The Atlanta Falcons lost in 2025 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, and New York Jets - a hindsight result of missed field goals. Want to make the playoffs for the first time since 2017? That’s the difference.
Among all the remaining questions for NFL teams, specifically the Falcons, at this point in the NFL preseason, one answer doesn’t need much discussion: the Falcons have gotten a massive upgrade in the kicker department from mega-veteran Nick Folk, which they continue to be reminded of.
Once a fan favorite from 2019-2025 and a Georgia Southern alum, Younghoe Koo lost his employment as a result of the missed game-winner against the Buccaneers in Week 1, a dark omen of what was to come for the Falcons the remainder of the year. Parker Romo was also relieved of his duties midseason, and like Koo, is currently unemployed. Last of the three rostered kickers in 2025, Zane Gonzalez won some fan fair down the stretch, but familiar connections with the new staff and Folk were enough to send Gonzalez to Miami.
Nick Folk is the most impactful of the Falcons' new additions
The Pro Bowler has made 431-of-507 field goal attempts (85.0 avg.) and 533-of-550 extra point attempts (96.9 avg.). Folk is 12th all-time for NFL field goals, the highest among active NFL players.
Strictly his two Falcons preseason appearances? Perfect on extra points and he drilled field goals from 50 and 51 yards in the win over the Colts. Folk gets it honestly, now entering his second decade of NFL seasons, having a brother who played soccer at UCLA and professionally for the LA Galaxy, and another brother who was a placekicker at the University of Washington.
19 NFL seasons will teach you a few things. 19 seasons will boast a certain amount of proven consistency and stones. the 41-year-old loves what he does. “Always excited,” Folk said. “I tell everyone there’s nothing like playing on Sundays, being in front of your people, your fans.”
As far as familiarity and selling points to keep playing in Atlanta, Falcons Special Teams Coordinator Craig Aukerman previously coached Folk with the Tennessee Titans from 2023 to 2024.
The most recent example of real-time gameplay where the results matter? A 28/29 FGM/FGA (96.55%) season with the Jets last season and a long of 58 yards is a whirlwind of “wish we had that in town last year.” Stability in the kicking game, and he's kicking indoors for the first time since 2009.
Remember that Jets game mentioned earlier? Thanks to Folk for hitting a 56-yard field goal as time expired to squash any playoff hopes for the 2025 Falcons.
NICK FOLK GAME-WINNING 56-YARD FIELD GOAL @nyjets pic.twitter.com/b6RHw7q1ka
— NFL (@NFL) November 30, 2025
A larger recent sample size, three consecutive years of 96.6%, 95.4%, and 96.7%: the best span of his career. Here’s to hoping for sustained success for Folk. An old dog can learn new tricks.
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