Who Is the Field Goal Kicker for the Atlanta Falcons?

If you follow football in Atlanta, you’ve probably found yourself asking: “Who is the field goal kicker for the Atlanta Falcons right now?” or “How has the kicker position evolved for the Falcons over the years?”

This guide walks through who is kicking for the Falcons currently, how the role works, and what it means for fans watching games at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta.

The Current Field Goal Kicker for the Atlanta Falcons

As of the most recent NFL seasons, the Falcons have used Younghoe Koo as their primary placekicker (field goal and extra point specialist).

Younghoe Koo – Atlanta’s Reliable Leg

Younghoe Koo has become a familiar name for Atlanta fans. If you’ve watched a Falcons game from a bar in Midtown, your couch in Buckhead, or inside Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, he’s the player you’ve seen lining up for:

• Field goals
• Extra points (PATs)
• Most kickoffs

Koo is known for:

• Strong accuracy on short and intermediate kicks
• Composure in late‑game situations
• Occasional onside kick creativity, which has drawn attention from fans and analysts

For day‑to‑day Falcons conversations in Atlanta—at the office, at school, or in line at your favorite spot near the BeltLine—when people say “Falcons kicker,” they’re usually talking about Koo.

What Exactly Does the Falcons’ Field Goal Kicker Do?

If you’re newer to football or bringing visitors to a game in Atlanta, it helps to know what you’re watching when the kicker takes the field.

Main Responsibilities

The Atlanta Falcons field goal kicker is responsible for:

• Field Goals
  Attempting to score 3 points by kicking the ball through the uprights on 4th down or at the end of halves.

• Extra Points (PATs)
  Kicking for 1 point after the Falcons score a touchdown.

• Kickoffs
  Kicking the ball to the opposing team to start each half and after Falcons scores.

• End‑of‑Half or End‑of‑Game Kicks
  Often deciding tight games, especially at home where conditions are controlled inside Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.

Why the Kicker Matters So Much in Atlanta

Atlanta games often come down to a few key plays. Inside a domed stadium with turf, like Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, conditions are usually ideal for kicking:

• No wind or rain affecting the ball
• Consistent field conditions for the plant foot
• Predictable turf helps timing and footing

This means the kicker can be expected to make a very high percentage of shorter kicks, and fans in Atlanta often have high expectations for reliability.

Watching the Falcons Kicker Live in Atlanta

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta, seeing the Falcons’ kicker in action is straightforward.

Where the Falcons Play

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

• Address: 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Neighborhood: Just south of Vine City and west of Downtown Atlanta
• Nearby MARTA Stations: GWCC/CNN Center, Vine City

At home games:

• The Falcons’ kicker warms up on the field well before kickoff, typically on the same side where the team is working during pregame.
• You’ll often see extensive warm‑up routines: stretching, short kicks, then moving back to longer distances.

Best Ways to See the Kicker Up Close

For fans who care about the special teams side of the game:

• Arrive early: Warm‑ups are when you’ll see the kicker take the most attempts.
• Lower‑bowl end zone seats: These usually offer the best view of field goals and PAT attempts.
• Falcons open practices or training camp sessions (when held in the Atlanta area): These often give a closer look at kicking drills.

The Falcons sometimes hold public events, fan days, or practices either at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or at their training facilities in Flowery Branch (northeast of Atlanta). Check the team’s official calendars for dates and access rules.

Field Goal Kicking and Atlanta’s Game Strategy

Understanding the kicker’s role also helps you read the Falcons’ play‑calling decisions on game day.

How Coaching Decisions Affect the Kicker

From your seat in Atlanta, you’ll often see the team facing fourth down around the opponent’s 30–40 yard line. The coaching staff must decide whether to:

• Attempt a field goal
• Go for it on fourth down
• Punt to pin the opponent deep

On a domed field, coaches often trust their kicker a bit more from longer distances, because:

• The ball travels more predictably indoors
• Temperature and wind are consistent
• The turf surface helps with stable footing

So as a fan in Atlanta, you may notice:

• More long field goal attempts at home than in some outdoor stadiums
• Confidence in the kicker for late‑game attempts when the Falcons need 3 points to tie or win

Past and Present: Falcons Kickers Atlanta Fans Talk About

Long‑time residents of Atlanta will remember several kickers who have made lasting impressions, for better or worse. While rosters change, a few names come up frequently in local football conversations:

When discussing the Falcons around Downtown, Decatur, or Sandy Springs, most current chatter focuses on Koo’s reliability and how often games come down to his leg.

How Falcons Fans in Atlanta Can Stay Updated on the Kicker Position

Because the NFL is highly competitive, teams occasionally:

• Bring in new kickers for tryouts
• Sign practice squad kickers
• Make changes due to injury or performance

To stay updated in Atlanta:

• Local Sports Radio: Stations based in the metro area often break roster news quickly and discuss special teams performance extensively on Mondays after games.
• Local TV Sports Segments: Evening sports coverage in Atlanta tends to highlight key kicks, misses, and any roster tweaks at the position.
• Team Game Programs: If you attend a game at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, the printed or digital game program will list the current kicker and jersey number.

Tips for New Fans in Atlanta Learning About the Kicking Game

If you’re getting into football while living in or visiting Atlanta, here’s how to make sense of what the Falcons kicker is doing:

• Watch the hash marks: The ball is placed on one of the three basic positions—left hash, right hash, or center. This affects the angle and difficulty for the kicker.
• Notice the distance: Announcers will usually mention the yardage (for example, a 52‑yard attempt). Anything beyond 50 yards is considered a long kick, even in ideal indoor conditions.
• Follow the body language: Atlanta fans quickly pick up on the kicker’s routine—number of steps back, how they line up, and whether they look confident.
• Listen to the crowd reaction: In Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, you’ll often hear a distinct “build‑up hush” before kicks, followed by an immediate surge of noise when the ball sails through—or a groan if it misses.

What This Means for You as an Atlanta Fan

If you:

• Live in Atlanta
• Are visiting the city and catching a game
• Or are just trying to understand how the Atlanta Falcons’ field goal kicker fits into the team’s identity

…it’s useful to know that the kicker is a central piece of the game flow, especially in tight, late‑season matchups that can decide playoff hopes.

For now, when people in Atlanta talk about the Falcons’ field goal kicker, they’re referring to Younghoe Koo, a player who has become closely associated with clutch moments inside Mercedes‑Benz Stadium. Keeping an eye on his kicks—from your seat in the stadium, a sports bar in Inman Park, or your living room in East Atlanta—adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement to every Falcons game.