How a college star became a rare high-round NFL draft pick
In short: In the NFL, kickers are rarely selected in the early rounds. Yet, Jake Moody broke this trend, transitioning from a record-breaking collegiate scorer at Michigan to a high-stakes professional. His journey from a scholarship-less recruit to a Super Bowl performer highlights the volatile nature of professional football.
Jake Moody's rise began at the University of Michigan, where he became a prolific scorer. After committing in February 2018, he initially joined without a scholarship but secured one by June 2018. His collegiate career was defined by record-breaking performances, including setting a Wolverines single-game record with six field goals against Indiana as a true freshman. By the end of his career, he became Michigan's all-time leading scorer with 355 points, surpassing the previous record of 354 held by Garrett Rivas.
His dominance earned him the 2021 Lou Groza Award and the Bakken–Andersen Big Ten Kicker of the Year title. This success translated to the NFL draft, where the San Francisco 49ers selected him in the third round (99th overall) in 2023. He was only the fifth kicker selected in the first three rounds since 2000, and the second kicker to be taken in the top 100 in the last 15 drafts, alongside Roberto Aguayo in 2016.
Moody's professional career has been a rollercoaster of elite precision and sudden struggle. During his rookie season, he set a franchise record for the longest successful field goal by a rookie with a 57-yard kick. He also set a Super Bowl record for the longest field goal made by a rookie with a 55-yarder during Super Bowl LVIII. However, his subsequent seasons saw significant volatility, including being waived by the 49ers, joining the Chicago Bears' practice squad in September 2025, and eventually signing with the Washington Commanders in November 2025.
The unpredictability of the position is evident in his recent trajectory. After a stint with the Bears, he signed a $1.5 million contract with the Commanders in March 2026, only to be released in August 2026. By August 31, 2026, he had moved to the Baltimore Ravens practice squad, illustrating the precarious nature of professional specialists.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Jake Moody
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