Rookie kicker Jake Moody has had his critics, but he's come up big in the Super Bowl with a record-breaking field goal in the big game as the 49ers lead 3-0 in the second quarter.
Being a kicker is a thankless job. You're expected to almost robotically do your job and only get attention most of the time if you mess a kick up.
Oh sure, every once in a while you might praise someone for making a huge kick, but more often than not it's because they missed a kick which sets the internet on them.
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Rookie kicker Jake Moody is undeniably talented. He's got a strong leg and his season statistics are honestly not that bad. Unfortunately, he's almost missed a few which led people to wanting him no less than cut from the team.
Yes, over one kick. Overreaction for a rookie I daresay.
So let's give him some praise, especially giving Moody now has a Super Bowl record under his belt.
Jake Moody drills a 55-yard field goal, the longest FG in Super Bowl history. 🙌
— NFL (@NFL) February 12, 2024
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The 55-yarder breaks the 54-yarder from Buffalo Bills kicker Steve Christie Super Bowl XXVIII, a record that stood for three decades until now.
Moody has endured his share of critics this year, but if the 49ers hold on and win the Super Bowl then it's this huge kick that got the team started. Beginning with a lead, especially against the Kansas City Chiefs dynasty, cannot be understated in its importance no matter how small the lead is.
So good on you Moody, you deserve that record. Hopefully it helps get the team over the line.
Editor's update: Moody's Super Bowl record was eclipsed not long after by Chiefs veteran kicker Harrison Butker, who connected from 57 yards out.