Falcons Release Younghoe Koo, Promote Parker Romo After Record Five-Field-Goal Debut

The Atlanta Falcons have replaced their longtime kicker, Younghoe Koo, with John Parker Romo after Koo's performance declined due to a hip injury and missed critical field goals, including a game-tying 44-yard attempt in Week 1 of the 2025 season. Romo, who was signed to the Falcons' practice squad in early September 2025 and elevated to the active roster just days before Week 2, impressed by making all five field goals and the extra point in a 22-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, his former team. Koo, who had been one of the NFL's most reliable kickers from 2019 to 2023 with nearly a 90% field goal success rate, struggled in the 2024 season, making only 73.5% of his attempts before being placed on injured reserve. After the Falcons signed Romo to the active roster, they released Koo, signaling a shift toward the younger kicker who has quickly earned praise from the team and head coach Raheem Morris. Romo's journey included multiple college transfers, going undrafted in 2022, and stints with several NFL teams before joining the Falcons, where he has now secured the starting kicking role.