Younghoe Koo

Younghoe Koo's Biography

Younghoe Koo is best known as a professional football placekicker hailing from South Korea-American who represents the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 3, 1994, it was only a matter of time before Koo showcased his talent on the league, becoming the NFL’s fourth all-time leader in field goal percentage and earning a spot in the Pro Bowl in 2020. He has also made his mark with his successful execution of onside kicks.

Younghoe Koo’s football career began at Georgia Southern University where he played for the Georgia Southern Eagles. Here, he impressed in his four seasons and was shortlisted for the prestigious Lou Groza Award in 2016.

On leaving university, Koo was thrust into the NFL after signing with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2017. Despite getting off to a rocky start, Koo remained unfazed and showed potential before the Chargers released him.

Koo wasn’t deterred by being released. He took a year away from the game, only to return to play for the Atlanta Legends of the Alliance of American Football (AAF). Koo’s extraordinary work ethic and flawless performance led him back to the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons.

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Koo moved to New Jersey at the age of twelve to join his mother, a nurse, while his father, a professor at Induk University, stayed in Seoul. He first showed his abilities with the football team at Ridgewood High School where he was crowned as team MVP in his senior season.

During his years at Georgia Southern University, he was able to maintain his form, ending with a remarkable 88.6% field goal conversion rate. This result still stands as a record for Georgia Southern.

Koo’s journey with the Los Angeles Chargers did not live up to expectations. Many thought his release was not justified, labelling him as a scapegoat for the Chargers’ shortcomings.

It was not long after, Koo became historic as he scored the first regular-season points for the Atlanta Legends of the AAF. His accuracy was impeccable with him converting all his field goal attempts. However, the AAF abruptly came to an end leaving Koo searching for a new team. He then found his way back into the NFL where the Falcons were eager to secure a consistent record of success.

Success follows Koo – he was awarded the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month in November 2020 after an impressive performance against the Las Vegas Raiders. Koo’s abilities also earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl after missing a significant game-tying field goal in a match against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Despite the miss, the Falcons saw enough potential in Koo that they offered him a contract extension on March 11, 2021. Koo’s successful free kicks led to victories against teams like the New York Giants and the Miami Dolphins. His performance didn’t drop and he continued to win games for the Falcons against teams such as the Saints and Arizona Cardinals.

Koo’s brilliant form was rewarded with a five-year contract extension on March 15, 2022. His performances led to victories against teams like the Panthers, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It seemed as though nothing could deter Koo’s precision, continually helping the Falcons to lucrative victories. The NFL recognized Koo’s brilliance, rewarding him with the NFC’s Special Teams Player of the Week and Special Teams of the Month.

Younghoe Koo now stands as a valuable asset for the Atlanta Falcons. He had a considerable influence in games against the Saints, Buccaneers, and Indianapolis Colts. On a personal note, Koo married Ava Maurer in the summer of 2023.