Who Is Jake Moody? The NFL Kicker Making Waves in 2026
Jake Moody is an NFL placekicker currently playing for the Washington Commanders, known for his big-game composure and remarkable career resilience.
Here’s a quick snapshot:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jake Moody |
| Born | November 23, 1999, Northville, Michigan |
| Position | Placekicker |
| Current Team | Washington Commanders (2026) |
| College | University of Michigan (2018-2022) |
| Drafted | 3rd round, 99th overall, San Francisco 49ers (2023) |
| Career FG% | 76.7% (56/73) |
| Nickname | “Money” |
From setting Michigan’s all-time scoring record to kicking a then-longest field goal in Super Bowl history, Moody’s journey has been anything but ordinary. He went from being waived mid-season to nailing a walk-off 38-yard field goal for the Chicago Bears – seven hours after being activated from the practice squad.
His story is one of grit, adaptability, and clutch performance under pressure.
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College Legend: Jake Moody at Michigan
Before he was a household name in the NFL, Jake Moody was a living legend in Ann Arbor. Playing for the Michigan Wolverines from 2018 to 2022, he didn’t just kick footballs; he rewrote the history books. His collegiate career is a masterclass in what happens when talent meets tireless work ethic.
Moody’s crowning achievement came in 2021 when he became Michigan’s first-ever winner of the Lou Groza Award, given to the nation’s top placekicker. That season, he was virtually automatic, helping lead the Wolverines to a Big Ten Championship and a College Football Playoff berth. By the time he hung up his maize and blue jersey, he had set the school record for career points with 355.
One of his most jaw-dropping moments was a school-record 59-yard field goal. To put that in perspective for our New York readers, that’s like kicking a ball from one end of a Chelsea pier and having it land perfectly in a bucket at the other end. He also holds the freshman record at Michigan for most field goals in a single game, knocking through six against Indiana in 2018.
Early Life and Background
Born on November 23, 1999, in Commerce, Michigan, Jake Moody grew up with a passion for sports, excelling in both football and baseball at Northville High School. However, his path to greatness wasn’t paved with five-star recruiting rankings.
In a move that shows his immense self-belief, Moody originally committed to the University of Michigan as a walk-on without a scholarship. He bet on himself, planning to earn his way onto the payroll through performance. It didn’t take long. His legendary leg strength and accuracy forced the coaching staff’s hand, and he was quickly placed on scholarship, eventually becoming the “Money” man the fans came to love. You can view his full Jake Moody Michigan Career Profile to see the progression from a local high school star to a national award winner.
NFL Draft and the San Francisco 49ers Era
The 2023 NFL Draft featured a moment that shocked many analysts. In the third round, with the 99th overall pick, the San Francisco 49ers selected Jake Moody. Selecting a kicker that high is a rarity in the modern NFL—he was only the second kicker since 2016 to be taken in the top 100 picks.
The 49ers were looking for a long-term replacement for the legendary Robbie Gould, and they believed Moody was the answer. His rookie season in 2023 was largely a success. He finished the regular season with an 84% field goal rate and was nearly perfect on extra points, going 60-for-61. His performance earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team and helped the 49ers secure an NFC Championship.
However, the brightest (and perhaps most bittersweet) moment of his rookie year came on the world’s biggest stage: Super Bowl LVIII. During the game, Moody nailed a 55-yard field goal, which at that moment was the longest field goal in Super Bowl history. Although the record was surpassed later in that same game by Harrison Butker, Moody proved he had the “clutch gene” required for the pros.
Rookie Success and Postseason Pressure
Transitioning from college to the NFL is never easy, especially when you carry the weight of a third-round draft pick. Moody handled the pressure of the 2023 season with poise, scoring 123 points in the regular season. In the playoffs, he remained a key contributor, going 6-for-8 on field goals. While he faced some criticism for a blocked extra point in the Super Bowl, his overall body of work showed a kicker capable of performing at an elite level. Fans and analysts can track his full progression through the Jake Moody Professional Statistics page.
