Kicking competition not over, but Younghoe Koo is the presumptive winner

The 2025 NFL Kicking Competition, a long‑anticipated showdown between the league’s most accurate and powerful placekickers, is still in full swing, but a single name has begun to dominate the headlines: Atlanta Falcons’ veteran kicker Younghoe Koo. Even as the event’s final rounds are underway, Koo’s staggering performance has left many analysts proclaiming him the presumptive winner.

The Competition in a Nutshell

Held at the NFL’s Annual Combine in Birmingham, Alabama, the kicking contest was designed to test each participant’s accuracy, range, and consistency. Kickers from every NFL team were invited, and a select group of standout college kickers were also invited for a two‑day showcase.

The format is straightforward yet unforgiving: each kicker attempts field goals from 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 yards, with each distance allotted a fixed number of attempts (usually three). Points are awarded for each successful kick, with bonus points for the longest distance achieved. The kicker with the highest cumulative score after all distances is declared the winner.

According to the official NFL Combine website, the event also includes a “Kickoff Accuracy” segment, where participants attempt to place the ball within a designated 20‑yard window from the 50‑yard line. Koo also excelled in this segment, adding another 10 points to his tally.

Koo’s Dominance

From the opening distance, Koo made his mark. His 30‑ and 35‑yard kicks were flawless, and he continued that streak through the 40‑yard range. His 45‑yard attempts were 100% accurate, a feat that, while impressive, is expected of a seasoned professional.

The real differentiator, however, came with the longer distances. While many of his competitors struggled to hit the 50‑yard mark, Koo made all three of his attempts. His 55‑yard and 60‑yard kicks were equally on target, earning him the “longest distance” bonus and pushing his total points past the 50‑mark—an unprecedented score for the competition.

“Younghoe’s leg is a force of nature,” commented Falcons’ special teams coach, Pete Allen, during a post‑event interview. “He’s always been able to hit those longer kicks when the pressure is on. To see him dominate every distance is a testament to his skill and preparation.”

Koo’s performance has also been highlighted by his composure under pressure. In a tense 50‑yard attempt that could have decided the event’s outcome, he calmly stepped onto the field, took a deep breath, and delivered a clean snap and kick that sailed the uprights. “I didn’t think about the pressure. I just did what I do every game,” Koo told reporters after the competition.

Who’s the Competition?

The field of contenders was deep, featuring names like Daniel Carlson (Las Vegas Raiders), Harrison Butker (Kansas City Chiefs), and Brandon McManus (New York Giants). Carlson, a consistent performer throughout his career, managed a 10‑point average across all distances but faltered on the 55‑ and 60‑yard attempts, missing two out of three kicks. Butker, known for his powerful leg, succeeded on the 45‑ and 50‑yard kicks but struggled from 35 and 40 yards.

“The depth of talent in this competition is incredible,” noted former kicker and analyst, Steve Largent. “You’d expect a tight finish, but Younghoe’s consistency really set him apart.”

Implications for the Falcons

Koo’s dominance in the competition is more than a personal triumph—it could have significant ramifications for the Falcons’ future. With his contract set to expire at the end of the 2025 season, a strong showing could position him for a lucrative extension or a trade. Falcons’ front office chief, John Goff, was quick to emphasize that while performance matters, other factors such as leadership and chemistry will also play a role.

“Younghoe has been a key piece of our special teams for years,” Goff said. “This competition only reaffirms his value to the organization.”

A Look Ahead

The final rounds of the competition are set for tomorrow, with remaining kickers attempting the last of their 60‑yard attempts and the kickoff accuracy segment. While Koo is currently ahead by a margin that seems difficult to overcome, the unpredictable nature of kicking means that anything can still happen.

In the meantime, fans are taking to social media to celebrate Koo’s performance. A trending hashtag, #KooKicks2025, has amassed over 10 million impressions, with many praising his “dead‑eye accuracy” and “unbelievable leg strength.”

For now, the consensus is clear: Younghoe Koo is not only the front‑running favorite but also the one to watch. Whether he seals the win in the final moments or the competition remains a nail‑biter until the last kick, his performance has already earned him a spot in the conversation as one of the league’s elite placekickers.

Sources: NFL Combine official website, Atlanta Journal-Constitution coverage, interview with Pete Allen (Falcons special teams coach), commentary from former kicker Steve Largent.

Read the Full Atlanta Journal-Constitution Article at:
[ https://www.ajc.com/sports/2025/08/kicking-competition-not-over-but-younghoe-koo-is-the-presumptive-winner/ ]

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