Early Life and Background
Younghoe Koo was born on August 3, 1994, in Seoul, South Korea, to parents Hyungseo Koo and Seungmae Choi. As a child, he played soccer and even won a regional kicking competition in Korea — a hint of what was to come. When he was about 12, Koo moved to Ridgewood, New Jersey with his mother, leaving behind much of his early life but stepping into a world that would shape his football future.
Adjusting to a new country, language and culture was tough, but sports — especially kicking — became a bridge for him.
High School & College — From Defensive Back to Kicker
In high school at Ridgewood High School (New Jersey), Koo played both as defensive back and kicker. In his senior year, he earned the team’s MVP honors, proving his value on both defense and special teams.
Eventually, he had to make a choice: continue with soccer or pursue football. Encouraged by his middle‐school coach (who told his father kicking could earn a scholarship), Koo chose football — a decision that opened doors.
He accepted a full scholarship to Georgia Southern University, where he played for the Eagles (2013–2016). His college career had its ups and downs — including some missed field goals — but ultimately he left as a record-holder: a school record for highest field-goal percentage (88.6 %). He was also named a finalist for the prestigious Lou Groza Award in 2016 — given to the nation’s top kicker.
Transition to Pro: Undrafted, Bounced Around, But Never Gave Up
Despite his college success, Koo was not selected in the 2017 NFL Draft. He signed with Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent, but was released just four games into the season.
For a brief period, his football future seemed uncertain. But Koo remained persistent. He played in the short-lived Alliance of American Football (AAF) for the Atlanta Legends, converting all his kicks — earning renewed attention. Later, he spent some time with New England Patriots’ practice squad before landing a life-changing opportunity.
Breakout — Becoming a Star with the Atlanta Falcons
In 2019, Koo signed with the Atlanta Falcons — and the rest is history. From his very first game, he showed promise: making all field goals and extra points — including a 48-yarder — helping his team upset the New Orleans Saints.
He quickly became known not just for accuracy, but for courage and flair: in a Thanksgiving 2019 game, he delivered three onside kicks in a row — one of which was disallowed due to penalty — but the moment sealed his reputation as a game-changer.
His breakout reached its peak in 2020, when Koo was selected to the Pro Bowl after going 37-for-39 on field-goal attempts. He also led the league in scoring that season, cementing his status among the NFL’s elite kickers.
Cultural Impact & Personal Journey
Younghoe Koo is more than just a kicker — he’s a story of cultural adaptation, perseverance, and cross-continental dreams realised. As one of the few Korean-born players in the NFL, his journey resonates with many immigrants and aspiring athletes.
He’s described how seeing classmates play football during a lunch break in middle school led him to try kicking their ball. That one spontaneous punt started a chain reaction that would eventually bring him to the highest level of American football.
Today, Koo stands as an example of how talent, determination and adaptability — even when coming from a very different background — can break barriers.
Conclusion: From Misses to Legacy
Younghoe Koo’s journey shows us that what starts as “missed college kicks” can — with grit and opportunity — evolve into a storied professional legacy. From Seoul to New Jersey, from high-school soccer to NFL pressure-kicks, his story bridges cultures and challenges.
He remains proof that early setbacks don’t define your path — perseverance, resilience and readiness to seize the moment do.
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