40 Facts About Younghoe Koo

Early Life and Background

Younghoe Koo's journey from Seoul, South Korea, to the NFL is a story of determination and resilience. Let's dive into his early life and background.

1. Birth and Early Life: Younghoe Koo was born on August 3, 1994, in Seoul, South Korea.

2. Family Background: His father is a professor at Induk University in Seoul, while his mother moved to New Jersey two years before Koo to work as a nurse.

3. Immigration to the United States: At the age of 12, Koo immigrated to Ridgewood, New Jersey, to join his mother.

4. Early Football Experience: Before learning English, Koo won a regional soccer kicking competition in South Korea. His new American classmates discovered he could kick an oblong ball, leading him to join the football team.

5. Middle School Football: By eighth grade, Koo was kicking footballs out of the end zone for Benjamin Franklin Middle School. He used football to learn English, make friends, and assimilate into American culture.

High School and College Achievements

Koo's high school and college years were pivotal in shaping his football career. Here are some highlights from those formative years.

6. High School Football: Koo's father pushed him to choose football over soccer in high school. A middle school coach and teammate's dad convinced Koo's father that he had a future in football, which led to a full scholarship offer.

7. High School Achievements: At Ridgewood High School, Koo was named team MVP his senior season. He contributed on both special teams and defense, tallying six interceptions.

8. College Career: Koo attended Georgia Southern University, where he was a four-year contributor for the Eagles. He earned first-team all-conference honors in the Sun Belt Conference in his final season, converting 19 of 20 field goal attempts.

9. Lou Groza Award Finalist: During his college career, Koo was named a finalist for the Lou Groza Award, given annually to the best college kicker in the nation. He ultimately converted 88.6% of his field goal attempts, a Georgia Southern team record.

NFL Beginnings and Challenges

Transitioning to the NFL came with its own set of challenges and milestones for Koo. Here's how he navigated his early professional career.

10. Undrafted Free Agent: After college, Koo signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent following the 2017 NFL draft.

11. Starting Kicker: Koo won the starting job over incumbent kicker Josh Lambo following the conclusion of the preseason in 2017.

12. NFL Debut: In the 2017 season opener against the Denver Broncos, Koo's game-tying 44-yard field goal attempt was blocked, and the Chargers lost 24–21.

13. Career Milestones: Koo became the fourth player in NFL history to have been born in South Korea. He has since become one of the most successful kickers in the league, known for his accuracy and clutch performances.

Atlanta Falcons and Pro Bowl Selection

Koo's career took a significant turn when he joined the Atlanta Falcons. Let's explore his achievements with the team.

14. Atlanta Falcons Signing: On February 18, 2020, Koo signed a one-year contract extension with the Atlanta Falcons.

15. Pro Bowl Selection: In 2020, Koo was named to the Pro Bowl after leading the league in scoring that year. He is sixth on the NFL's all-time leaderboard in field goal percentage (minimum 100 attempts).

16. Special Teams Player of the Month: For his efforts in November 2020, Koo was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month. He made all four of his field goal attempts and all three of his extra points in a Week 2 game against the Dallas Cowboys.

17. Career-Long Field Goal: In Week 5 against the Panthers, Koo made a career-long 54-yard field goal, which he also achieved in a Week 4 game against the Saints in the 2024 season.

Clutch Performances and Consistency

Koo's ability to perform under pressure has made him a standout player. Here are some of his most memorable moments.

18. Game-Winning Field Goals: Koo has a reputation for making game-winning field goals. In Week 2 of the 2023 season, he kicked a go-ahead game-winning field goal with less than a minute left to give the Falcons a 25–24 win over the Green Bay Packers.

19. NFC Special Teams Player of the Week: Koo was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance in Week 7 of the 2023 season, where he kicked a game-winning 51-yard field goal as time expired against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

20. Consistency: Throughout his career, Koo has been known for his consistency. In the 2020 season, he made 37 of 39 field goal attempts, a 94.9% success rate.

21. 2021 Season Performance: In the 2021 season, Koo made 27 of 29 field goal attempts, a 93.1% success rate.

