Who Is the Kicker for the Atlanta Falcons? A Local Fan’s Guide
If you follow the Atlanta Falcons, you know the kicker can decide tight games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Field goals and extra points may look routine on TV, but in Atlanta’s game plans—and in conversations across the city—the kicker is a big deal.
Below is a practical guide to understanding the current kicker for the Atlanta Falcons, how the position fits into the team’s strategy, and how fans in Atlanta can follow, watch, and experience Falcons kicking up close.
The Role of the Atlanta Falcons’ Kicker
On the Falcons, the kicker is responsible for:
- Field goals – Scoring 3 points when the offense doesn’t reach the end zone
- Extra points (PATs) – Kicks after touchdowns
- Kickoffs – Starting each half and following scores, often trying to control field position
- Onside kicks – Occasionally attempting short, strategic kicks when the team needs the ball back late in a game
For fans in Atlanta, this means the kicker often becomes a focal point:
- In close games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, every kick can swing the momentum
- In fantasy leagues and office pools around Atlanta, many people track Falcons kicking stats weekly
- On sports talk radio and in local bars, the kicker is one of the first players people discuss after a game decided by 3 points or less
Why the Falcons’ Kicker Matters So Much in Atlanta
Indoor Stadium Advantage
The Falcons play home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta. As an indoor venue, it offers:
- No wind affecting kicks
- Consistent turf and footing
- Controlled temperature and humidity
This often helps the kicker perform more consistently at home, which Atlanta fans notice when long field goals are attempted late in games.
Game Strategy and Coaching
Coaches in Atlanta factor the kicker’s range and reliability into:
- Fourth-down decisions – Go for it, punt, or attempt a field goal
- End-of-half or end-of-game drives – Knowing how far they need to get to reach the kicker’s comfortable range
- Kickoff strategy – Whether to boom touchbacks or try to pin the opponent deep
Because the Falcons play many tight games, trust in the kicker is a key part of the team’s identity for local fans.
Typical Attributes of a Falcons Kicker
Even if the specific player changes year-to-year, Falcons kickers usually share key traits:
- Strong, accurate leg – Reliable from standard distances and capable of the occasional long kick
- Calm under pressure – Able to handle loud crowds and game-winning situations
- Good timing with holder and long snapper – Special teams chemistry is critical
- Kickoff control – Able to place kicks in specific zones as part of the coverage strategy
For Atlanta fans watching from the stands or at home, it’s common to judge a kicker on:
- Consistency on extra points
- Accuracy on 40–49-yard field goals
- Ability to handle clutch kicks in prime-time or divisional games
How to Stay Updated on Who the Falcons’ Kicker Is
Because NFL rosters can change, the name of the kicker for the Atlanta Falcons can shift due to:
- Training camp competitions
- Preseason cuts
- Injuries during the regular season
- Practice squad promotions
If you live in or around Atlanta, here are practical ways to keep track of the current kicker:
1. Official Team Channels
Look for the latest:
- Game-day depth charts
- Roster pages
- Transaction announcements
These are usually updated promptly during the week and on game days.
2. Local Sports Media in Atlanta
Local TV and radio typically break down the latest kicker situation:
- Sports segments on Atlanta news stations
- Local sports talk radio often discusses the kicker after big wins or heartbreaking misses
- Pre- and post-game shows focusing on special teams performance
3. Game-Day Experience at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
If you attend a game:
- Check the video boards during warmups to see who is handling kicks
- Listen to stadium announcements before the game and after scoring plays
- Watch pre-game drills where the kicker works on different distances and angles
Watching the Falcons’ Kicker in Person: Key Atlanta Details
If you want to see the Falcons’ kicker up close in Atlanta, here’s how to plan your visit.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Basics
Address:
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
1 AMB Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Typical game-day tips for kicker-focused fans:
- Arrive early ⏰ – Get inside during warmups to watch field goal practice
- Sit in the lower bowl behind the goalposts if possible – Great view of kicks and special teams units
- Pay attention to special teams huddles – You’ll see the kicker, holder, and long snapper working as a unit
Practice and Training
The Falcons conduct practices at team facilities that are generally not open for casual public walk-ins, but at times there are:
- Open training camp practices (often held in or near the Atlanta metro area)
- Special fan events where kickers can be seen up close
Local fans often look for:
- Training camp schedules
- Fan days at team facilities or partner locations
- Community events where players, including specialists, might appear
How the Kicker Fits into Falcons Game-Day Rhythm
On a typical Sunday in Atlanta, here’s how the kicker is involved throughout the game:
| Game Moment | Kicker’s Role | What Atlanta Fans Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-game warmups | Practicing short, mid, and long-distance field goals | Leg strength, accuracy, how far they seem comfortable from |
| Opening kickoff | Kicking to start the game | Touchback vs. return, hang time, placement |
| After touchdowns | Extra points | Automatic makes vs. concerning misses |
| Fourth downs near FG range | Field goal attempts vs. going for it | Coaching trust in the kicker |
| End of half / end of game | Potential game-tying or winning kicks | Clutch performance, crowd intensity |
| Onside kick situations | Special kick designs when trailing late | Technique, bounce, and chance of recovery |
Common Questions Atlanta Fans Ask About the Falcons’ Kicker
How far can the Falcons’ kicker usually kick?
Most NFL kickers are expected to be:
- Very reliable inside 40 yards
- Competitive in the 40–49 yard range
- Occasional threats from 50+ yards, especially indoors
Because Mercedes-Benz Stadium is indoors, Falcons fans often expect the kicker to be comfortable from slightly longer ranges than in windy outdoor stadiums.
Why does the kicker sometimes kick short of the end zone on purpose?
This often relates to field position strategy:
- Coaches may want to force a return and try to tackle inside the 25-yard line
- Coverage units are tested, and the kicker aims for a specific corner or depth
Atlanta fans who pay attention to special teams will notice that kick distance and placement are strategic, not just about leg power.
Why do teams change kickers during the season?
The Falcons, like all NFL teams, may change kickers when:
- Performance drops over multiple games
- Injury affects reliability
- A new free agent becomes available
- Short-term coverage is needed while the primary kicker recovers
Local fans often hear about these changes through midweek news updates and pre-game coverage on Atlanta media outlets.
Experiencing Falcons Football and the Kicker Culture in Atlanta
For people living in or visiting Atlanta, you can deepen your understanding of the Falcons’ kicker and special teams by:
- Attending home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and watching warmups
- Joining local fan groups or viewing parties around the city to hear how others evaluate the kicker’s performance
- Following weekly coverage that grades or breaks down special teams play
The kicker may only be on the field for a handful of snaps, but in Atlanta, those moments are often the loudest, tensest, and most talked about plays of the week. Whether you’re a longtime local or just visiting, keeping an eye on the kicker for the Atlanta Falcons adds an extra layer of excitement to every game day in the city.