Professional Resilience: From the Bears to the Commanders
If 2023 was the “rise,” 2024 and 2025 were the “test.” In the NFL, the margin for error for a kicker is razor-thin. After a significant regression in 2024, where his field goal percentage dipped to 70.6%, Jake Moody faced the ultimate challenge for a professional athlete: being waived.
The 49ers made the difficult decision to move on after Week 1 of the 2025 season following a series of missed kicks. Suddenly, the former third-round pick was without a job. But in professional sports, one team’s cut is another team’s treasure. Moody signed with the Chicago Bears’ practice squad, waiting for his next opportunity.
That opportunity came on October 13, 2025, when Bears veteran Cairo Santos was sidelined with a quad injury. What followed was one of the most incredible “whirlwind” stories in recent NFL history.
The 2025 Whirlwind Day
Imagine starting your day on a practice squad and ending it being hoisted on the shoulders of your teammates as a hero. Jake Moody was elevated to the Bears’ active roster just seven hours before kickoff against the Washington Commanders.
In a game played under rainy, difficult conditions, Moody was sensational. He went 4-for-5 on the day, but it was the final kick that mattered most. As time expired, Moody stepped up and drilled a 38-yard field goal to give the Bears a 25-24 victory.
The human element of this story is even better: running back D’Andre Swift actually introduced himself to Moody on the sideline during the game because they hadn’t even met yet. Swift later praised Moody’s poise, noting that without that big kick, his own 175 yards from scrimmage wouldn’t have resulted in a win.
Analyzing the Career Statistics of Jake Moody
To understand the value of Jake Moody, we have to look at the hard data. While he has had ups and downs, his “ceiling” is incredibly high. As of 2026, he has scored a total of 293 NFL points.
Career Kicking Stats Comparison
| Season | Team | FG% | Extra Points (XP) | Longest FG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 49ers | 84.0% | 60/61 | 57 yards |
| 2024 | 49ers | 70.6% | 12/12 | 53 yards |
| 2025 (Bears) | Bears | 88.9% | 1/1 | 48 yards |
| Career | Total | 76.7% | 94/96 | 57 yards |
Moody’s 2025 splits were particularly interesting. He was 100% accurate in home games and had an 88.9% success rate against NFC opponents. This suggests that while he struggled in the latter half of his San Francisco tenure, a change of scenery—and perhaps some technique adjustments—revitalized his career.
Overcoming Challenges and Injuries
Success in the NFL isn’t just about how far you can kick; it’s about how you bounce back from an injury or a bad game. Moody suffered a significant ankle sprain in 2024 that hampered his performance and led to some of the inconsistency that saw him waived.
Rather than letting the “lowest times” of his career define him, Moody worked on his mental toughness and adjusted his kicking technique. Being waived by the team that drafted you is a ego-bruising experience, but Moody’s performance with the Bears proved he belongs in the league. His ability to stay ready on the practice squad and deliver a walk-off winner in the rain is a testament to his professional maturity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jake Moody
How old is Jake Moody and where is he from?
Jake Moody is currently 26 years old. He was born on November 23, 1999, in Commerce, Michigan, and attended Northville High School.
What records does Jake Moody hold?
Moody holds several impressive records:
- Michigan Wolverines: All-time leading scorer with 355 points and the longest field goal in school history (59 yards).
- NFL: Briefly held the record for the longest field goal in Super Bowl history (55 yards).
- Chicago Bears: Set a franchise record for the most successful field goals in a debut (4).
Which team does Jake Moody play for now?
Following his successful stint as a replacement for the Bears, Jake Moody was signed by the Washington Commanders in late 2025. He currently serves as their primary placekicker on the active roster in 2026.
Conclusion
The story of Jake Moody is a reminder that the path to success is rarely a straight line. From a walk-on at Michigan to a third-round draft pick, and from the “lowest times” of being waived to the heights of a walk-off game-winner, Moody has shown the resilience that defines great athletes. As he settles into his role with the Washington Commanders, the NFL world will be watching to see if “Money” Moody can maintain the consistency that made him a college legend.
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