Eddy Piñeiro is an American professional football placekicker currently playing for the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 13, 1995, in Miami, Florida, Piñeiro’s journey to the NFL is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. Known for his exceptional accuracy and clutch performances, he has carved out a notable career in the league.
High School Career
Piñeiro’s athletic journey began in high school, where he attended Miami Sunset Senior High School. Initially focusing on soccer, he earned All-Dade County honors four consecutive years. His transition to football occurred during his senior year when the school’s coaches sought a player with a strong leg for placekicking duties. Piñeiro stepped in, showcasing his natural talent and setting the stage for his future in football.
College Career
ASA College (Miami)
After high school, Piñeiro attended ASA College in Miami, a junior college, to continue his soccer career. However, he soon shifted his focus to football, training under the guidance of the renowned Kohl’s Kicking staff. This decision marked the beginning of his specialized training as a placekicker.
University of Florida
In 2016, Piñeiro transferred to the University of Florida, where he played for the Gators during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. In his final year, he achieved a remarkable 94.4% field goal conversion rate, making 17 of 18 attempts. This performance led to him holding the highest career field goal percentage in school history at 88.4%. His accuracy and consistency garnered attention from NFL scouts, setting the stage for his professional career.
NFL Career
Oakland Raiders (2018)
Piñeiro entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Oakland Raiders on May 4, 2018. Unfortunately, he was placed on injured reserve on September 1, 2018, and did not appear in any regular-season games.
Chicago Bears (2019–2020)
In 2019, Piñeiro joined the Chicago Bears, where he became the team’s starting kicker. He played in 16 games during the 2019 season, converting 82.1% of his field goal attempts and 93.1% of extra points. However, injuries limited his appearances in 2020, and he did not play in any regular-season games that year.
New York Jets (2021)
Piñeiro had a brief stint with the New York Jets in 2021. He played in five games, maintaining perfect accuracy with 8-for-8 field goals and 9-for-10 extra points. His performance earned him a restricted free agent tender for the 2022 season.
Carolina Panthers (2022–2024)
In August 2022, Piñeiro signed with the Carolina Panthers following an injury to their starting kicker. He had a standout season in 2022, leading the NFL with a 94.3% field goal conversion rate. Over the next two seasons, his performance remained solid, though his accuracy slightly declined to 84.6% in 2024.
San Francisco 49ers (2025–Present)
In September 2025, the San Francisco 49ers signed Piñeiro to a one-year contract after releasing their previous kicker, Jake Moody, due to performance issues. Piñeiro’s career field goal percentage of 88.1% ranked fourth in NFL history among kickers with at least 100 attempts. He made an immediate impact, converting both of his field goal attempts and two of three extra point attempts in his debut against the New Orleans Saints.
Contract Details
As of 2025, Piñeiro’s contract with the San Francisco 49ers is valued at $1,170,000, with a base salary of $1,170,000 and a cap hit of $972,778. This contract reflects his status as a reliable and experienced kicker in the NFL.
Personal Life and Legacy
Off the field, Piñeiro is known for his strong Christian faith. In 2017, he and his father were awarded the Police Service Award by the Gainesville Police Department for assisting a woman in escaping from an abusive situation. Additionally, Piñeiro is the first player of Nicaraguan descent to play in the NFL, highlighting his cultural heritage and breaking barriers in the sport.
Conclusion
Eddy Piñeiro‘s journey from a soccer-playing high school athlete to a professional NFL kicker is a remarkable story of adaptability, dedication, and excellence. His consistent performance, both in college and the NFL, underscores his status as one of the league’s most reliable kickers. As he continues his career with the San Francisco 49ers, Piñeiro remains a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of excellence in professional sports
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