Nothing better than a true grit story. Coming from nothing, rising, falling, dusting yourself off, and going even bigger in the end. It ain't your skin color people.
still remember him in highschool kicking the ball on kick off into backyards and onto the streets at Ridgewood Highschool. Will never forget his work ethic, first in, last out. Nobody more deserving
they probably gambled their life savings on it lol .. no way you can get that emotional and hurt you want to send death threats because your favorite team lost lmao@@abouttime2569
You’re right, Koo is more American than many people who are born in the U.S. Btw, Korean Americans are part of the Asian Americans community. That’s just a fact.
Dude is a crazy athlete. The video of him flicking the ball off his feet into a perfect spin and then hitting a field goal while back flipping is crazy
I'd love to see more Asians in football. I was a kicker in HS and in college, the first Latino starting kicker in D-II, and my dream was to play in the NFL. I didn't make it, but I did have two teams look at me, the Buccaneers and the Colts, and it was one of the most exciting times in my life. I can just imagine what a whirlwind it's been for Koo, working so hard and then getting a second chance, and he's definitely made the best of it.
Opportunity just ain't there due to where most Asian people live. It's not even just a cultural thing. Most Asians live in California or NY, urban city centers. I went to a magnet school and was actually on the wrestling team and track team. I wanted to try playing football but we didn't have a football field or team..... I did have a cousin who lived in Central Florida though and he had the opportunity to join his HS team, but it was competitive AF in his region, so he never even got a chance to play (guys on his team went D1) And there's also the issue of race... even if you get lucky enough to live in a region where you could play, was interested in playing, school had a team/field, coach might not ever even let you get off the bench (I had another cousin who was a freak of nature athlete [he's 6'5 280] but his coach was super racist, just straight up said he didn't belong)
@@user-tz9jh6pv2jstop blaming race dude!!! Black americans have dominated football for years now so you can throw the race card out of the picture. Asians much like latinos in america arent very athletic and most are very short so professional sports such as football would be a disaster for those who fit that description man.
@Just_Pele - I agree and so would I. Riddle me this batman. Why don't more women become place kickers? Women have about the same leg strength as men. My 17 year old daughter is not as strong as I was at her age, but she is waaaay stronger than I am now as I am 58 and have been rehabbing myself since 2020 where I got super sick. She works on a farm and is taking welding classes at our local Vo-tech in the AM, then in the afternoon, getting her excellent Catholic programming and our local catholic high school.
Props to Koo, for having overcome language barriers at school and failures at Chargers. He's somewhat struggling these days, but I believe he can get over it. A fan from South Korea.
@@HisDudeness_69 what? what else could you expect with a kicker? he missed so many fgs in a short time he was the starter. the Chargers also didnt have the patience anymore since we were rotating through kickers a lot during the time because they where all horrible
Wish he stayed on the Pats for more than a couple weeks on the Practice Squad, but I love that he’s had so much success. He dominated in the AAF for its short tenure, and is exactly the reason why Minor leagues should exist
Arguably, kickers are just as important as any other positions in football but they’re constantly under appreciated. As an immigrant from South Korea, I totally understand his struggle through the language gap and watching him succeed is incredibly inspiring
Chargers fan here. We had to cut him. You just can't keep a kicker after he misses two clutch kicks to open the season. When I first saw him on the Falcons, I was genuinely surprised to see him in an NFL uniform. I've followed his career ever since. Man's become one of my favorite dudes in the league.
Kickers are clutch in a game and sometimes don’t get as much love. I admire that Koo is intentionally looking at ESL individuals and hosting camps to grow the sport. Hes got a good career ahead of him but the NFL films curse creeping in after a hard day but he’ll bounce back 💪🏼
Koo! Kickers need a lot of love. NFL Films needs to make a video about the mindset of a kicker. It's lot of pressure to be consistent and produce. Special team is just as essential like offense and defense
Having lived in Korea for 20 years now, it is nice to see a Korean (born) player in the NFL. I am impressed how he took being cut and worked even harder and turned it into a success. When I watch the Atlanta games I always pay attention when they go to kick a FG because I know Koo will be coming out. I wish him continued success.
I love this dude and I'm a Chargers fan, we also have a great kicker right now. And this is the only other kicker I see and I'm saying "he's about to make it" everytime I see him on the field, they need to keep this guy long term because Kickers are an under appreciated position in the league, until the game is on the line and they are your best shot to win then they see how important these guys really are.
