From Practice Squad to Center Stage: Can Younghoe Koo End the Giants’ Kicker Nightmare and Lead Them to Victory Against the Bears?

From Practice Squad to Center Stage: Can Younghoe Koo End the Giants’ Kicker Nightmare and Lead Them to Victory Against the Bears?

The New York Giants are facing a crisis at kicker — again. With a disappointing 2-7 record after three tough seasons, the team has struggled to find stability at one of the most critical positions in football. Injuries, missed kicks, and inconsistent performances have left fans anxious as the Giants look to salvage what’s left of the 2025 campaign.

Veteran kicker Graham Gano is sidelined with a neck injury caused by a herniated disc, leaving the Giants to search for a reliable leg under center. This marks the third kicker change this season, following costly misses by Jude McAtamney, who recently missed two key field goals in a narrow loss. The team has now turned to Younghoe Koo from the practice squad to try and steady the ship.

Born in Seoul, South Korea on August 3, 1994, Koo moved to the U.S. at age 12 and grew up in Ridgewood, New Jersey. A standout at Georgia Southern University, he earned First-Team All-Sun Belt honors and was a Lou Groza Award finalist in 2016. His college career hinted at the precision and composure that would define his NFL journey.

Koo made his NFL debut in 2017 and quickly established himself as one of the league’s most reliable kickers. He made his first Pro Bowl in 2020 and led the NFL in scoring that season. Known for his accuracy — 85.8% on field goals and an incredible 96.2% on extra points — Koo also has a flair for dramatic onside kicks that can change games in an instant.

After being released by the Atlanta Falcons in 2025 for cap reasons, Koo joined the Giants’ practice squad on September 23. Head Coach Brian Daboll emphasized the urgency of adding experience to the kicking game: “He’s one of the most accurate kickers in the league, and right now, with our 2-7 record and too many close games slipping away, we believe he can bring the calm, the confidence, and the clutch kicks this team desperately needs to turn things around.”

Koo himself is ready for the spotlight. “This opportunity came unexpectedly, but I’m prepared,” he said. “I’ve kicked on big stages under pressure before. I’m not here to try out — I’m here to win. Hopefully, we can even pull off an onside kick surprise like back in Atlanta!”

General Manager Joe Schoen added, “Changing kickers three times in one season is never ideal, but mistakes can’t keep happening. Younghoe’s resume speaks for itself — 94.9% field goals in 2020, Pro Bowl, and he’s been ready here since September. This is the right move for the rest of the season.” With the Giants’ playoff hopes hanging by a thread, all eyes will be on Koo as he takes the field against the Chicago Bears.