Falcons Remain Confident in Younghoe Koo Despite New Kicker Signing
Younghoe Koo has been a key part of the Atlanta Falcons since 2019, known as one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history.
He even made the Pro Bowl in 2020. But in 2024, his numbers dropped. Koo made only 73.5% of his field goals and missed time with a hip injury after Week 15. The Falcons ended the season with 12 missed kicks—more than any other team—which added to their struggles during a 7-10 season. Now, heading into 2025, Koo has competition for the job.
Lenny Krieg is a 22-year-old kicker from Germany who made an unusual journey to the NFL. Originally a soccer player, he taught himself how to kick in American football by watching YouTube and Instagram videos, inspired by his brother’s love for the sport. Krieg played in the European League of Football with the Stuttgart Surge, where he made 11 out of 16 field goals in 2024.
At the 2025 NFL Combine, he impressed scouts by going a perfect 14-for-14 on kicks. His strong showing earned him a three-year deal with the Falcons, beating out offers from other NFL teams.
Raheem Morris Emphasizes That He's Still Confident In Koo
The Falcons’ decision to bring in Krieg sparked strong reactions from fans across social media. Some praised the front office for taking a bold step, calling Krieg a potential hidden gem with a powerful leg and fresh upside. Others were quick to defend Koo, pointing to his years of reliability and clutch performances.
Many questioned whether it was fair to doubt Koo after one down year due to injury, while some welcomed the competition as motivation for both kickers. The move has clearly divided the fanbase, with emotions running high as the team eyes its future at the position.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris admits he’s no expert when it comes to kickers—“Only thing I can measure when you're talking about (a) kicker is whether it goes in or it misses,” he said at the NFL league meetings. Still, Morris sees value in adding Krieg to the mix. “Big leg,” Morris said.
“I’ve watched those guys—leg power, strength, all those type of different things—and feel really good about bringing him in for a competitive moment.” Despite the new addition, Morris made it clear: “Feel really confident about Koo, though, and what he’s able to do in his bounce back year.”
As the Falcons head into training camp, the kicking battle between Koo and Krieg adds a layer of intrigue to the roster. While Morris remains confident in Koo’s bounce-back potential, Krieg’s arrival signals that nothing is guaranteed. For fans, it’s a wait-and-see game—one boot at a time.