I remember hearing about him when he got (un)drafted, he won a lot of awards in college. A podcaster talked him up big time and we know what happened with him on the Chargers. Really cool to see someone bounce back like that
I really hope he gets a chance to score the winning kick against the Chargers. If they had given him that extra training and chance to improve his confidence they would have a great kicker in their roster,
To be fair - the NFL is not a training ground for kickers. They expect high performance from day 1 and if you can't do it, they can easily replace you. The falcons would have cut him as well in his rookie year. He was only given a second chance after he improved himself AND proved himself in another league.
I love koo as a falcons fan, i will always remember that 3 onside kick game in 2019 on thanksgiving. I also showed up my first day of football practice nervous and wearing the gear wrong had my knee pads down to my shins😂
There was another South Korean named John Lee with similar beginning but didn't get the second chance. John Lee set many kicking records at UCLA, and was signed by the Cardinals. He didn't adjust to NFL well and didn't get past his first season. Glad to see Younghoe Koo made it and even became one of the best.
Koo is amazing. As a Chargers fan i really wanted him to do well. Did not know he studied under Carney. Great Story and glad to see his success . Keep it up . good luck
I remember when he was the Chargers kicker, and being a Korean American myself I was so sad when he missed those game winning field goals.... Now seeing him in Atlanta... I'm definitely satisfied with what he's doing for Korean Americans and the League!
As a Saints fan, I should hate him for so many reasons but I actually like this guy! Rarely see Asian football players in the league and I’m all for it!!!
I was there when he converted THREE onside kicks against the Saints. One was called back but still incredible odds. Love Koo, hope he gets back in the groove next year
Kicker is really a job require mentality. The entire team fights for these yardages and it all comes to your one shot to convert to scores. I wish Aguayo also got another chance
I'm a class of 90s. I was the best football kicker in Wisconsin. I won the state championship, n I could've gone to UWM. About a month after state, my dad passed away. I became instant homeless. My dream died with him... I regretted every dam day... Keep kicking, Mr. Koo
This goes to show that sometimes bad times in life is what we needed the most. What will decide if the event turns into tragedy or not is how we decide to go with it.
He's even got a very cool ATL hiphop like name "Younghoe Koo" As of the end 2023, he's earned about $14 million in the NFL as a kicker - pretty amazing!
Damn dude, I had no idea about how deep his story was. From cut to Pro Bowler, this is awesome
Legend
Nothing better than a true grit story. Coming from nothing, rising, falling, dusting yourself off, and going even bigger in the end. It ain't your skin color people.
he play football not bowling
@@sirgb06 thanks captain obvious. we all know that. the pro bowl is a football event...
@@sirgb06 you have to be the most s l o w person ever
Koo DEFINENTLY deserves this video. LEGEND and TRAILBLAZER!
Younghoe is a baaaaaad dirty dirty man
the best player in the NFC south
He has made the most of his scoond chance.
still remember him in highschool kicking the ball on kick off into backyards and onto the streets at Ridgewood Highschool. Will never forget his work ethic, first in, last out. Nobody more deserving
I used to hang out there 😂
Did people bully him for his name?
@@Chooong7Young-Way!
@@CryingOrc1 I bet a teacher or two made a mistake at some point
@@Chooong7 Young Hoe!
Me and Koo used to go to the club all the time back at georgia southern! Go Eagles!
Instead of giving up after being cut, he reached out to a mentor and worked hard. Respect.
As a 49er faithful…I love these type of stories. Much props to Koo, I wish him a great career in the NFL.
I’m a 9er fan too but what does that have anything to do with this story lol 😂
As Korean football lover, I'm so proud of KOO.
Reminds me of Kobe airballing against the Jazz his rookie year and coming back from failure. Respect, Younghoe Koo #mambamentality
Koo is Korean, you know he was never going to give up.
I still remember hearing on Talk Radio he had death threats for missing those 3 field goals. What a great inspirational story. Thanks for sharing it!
Death threats on a sports performance is wild. Some people are too invested into it.
they probably gambled their life savings on it lol .. no way you can get that emotional and hurt you want to send death threats because your favorite team lost lmao@@abouttime2569
Right? lol. @@abouttime2569
It's LA man
-Californian
@@abouttime2569 probably bet some money they shouldnt have lol
Makes me proud as an Asian American, he will be the inspiration to come for future Asian American athletes!
