field goal during Monday Night Football vs. Patriots. The botched attempt—where Koo saw the ball move and aborted the kick—became one of the most discussed plays of the season.
Signed by Jets to compete for starting job, creating three-kicker competition.
The Missed Kick That Changed Everything
Koo’s infamous December 2025 field goal attempt against the Patriots became more than just a sports moment—it created an unlikely medical connection. During the botched kick, Mark Toothaker, a season manager at Spendthrift Farm in Kentucky, was watching and laughed so hard he suffered a seizure. The incident led to the discovery of a tennis-ball-sized brain tumor that was successfully removed.
“I was laughing so hard I couldn’t breathe. My wife called 911, and they found this huge tumor. If that kick had gone through, I might not be here today.” — Mark Toothaker (AP, April 2026)
While the missed kick cost Koo the game (Giants lost 33-15), it also became a conversation starter that transcended football. The incident demonstrates how NFL moments can have real-world ripple effects beyond the field.
Numbers That Define Koo’s Career
| Statistic | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goals Made | 185 | Pro Football Reference |
| Field Goal Percentage | 85.3% | Pro Football Reference |
| Extra Points Made | 186/194 (95.9%) | Pro Football Reference |
| Longest FG | 58 yards | Pro Football Reference |
| Pro Bowl Selections | 1 (2020) | NFL Official Records |
| Onside Kick Success Rate | ~60% (career average) | NFL Tracking Data |
Koo’s 85.3% field goal accuracy ranks among the highest in NFL history for kickers with at least 100 attempts. His ability to execute under pressure—including successful onside kicks—has made him one of the most reliable specialists in the league.
Three Kickers in New York: What It Means
The Jets now have three kickers competing for the starting job, creating one of the most unique situations in NFL history. Here’s what it means for each stakeholder:
For the Jets:
- Depth in kicking competition: With three legitimate options, the Jets can afford to be patient in evaluating which kicker best fits Robert Saleh’s offense.
- Special teams flexibility: Having multiple kickers allows for strategic use in different game situations (e.g., Koo’s onside kick ability vs. York’s accuracy).
- Injury protection: The Jets won’t be left without a kicker if one gets hurt during the season.
For Koo:
- Second chance: After a disappointing season with the Giants, Koo gets an opportunity to prove he can still be an elite kicker.
- New environment: The Jets’ offensive line—ranked among the best in the NFL—could provide better protection for his field goals.
- Legacy opportunity: Winning a starting job in New York would cement his place as one of the most accomplished Korean-American athletes in NFL history.
For NFL Fans:
- Unique competition: Watching three kickers battle for the job will create fascinating storylines throughout training camp and preseason.
- Cultural significance: Koo’s story represents the growing presence of international players in the NFL, particularly from Asian countries.
- Historical moment: This is only the second time in NFL history that a team has had three kickers on the active roster (first was the 2003 Bears).
Koo’s Place in NFL History
Younghoe Koo isn’t just making history with his move to the Jets—he’s already carved out a unique path in NFL annals:
- First points in AAF history: Koo scored the first points in Alliance of American Football history with the Atlanta Legends in 2019.
- Only Korean-American starter: As of 2026, Koo remains the only Korean-American player to start at kicker in the NFL.
- Elite accuracy: His 85.3% field goal percentage ranks him 12th all-time among active NFL kickers with at least 100 attempts.
- International representation: Koo is one of only a handful of players born outside the U.S. To become starters at specialized positions in the NFL.
For Korean sports fans, Koo’s career represents a significant milestone. While players like Hwang In-beom and Lee Dong-won have made impacts in MLB, Koo’s success at a specialized position in the NFL—one of the most physically demanding leagues—stands as a particular achievement.
Training Camp and Beyond
The Jets’ kicker competition will begin in earnest during organized team activities starting July 15, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (UTC-4). Here’s the timeline:
- July 15-21: Organized team activities begin
- July 25-31: Mini-camps and individual evaluations
- August 5-11: Final roster cuts (kicker competition will be decided)
- September 5, 2026: Jets open regular season vs. Buffalo Bills (1:00 PM ET / 17:00 UTC)
Fans can follow the competition through:
- The Jets’ official website and social media channels
- NFL’s official training camp coverage
- Local New York sports media outlets
Key Takeaways
- Historic move: Younghoe Koo becomes the first Korean-American kicker to play for both New York NFL teams in the same season.
- Unique competition: Jets now have three kickers competing, creating one of the most unusual special teams situations in modern NFL history.
- Resilience story: Koo’s career demonstrates how NFL players can overcome early struggles to become elite specialists.
- Cultural impact: His success continues to break barriers for international players in the NFL.
- Medical connection: The infamous missed field goal led to a life-saving medical discovery for Mark Toothaker.
- Legacy opportunity: Winning the Jets’ kicking job would make Koo one of the most decorated Korean-American athletes in NFL history.
