Younghoe Koo

Player Information

Younghoe Koo is a South Korean–American professional football placekicker known for his onside kicks. He played college football at Georgia Southern and began his NFL career with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017. After playing in the Alliance of American Football, Koo returned to the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2020 as the league's leading scorer. He currently plays for the New York Giants.
Full Name :
Younghoe Koo
Birthdate :
3 August 1994
Birthplace :
Seoul, South Korea
Gender :
Male
Height (cm) :
175
Weight (kg) :
84
Nationality :
South Korean–American
Status :
Married
Partner :
Ava Maurer
Education :
Ridgewood High School (High School), Georgia Southern University (College)
Career Started :
2017
Notable Achievements :
Pro Bowl (2020), First-team All-Sun Belt (2016)
Awards :
Pro Bowl (Win Year 2020)
Current Team :
New York Giants
Previous Teams :
Los Angeles Chargers (From 2017, To 2017), Atlanta Legends (From 2019, To 2019), New England Patriots (From 2019, To 2019), Atlanta Falcons (From 2019, To 2025)
Active Status :
From - 2017, To - Present
Contract :
Contract Year 2022 to 2027, Salary $24.25 million USD

Biography

Younghoe Koo is a notable NFL player, overcoming language challenges after moving to New Jersey at age 11. He shifted from soccer to football, earning a scholarship at Georgia Southern University, where he became the primary FBS All-American from the school. His professional career began with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017, later joining the Atlanta Falcons. Koo’s impressive stats include a high field goal success rate and a Pro Bowl selection, indicating a promising future. There’s much more to uncover about his inspiring expedition.

Early Life

Younghoe Koo faced considerable challenges in his early life, particularly when he moved to New Jersey at the age of 11 and struggled to communicate in English.

To integrate into his new community, he actively participated in soccer, which not only helped him develop language skills but also nurtured a sense of belonging.

His athletic abilities eventually led him to shift from soccer to football, culminating in a scholarship to play at Georgia Southern University.

While at Georgia Southern, Koo made history by becoming the initial FBS All-American from the institution in 2016 and set a remarkable record for career field goal percentage, illustrating his perseverance and resolve throughout his expedition.

Family Life

Younghoe Koo’s family life is deeply rooted in the values of perseverance and hard work. He has a close-knit family that has played an essential role in his path, providing steadfast support as he pursued his dreams in football.

Koo is determined to be a role model for Asian-Americans, embodying the principles instilled in him by his parents, who emphasized the importance of dedication and resilience. His family’s encouragement has fueled his motivation in the NFL, and Koo often shares his experiences to inspire others facing challenges.

His commitment to family is also reflected in his active engagement with the community, highlighting the strong values imparted by his family.

Career

Younghoe Koo began his NFL career with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017 and joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2019.

Over his career, he has played in 92 games, converting 179 of 208 field goals, which gives him an impressive success rate of 86.1%.

Koo earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2020 and set a franchise record for the Falcons with 37 field goals in a single season.

His performance has been remarkably consistent, maintaining a field goal success rate above 86.5% until experiencing a dip to 73.5% in the 2024 season due to injury.

Net Worth

As of 2023, Younghoe Koo’s estimated net worth is around $2 million, primarily earned through his NFL contracts, endorsements, and merchandise sales.

Throughout his career, Koo’s top earnings from contracts include a three-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons worth $1.5 million, and he has drawn salaries of approximately $650,000 in 2020, $750,000 in 2021, $850,000 in 2022, and $1 million in 2023.

His performance and recognition in the NFL, including a Pro Bowl selection, have improved his marketability and potential for lucrative endorsements.

Furthermore, Koo’s merchandise sales, including apparel featuring his name and brand, contribute to his income stream beyond his salary as a player.

In addition, his path as a professional athlete has garnered attention, increasing his value as a role model and speaker, which can positively impact his financial standing.