He might not be American. From South Korea
@@thesmokinsalmon he's an American citizen. How is he not American?
he only represents korean americans not asian americans
@@supercal3944Korean Americans are part of the Asian American community. Get educated bro 😎
You’re right, Koo is more American than many people who are born in the U.S.
Btw, Korean Americans are part of the Asian Americans community. That’s just a fact.
Dude is a crazy athlete. The video of him flicking the ball off his feet into a perfect spin and then hitting a field goal while back flipping is crazy
even at his lowest, tries to learn from it. Respect
I'd love to see more Asians in football. I was a kicker in HS and in college, the first Latino starting kicker in D-II, and my dream was to play in the NFL. I didn't make it, but I did have two teams look at me, the Buccaneers and the Colts, and it was one of the most exciting times in my life. I can just imagine what a whirlwind it's been for Koo, working so hard and then getting a second chance, and he's definitely made the best of it.
Opportunity just ain't there due to where most Asian people live. It's not even just a cultural thing.
Most Asians live in California or NY, urban city centers. I went to a magnet school and was actually on the wrestling team and track team. I wanted to try playing football but we didn't have a football field or team.....
I did have a cousin who lived in Central Florida though and he had the opportunity to join his HS team, but it was competitive AF in his region, so he never even got a chance to play (guys on his team went D1)
And there's also the issue of race... even if you get lucky enough to live in a region where you could play, was interested in playing, school had a team/field, coach might not ever even let you get off the bench (I had another cousin who was a freak of nature athlete [he's 6'5 280] but his coach was super racist, just straight up said he didn't belong)
@@user-tz9jh6pv2jstop blaming race dude!!! Black americans have dominated football for years now so you can throw the race card out of the picture. Asians much like latinos in america arent very athletic and most are very short so professional sports such as football would be a disaster for those who fit that description man.
@Just_Pele - I agree and so would I.
Riddle me this batman. Why don't more women become place kickers?
Women have about the same leg strength as men. My 17 year old daughter is not as strong as I was at her age, but she is waaaay stronger than I am now as I am 58 and have been rehabbing myself since 2020 where I got super sick. She works on a farm and is taking welding classes at our local Vo-tech in the AM, then in the afternoon, getting her excellent Catholic programming and our local catholic high school.
@@johnlozauskas778 "Women have about the same leg strength as men." They absolutely do not. It's about 3-4 to 1.
@@Just_Pele I don't understand what you mean. Do you mean women have 75% of the leg strength of men?
Kinda glad Drew Kaser kept getting cut from teams, you don't look at your teammate like that after a blocked kick, you give him support.
Koo is awesome, a ton of respect for the guy. Glad to see kickers like him get the respect they deserve. Hes been great for a while.
What a great story. Rooting for you Koo!
He did it again against the Saints on 9/29/24 58 yards 26-24 Falcons. 😄
10/6/24 52 yards sending to overtime 36-30 Falcons vs Buccaneers.
Yup, as a Saints fan I hated it but as a fan of Koo I was glad he was the one who got the game winner😅😂
@@hartzellaerialproductions527🤣🤣👍Koo will be select to Pro Bowl. 😄
@@SAOKAROLINA He deserves it, he’s almost automatic now! When he had the shot at the game-winner I knew it was game!😅
he is daddy
He’s so damn good glad he’s getting some shine
That younghoe koo as hell
As a falcons fan, I'm really happy Koo is getting the credit he deserves
Proud of you bro! Representing Korean NFL fans all over the world. Best active kicker in the game!!
Props to Koo, for having overcome language barriers at school and failures at Chargers. He's somewhat struggling these days, but I believe he can get over it. A fan from South Korea.
Chargers did him dirty honestly. He was rookie and they expected way too much out of him. Glad he found his groove with ATL
Real adversity
@@HisDudeness_69If the chargers kept onto him he would never have gotten training from that HOF kicker and truly been a superstar.
@@Jerbt Now I see why the Chargers didn't keep Drew Brees. Only the Chargers. F. U. Spanos.
@@HisDudeness_69 what? what else could you expect with a kicker? he missed so many fgs in a short time he was the starter. the Chargers also didnt have the patience anymore since we were rotating through kickers a lot during the time because they where all horrible
I wish Younghoe Koo the best of luck with his NFL career.
Loved watching this dude rise up from the Semi pros to making it In the NFL
Wish he stayed on the Pats for more than a couple weeks on the Practice Squad, but I love that he’s had so much success. He dominated in the AAF for its short tenure, and is exactly the reason why Minor leagues should exist
Now this man's an inspiration. Best of luck and success for Koo!
