The past week unfolded as a dizzying experience for Atlanta Falcons’ new kicker, Parker Romo. Beginning the week without a team on Monday, Romo secured a contract with the Falcons on Tuesday. Saturday brought the news that he would take on the role of the team’s primary kicker in Week 2. And on Sunday, he successfully converted five field goals, contributing significantly to the Falcons’ victory.
Considering the whirlwind nature of the week, Romo had limited opportunities to familiarize himself with his new teammates. However, this changed subsequent to Sunday’s game, when Romo was formally introduced to teammate Leonard Floyd during a live television broadcast.
The introduction occurred on the “Sunday Night Football” program. Romo was among the Falcons players selected to engage with Melissa Stark following their 22-6 triumph. Concluding the interview, Stark inquired, “I understand you’re still acquainting yourself with your teammates’ names. You do know their names, correct?” Stark was alluding to Floyd and Falcons running back Bijan Robinson.
Romo responded, “I know Bijan,” which elicited laughter from those present on the broadcast. Subsequently, Stark facilitated an introduction between Floyd and Romo, who exchanged a handshake and greetings of “nice to meet you” while on the field.
This encounter perfectly exemplified Romo’s week. The scarcity of time to connect with teammates was understandable, considering the multitude of other essential tasks he needed to address to prepare for his return to the field.
Romo, aged 28, possessed prior NFL experience before Sunday’s game, although limited. In 2024, he participated in four games with the Minnesota Vikings, successfully converting 11 out of 12 field goal attempts and 7 out of 8 extra point attempts during that period. Upon the return of regular Vikings kicker Will Reichard from injury, Romo was released.
Subsequently, he was acquired by the New England Patriots but did not participate in any games for the remainder of 2024. Romo competed with Patriots kicker Andres Borregales for the starting position during training camp this year but was unsuccessful. The Patriots released Romo in August.
Following Younghoe Koo’s last-second miss in Week 1, the Falcons made the decision to sign Romo preceding the team’s Week 2 contest against the Vikings. Romo rewarded the team’s faith in him with five field goals and one extra point in his debut game. This performance has likely secured his starting position for the immediate future … and possibly earned him consideration for the special teams player of the week honor.
This outcome is a commendable conclusion to an otherwise frenetic week for Romo. Ideally, Week 3 will bring greater stability for the kicker, enabling him to finally become acquainted with the rest of the team.
Considering his impressive performance in Week 2, Romo should already be establishing a recognizable presence within the locker room.
