Atlanta Falcons Placekicker: What Fans in Atlanta Should Know 🏈

The Atlanta Falcons placekicker might not be the most talked‑about player on the roster, but in Atlanta, every close game at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium can come down to that one position. If you live in Atlanta, visit for games, or just want to understand how the kicking game fits into Falcons football, it helps to know who the kicker is, what they do, and how the role works on and off the field.

What a Placekicker Does for the Atlanta Falcons

In Atlanta, the placekicker plays a high‑pressure, specialized role on game days. For the Falcons, that includes:

• Field goals – Scoring 3 points when the offense doesn’t reach the end zone
• Extra points (PATs) – Kicking after touchdowns from a fixed distance for 1 point
• Kickoffs – Kicking the ball to the opposing team to start each half and after scores
• Onside kicks – Short, strategic kicks when the Falcons need to regain possession late in games

At Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta, the kicker benefits from:

• A domed, climate‑controlled environment (no wind, no rain, consistent surface)
• A modern turf field, which creates a predictable footing compared with some outdoor stadiums

That means the Falcons’ placekicker is often expected to be highly accurate, especially at home, where conditions are ideal for long field goal attempts.

The Placekicker’s Role in Falcons Game Strategy

For Atlanta fans, it’s useful to understand how the kicker affects in‑game decisions:

1. Fourth‑Down Decisions

Coaches in Atlanta will often weigh three options on 4th down near scoring range:

• Go for a field goal
• Attempt a 4th‑down conversion
• Punt and play field position

The confidence level in the placekicker—especially from 45+ yards—directly influences whether the Falcons send out the kicking unit or keep the offense on the field.

2. Two‑Point Tries vs. Extra Points

When the Falcons score a touchdown at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, coaches must quickly decide:

• Kick the extra point (high‑percentage play)
• Attempt a two‑point conversion

A reliable kicker gives the team more comfort in taking the safe point, while game situation and score margin may still push them toward more aggressive choices.

3. Kickoff Strategy

The Falcons’ placekicker also shapes special‑teams strategy:

• Deep kickoffs to force touchbacks, especially indoors where air conditions are steady
• Directional kicks to pin opponents near the sideline
• Shorter, high kickoffs to encourage returns if coverage units are a strength

Knowing this helps Atlanta fans better interpret what they’re seeing on TV or from the stands.

Watching the Falcons Kicker at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

If you’re attending a Falcons home game in Atlanta, it’s easy to overlook the kicking game during warm‑ups, but that’s where you can really appreciate the skill.

When to Watch

Try to be in your seat 30–45 minutes before kickoff:

• You’ll often see the placekicker practicing from various distances
• You can notice how far they’re comfortable going—useful later when the team faces a long attempt in a key moment

Where It Happens

At Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313):

• The kicker typically works both ends of the field
• You’ll see them move gradually from short kicks to long‑range attempts
• On the video board, you may catch replays of long kicks during big moments

If you’re bringing kids or new fans, pointing out the kicker’s warm‑up routine can make the game more interesting—they’ll recognize the player when the game is on the line.

Falcons Placekicker: Basic Terms Atlanta Fans Should Know

Here’s a quick reference to understand what announcers and fans around you are talking about:

How the Falcons Find and Evaluate Their Placekicker

For fans in Atlanta curious about how the team chooses a kicker, the process usually includes:

1. Scouting and Signing

Falcons specialists may come from:

• NFL Draft picks
• Undrafted college free agents with strong college track records
• Veteran free agents, sometimes signed mid‑season if performance or injuries demand change

Atlanta’s front office and coaching staff evaluate:

• Consistency from different distances
• Leg strength on kickoffs
• Ability under pressure

2. Training Camp and Preseason in Atlanta

At training camp (often held in the Atlanta metro area), the placekicker is evaluated daily:

• Live‑rep field goals during team periods
• Kickoff coverage drills
• Special‑teams periods where coaches simulate game conditions

Preseason games at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium give fans and coaches a real‑world look at how the kicker handles stadium conditions and crowd noise.

3. In‑Season Competition

Sometimes the Falcons bring in additional kickers for tryouts in Atlanta if:

• The starter is injured
• Performance dips significantly
• The team wants competition to push improvement

These decisions are made quickly, as special‑teams production can swing close games.

What Makes Kicking in Atlanta Unique

Playing for the Atlanta Falcons has some distinct features for a placekicker:

Indoor Home Field Advantage

Because Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is enclosed, the kicker doesn’t face:

• Strong crosswinds
• Rain or snow
• Freezing temperatures

This typically makes home games more stable for long kicks and can encourage the Falcons to attempt longer field goals than they might outdoors.

Outdoor Road Games

Falcons kickers must still be ready for:

• Cold‑weather games in northern cities
• Windy or rainy conditions
• Natural grass fields that may be uneven

So while Atlanta’s home environment is friendly to kickers, the overall job still demands versatility.

How to Keep Up With the Current Falcons Placekicker in Atlanta

If you want to stay updated on who is kicking for the Falcons right now from inside the city:

• Check the official team roster before each season and periodically during the year
• Look at game day depth charts shared through official Falcons communication channels
• Listen to Atlanta sports radio and local coverage for discussions about the kicker’s performance and job security

Because kickers can be signed, released, or replaced mid‑season, this position changes more often than many casual fans realize.

Tips for Atlanta Parents and Young Athletes Interested in Kicking

If you or your child in Atlanta is inspired by the Falcons placekicker and wants to learn the position, there are some practical local‑friendly steps:

Focus Areas

• Basic technique – Approach steps, plant foot, follow‑through
• Strength and flexibility – Leg strength and hip mobility matter
• Repetition – Consistent practice from short distances first

Where to Start in the Atlanta Area

Young athletes often begin by:

• Joining middle or high school football programs in the Atlanta Public Schools system or nearby districts
• Attending local kicking clinics or football camps held in the metro area
• Practicing on public fields and school facilities, where allowed

While specific private businesses and short‑term camps change often, Atlanta’s large football culture means there are usually multiple local options each year for developing kickers, especially around summer.

Game‑Day Experience: Paying Attention to the Kicker

Whether you’re in Buckhead, Midtown, or the suburbs heading downtown for a game, you can get more out of the Falcons experience by keeping an eye on the placekicker:

• Notice how early the kicker comes onto the field pregame
• Watch how the coaching staff responds after a miss or big make
• Track how often the Falcons attempt long field goals at home versus on the road

Over time, you’ll recognize the patterns and better understand how important the Atlanta Falcons placekicker is to every close game.

By following the roster updates and paying closer attention at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or on TV, Atlanta fans can appreciate how much one player’s right (or left) foot can shape an entire season.