There is no success....without fail. Let's go Koo!
Arguably, kickers are just as important as any other positions in football but they’re constantly under appreciated.
As an immigrant from South Korea, I totally understand his struggle through the language gap and watching him succeed is incredibly inspiring
구영회 선수! 대한민국 NFL 팬들이 진심으로 응원하고 있습니다!! 화이팅!!
TRANSLATION - Younghoe Koo! Korean NFL fans are sincerely rooting for you!! go for it!!
@@MistyMountainVideo Lol. Online translation. Yeah, that last word is actually "Fighting!" I don't know what it's being transliterated as "Go for it."
Actually in Korean the phrase "화이팅" doesn't really mean fighting.. @@NerdilyDone
Good for Korea
@@NerdilyDone dude! ‘화이팅’ means ‘Go for it’ or ‘Let’s go!’
Thx anyway :)
I was there watching him with the Chargers. He did the right thing seeking out John Carney. Koo put the work in. Confidence and success follows.
Chargers fan here. We had to cut him. You just can't keep a kicker after he misses two clutch kicks to open the season.
When I first saw him on the Falcons, I was genuinely surprised to see him in an NFL uniform. I've followed his career ever since. Man's become one of my favorite dudes in the league.
Koo, is awesome. What a story. 대한민국!!
Hard work and perseverance pays off. Nicely done.
Good win against the Saints my Korean brother, keep hitting between those goal post! 👌👍👌👍
From a Patriots fan. Huge fan of his. I hope he has an amazing long career.
This guy is an Atlanta LEGEND!
As a fellow Georgia Southern University alum, I'm rooting for him all the way!!!!
Kickers are clutch in a game and sometimes don’t get as much love. I admire that Koo is intentionally looking at ESL individuals and hosting camps to grow the sport. Hes got a good career ahead of him but the NFL films curse creeping in after a hard day but he’ll bounce back 💪🏼
Koo! Kickers need a lot of love. NFL Films needs to make a video about the mindset of a kicker. It's lot of pressure to be consistent and produce. Special team is just as essential like offense and defense
He was given a second chance after the disasterous stint with the Chargers and he's made the most of it. Kudos! 👍
And today with the clutch overtime kick win and last week a win kick also
Sport offers more than entertainment and lucrative deals. Diversity. Courage. Resilience. Enjoyment. Great story.
Having lived in Korea for 20 years now, it is nice to see a Korean (born) player in the NFL. I am impressed how he took being cut and worked even harder and turned it into a success. When I watch the Atlanta games I always pay attention when they go to kick a FG because I know Koo will be coming out. I wish him continued success.
Bro speaks better english than most Americans.
The black ones ya
And illegals
Don’t forget the hood guys
Yes, better than half of Los Angeles!
hes a true american
Hines Ward showed me that a Korean kid can make it to the NFL. Koo is going to do that for a new generation. Nice to see him get shine like this
Hines ward was also half black though. Lol
@@johnnyc0811 Yeah, that's probably why I sucked at WR lol
@@kennyfnpowers707 😂
This dude comes in clutch so much 💯
Best name in all of sports. Legend.
this guy is the man! crazy bounce back
We need more Americans like Koo
Best of luck from Ireland Koo 🍀🙌
from a Chargers fan who was pissed when we missed those kicks, super happy for Koo!
dude... this is so #koo its amazing we all learn from our mistakes, importantly giving back its even better!
so glad he made it back to the league and made a name for himself. very inspirational
I love this dude and I'm a Chargers fan, we also have a great kicker right now. And this is the only other kicker I see and I'm saying "he's about to make it" everytime I see him on the field, they need to keep this guy long term because Kickers are an under appreciated position in the league, until the game is on the line and they are your best shot to win then they see how important these guys really are.
Man I never thought I would go on eBay and pick up a RC card of a kicker. TY Mr. Koo for being such an inspiration. Best of luck.
Much love to the Atlanta Legends!
