The New York Giants have parted ways with kicker Younghoe Koo, a move that comes just weeks after his disastrous mistake in a prime-time game. The team confirmed the waiver on Tuesday, ending Koo's brief and ultimately infamous tenure with the franchise.
A Costly Mistake on Monday Night
The decision follows a calamitous error during a Monday Night Football clash with the New England Patriots earlier this month. With the Giants trailing 17-7 in the second quarter, Koo lined up for a 47-yard field goal attempt. In a moment that quickly went viral, the 31-year-old's foot struck the turf approximately half a yard before making contact with the ball, causing a complete whiff.
Koo stumbled forward as Patriots special teams players swarmed the holder, Jamie Gillan. The failed attempt was a pivotal moment in what became a 33-15 defeat for New York. This proved to be Koo's fourth, and penultimate, appearance for the Giants.
A Pro Bowl Kicker's Swift Exit
Younghoe Koo, a Pro Bowl selection in 2020 and considered one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, joined the Giants in September. His career had previously included stints with the Los Angeles Chargers, New England Patriots, and Atlanta Falcons.
His statistics with New York were a mixed bag. He departs having made four of his six field goal attempts and 11 of 12 extra-point tries. However, his legacy in New York will be overwhelmingly defined by that single botched kick against the Patriots.
Ongoing Kicking Troubles for the Giants
Koo's release is the latest chapter in the Giants' recent struggles with the kicker position. It comes less than two months after the team waived another kicker, Jude McAtamney.
McAtamney was let go after missing two crucial extra points in a crushing late-season loss to the Denver Broncos. His second miss, after a touchdown that put the Giants ahead 32-30 with just 37 seconds remaining, left the door open for Denver to drive into field goal range and kick a game-winner.
The Giants now face renewed questions about stability in their special teams unit as Koo enters the waiver wire. Other NFL teams have until 16:00 on Wednesday to claim him.
