Atlanta Falcons Release Kicker Younghoe Koo, Promote Parker Romo

Atlanta GA, September 19, 2025

News Summary

The Atlanta Falcons have released kicker Younghoe Koo after his declining performance and have promoted Parker Romo to starting kicker following a stellar showing against the Minnesota Vikings. Koo, a reliable scorer since joining the Falcons in 2019, struggled in the recent season, leading to this significant roster change. Romo’s recent perfect field goal performance has given the coaching staff confidence as the team prepares for upcoming games.

Atlanta – The Atlanta Falcons have made a significant change to their kicking game, announcing the release of kicker Younghoe Koo and promoting Parker Romo to the role of starting kicker on the 53-man roster. This decision comes on the heels of Romo’s standout performance in the Falcons’ recent victory over the Minnesota Vikings, where he successfully made all five of his field-goal attempts, including a long kick of 54 yards.

Younger Koo, who had been with the Falcons since 2019, had established himself as a reliable scorer during his tenure in Atlanta, amassing a total of exactly 700 points. This remarkable feat has seen him rank third in franchise history, behind notable kickers Matt Bryant and Morten Andersen. Koo had his best season in 2020 when he converted a league-leading 37 field goals with an impressive success rate of 94.9%, which earned him a Pro Bowl selection.

However, Koo’s performance had been on the decline in recent seasons. In 2024, he only converted 25 of 34 field goal attempts, leading to a success rate of 73.5%, which was the lowest of his career with the team. Koo was placed on injured reserve in Week 16 of the 2024 season due to a hip injury, returning for the 2025 season with a 92% success rate in training camp. His performance during the regular season had been further marred by a missed 44-yard field goal attempt in Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a kick that could have tied the game. This miss dropped Koo’s record for game-tying or lead-taking field goals in the final minute to 11-of-16 (68.5%). Prior to this recent setback, he had made seven consecutive field goals in end-of-game situations.

Over his time with the Falcons, Koo completed 178 of 205 field goal attempts with an overall success rate of 86.8% and a career-long field goal of 58 yards. The removal of Koo will cost the Falcons about $1.25 million in dead money but will save them $4.25 million against the salary cap, as Koo had two years remaining on his contract at the time of his release.

Following the decision to cut Koo, Parker Romo was signed to the practice squad before being elevated to the active roster as the starting kicker. The Falcons’ coaching staff has expressed their confidence in Romo as they look to build on this change moving forward into the season.

The Falcons are scheduled to face the Carolina Panthers in their next game, which will take place on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

Key Statistics of Younghoe Koo’s Career with the Falcons

• Total Points Scored: 700
• Field Goals Attempted: 205
• Field Goals Made: 178
• Success Rate: 86.8%
• Longest Field Goal: 58 yards
• Best Season: 2020 – 37 field goals made, 94.9% success rate

Parker Romo’s Performance Snapshot

• Week 2 Performance: 5 field goals made out of 5 attempts
• Longest Field Goal: 54 yards

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Atlanta Falcons Secure First Victory Against Vikings
Parker Romo Shines in Atlanta Falcons Debut
Falcons Defeat Vikings with Strong Defense and Kicking Performance
Falcons Overwhelm Vikings in Sunday Night Football Showdown
Atlanta Falcons Face Minnesota Vikings in Primetime Showdown
Falcons Announce Inactive Players for Matchup Against Vikings
Falcons Adjust Roster Ahead of Vikings Matchup
Injury Challenges Loom for Falcons and Vikings Ahead of Matchup
Falcons Face Vikings in Prime Time Showdown

Additional Resources

• Atlanta Falcons Release Younghoe Koo
• SI: Falcons Name Starting Kicker for Week 3
• WSBTV: Falcons Cut Kicker Younghoe Koo
• AJC: Falcons Release Kicker Younghoe Koo
• Google Search: Parker Romo Atlanta Falcons

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.