I remember hearing about him when he got (un)drafted, he won a lot of awards in college. A podcaster talked him up big time and we know what happened with him on the Chargers. Really cool to see someone bounce back like that
Younghoe Koo I'm Kahoe Koo & I'm proud of you bro
no you are kakoo
amazing story. as a Korean I remember feeling awful when Koo got released from chargers
I love this! It feels so good to have an Asian brother in the NFL. Wish you endless success in your career!
dudes super humble too
He’s a legend
As a falcons fan, Koo gotta be one of my favorite players ever
Being Asian I felt compelled to pick Koo in every one of my fantasy drafts this past season 😂
He now has the highest kick percentage in the NFL I think he's a proper pick now no matter what your race is lol
@@monarch1651 yep Aubrey, Koo and Fairbairn great clutch kickers
I really hope he gets a chance to score the winning kick against the Chargers. If they had given him that extra training and chance to improve his confidence they would have a great kicker in their roster,
To be fair - the NFL is not a training ground for kickers. They expect high performance from day 1 and if you can't do it, they can easily replace you. The falcons would have cut him as well in his rookie year. He was only given a second chance after he improved himself AND proved himself in another league.
I think you could argue if he had not been cut by the Chargers, he might have never ascended to the level he is at now
you comment doesnt make sense because we already have a great kicker in Cameron Dicker
Such a stud! Good on him for looking to help others.
Koo is so awesome going through his early hurdles. Keep it up even during the sporadic times Koo!
I love koo as a falcons fan, i will always remember that 3 onside kick game in 2019 on thanksgiving. I also showed up my first day of football practice nervous and wearing the gear wrong had my knee pads down to my shins😂
Koo is the goat off on-side kick.
Happy for him! He never gave up.
I love this man. Awesome talent and work ethic and a great personality
Respect for reaching out to Carney as soon as he got cut, instead of moping about it.
Awesome job my Korean braddah! Koreans represent...yessah...proud of you!!!
I am glad he made it and plays great. He had his chance with the Chargers I remember both loses 😢
Guy has the clutch gene...Nothing can stop a guy with talent that is always willing to learn and listen
구영회선수 앞으로도 오래오래 nfl에 남아서 한국팬들 많이 유입되게 해주세요!
There was another South Korean named John Lee with similar beginning but didn't get the second chance. John Lee set many kicking records at UCLA, and was signed by the Cardinals. He didn't adjust to NFL well and didn't get past his first season. Glad to see Younghoe Koo made it and even became one of the best.
Exactly
Fabulous story of hard work, dedication, and never giving up.
I knew young Young Wei Koo was gonna make it since he kicked that football in the movie "Little Giants!" you did it grown Koo, you did it!
Koo is amazing. As a Chargers fan i really wanted him to do well. Did not know he studied under Carney. Great Story and glad to see his success . Keep it up . good luck
Lord knows he's been a pain in my ass as a Saints fan. He's that clutch.
Young ho is always better than old ho
just watched him hit a 58 yarder against the saints easily.
so overlooked and underappreciated, but
a great kicker makes or breaks the team.
It's really cool to see players from other countries excelling in the NFL like we see in the NBA.
I remember when he was the Chargers kicker, and being a Korean American myself I was so sad when he missed those game winning field goals.... Now seeing him in Atlanta... I'm definitely satisfied with what he's doing for Korean Americans and the League!
So proud of you Kooooooooo~~!!!!!!!!!
As a Saints fan, I should hate him for so many reasons but I actually like this guy! Rarely see Asian football players in the league and I’m all for it!!!
its hard to get into football career as an asian. i am proud of him and hope he does well
멀리서 응원합니다.. 더 높이 날아오르길 바랍니다!!!!
구영회 선수 !!! 항상 응원 합니다.
Kickers score the most points but get the least attention. Mad props to them.
Go Koo! You are GoKu in my heart! 😃👍
He's soo good at onside kicks too. I'm sad they didn't touch on that part of his game
I was there when he converted THREE onside kicks against the Saints. One was called back but still incredible odds. Love Koo, hope he gets back in the groove next year
ikr
Kicker is really a job require mentality. The entire team fights for these yardages and it all comes to your one shot to convert to scores. I wish Aguayo also got another chance
likeable guy, fantastic player.
I'm a class of 90s. I was the best football kicker in Wisconsin. I won the state championship, n I could've gone to UWM. About a month after state, my dad passed away. I became instant homeless. My dream died with him... I regretted every dam day... Keep kicking, Mr. Koo
This goes to show that sometimes bad times in life is what we needed the most. What will decide if the event turns into tragedy or not is how we decide to go with it.
Dude is a legit top 5 kicker in the NFL as of now!
He's even got a very cool ATL hiphop like name "Younghoe Koo"
As of the end 2023, he's earned about $14 million in the NFL as a kicker - pretty amazing!
He is great
Well done Sir, bloody well done.