Robbie Gould’s favourite kick of his career is a love letter to Bears fans originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago. Robbie Gould bid the NFL farewell in a thoughtful post to the Players’ Tribune on Thursday, reflecting on an improbable journey that began with a walk-on tryout invitation from Joe Paterno at Penn State University in 2001 and ended with a distinguished 18-year NFL career.
His flawless field-goal percentage in the postseason was his greatest accomplishment. With a record of 29 for 29 in 16 games, Gould has a lot of memorable moments to choose from.
But one kick sticks out in his mind more than the others.
“January of 2022,” he stated. “The postseason. San Fran versus Green Bay. Lambeau Field. Ten to ten. the right hash ball. Only four seconds remain on the timer. Jimmy G. had just taken the Niners offence against the top-seeded Packers 44 yards in nine plays. We had a chance to win it from 45 and advance San Francisco to the NFC Championship thanks to some incredible plays from Deebo and Juszczyk.
“It felt exactly like it did when I played in the Windy City, even though the temperature was below zero.” The ground was soft and there was snow falling. As a kicker, it was one of those moments I lived for every time I took the pitch, even though it wasn’t perfect. Next, though.
We hit the mark precisely in the centre.”
Gould met his wife and raised his children in Chicago, so the city will always hold a special place in his heart. As a member of the Bears, he faced the Green Bay Packers 21 times. It’s difficult to unlearn hatred of that kind.
“I’ve always had a healthy respect for the Packers and that fierce Bears-Packers rivalry,” Gould stated. Above all, though, I simply adore Bears supporters. So to make all of Chicago happy by defeating its rival and to maintain my record of never missing a kick in the playoffs, to hit a huge kick like that on the big stage? The best of both worlds was present.
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