Two-time Bakken-Andersen Kicker of the Year awardee, Jake Moody, who is now the kicker for the San Francisco 49ers, has seen his fair share of ups and downs in his rookie season.
The points missed by him have been cardinal and due to the missed opportunities, the 49ers lost two games in the regular season. The 49ers community has seen the consistency of former talented kicker Robbie Gould, who was with the squad from 2017-2022.
In every postseason game in which the San Francisco 49ers have won, Moody has missed a field goal. However, later, he was able to clinch those lost points. The kicker now knows how to overcome early disappointment and take hold of the game later.
According to NFL Network, he shared during the opening night of the Super Bowl LVIII, “It’s no different than in college. The posts are the same size. Ball is the same. Holder and snapper are just as good, if not better in the NFL. Situationally, I guess it can be a little bit different. There’s a lot more games that are decided by one or two scores as opposed to college. … It’s something that you learn, just being in those situations, you kind of learn how to deal with it, mindset.”
Further continuing, “I’ve been in a bunch of big games, whether it’s been in college or the NFL now, going through the playoffs. I feel like I’m prepared for it. It’s the same kick; Just trust the routine, trust the process. It’s no different than any other kick.”
The Lou Groza Award recipient also disclosed that he had learned a few things from observing Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, who is a two-time Super Bowl champion. Moody reveals that he learned from Butker back when he was not drafted into the league.
Butker, regarding the upcoming match, also shared, “For Jake, he played at a big school at Michigan. I was at Georgia Tech, not quite as many eyes on us, but he played at a big school at Michigan. But it’s the Super Bowl. It’s the biggest football game you could play in. Just do what you’ve been doing, just stick to the routine, and don’t get too far outside of yourself.”
Moody faced one of his intense kicks against the Cleveland Browns and the temperature saw winds, which made the atmosphere strenuous. Keeping in mind that the Super Bowl will be played in Allegiant Stadium, Moody expressed, “Pretty happy. Can’t really beat indoor weather for being a specialist.”