22. 2022 Season Performance: In the 2022 season, Koo made 32 of 37 field goal attempts, an 86.5% success rate.

23. 2023 Season Performance: In the 2023 season, Koo made 31 of 36 field goal attempts, an 86.1% success rate.

Special Skills and Community Involvement

Beyond his on-field achievements, Koo is known for his unique skills and community contributions.

24. Onside Kicks: Koo is also known for his ability to successfully execute onside kicks. His two successful onside kicks on Thanksgiving 2019 were crucial in securing wins for the Falcons.

25. Community Involvement: Koo is involved in various community activities, including participating in charity events and visiting schools to inspire young athletes.

26. Cultural Impact: As one of the few Korean-American players in the NFL, Koo has become a cultural icon in both South Korea and the United States. His journey from Seoul to the NFL has inspired many young athletes around the world.

27. Language Barrier: Despite not speaking English fluently when he first arrived in the United States, Koo has overcome the language barrier to become one of the top kickers in the league. He credits football for helping him learn English and assimilate into American culture.

Personal Life and Legacy

Koo's personal life and legacy extend beyond his professional achievements. Let's take a closer look.

28. High School Soccer: Before focusing on football, Koo played soccer in high school. His soccer background helped him develop the kicking skills that eventually led him to the NFL.

29. College Scholarship: Koo's hard work and talent earned him a full scholarship to Georgia Southern University. This opportunity was crucial in his development as a football player and helped him achieve his dream of playing in the NFL.

30. NFL Career Statistics: As of the 2023 season, Koo has made 153 field goals out of 173 attempts, an 88.4% success rate. He has also punted 77 times with an average punt distance of 35 yards.

31. Pro Bowl Honors: In addition to being named to the Pro Bowl in 2020, Koo has been recognized for his exceptional performance on special teams. His ability to make clutch kicks has earned him numerous accolades within the NFL.

32. Falcons' Success: Koo's arrival in Atlanta marked a significant turning point for the Falcons. His consistent performances have contributed to the team's success, making him a fan favorite in Atlanta.

33. Career Milestones: Koo has achieved several career milestones, including becoming the sixth kicker in NFL history to make at least 150 field goals. He is also one of the top kickers in terms of field goal percentage.

34. Clutch Performances: Koo is renowned for his ability to perform under pressure. His game-winning field goals in critical situations have become a hallmark of his career, making him one of the most reliable kickers in the league.

35. Off-Field Personality: Koo is known for his humble and kind personality. He often credits his family and coaches for his success and is admired by fans for his dedication to the sport and his community.

36. Inspiration to Young Athletes: Koo's journey from an immigrant to an NFL player has inspired countless young athletes around the world. His story serves as a testament to the power of hard work and determination.

37. Cultural Exchange: As a Korean-American player in the NFL, Koo has played a significant role in promoting cultural exchange between South Korea and the United States. His success has inspired many young athletes in South Korea to pursue their dreams in sports.

38. Falcons' Leadership: Koo has become a leader on the Falcons' special teams unit. His experience and consistency have made him a trusted member of the team, often called upon to make crucial kicks in high-pressure situations.

39. Community Outreach Programs: Koo participates in various community outreach programs, including visiting schools and hospitals. He uses these opportunities to inspire young athletes and give back to the community.

40. Legacy in the NFL: Younghoe Koo's legacy in the NFL extends beyond his impressive statistics and accolades. He has become an icon for immigrant athletes and a symbol of perseverance in the face of adversity, inspiring future generations of football players and fans alike.

Younghoe Koo's Remarkable Journey

Younghoe Koo's path from Seoul to the NFL is nothing short of inspiring. His story highlights the power of determination, hard work, and cultural adaptation. From winning a regional soccer kicking competition in South Korea to becoming one of the top kickers in the NFL, Koo's journey is a testament to his resilience. His achievements on the field, like being named to the Pro Bowl and making clutch game-winning field goals, have made him a fan favorite. Off the field, his involvement in community activities and his role as a cultural icon further solidify his legacy. Koo's story serves as an inspiration to young athletes worldwide, showing that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible. His impact on the NFL and beyond will be remembered for years to come.