Jake Moody isn’t just another NFL kickerhe-‘s a Michigan legend with ice in his veins, a leg like a cannon, and a story of resilience that’s straight out of a Hollywood script. Born on November 23, 1999, in Commerce, Michigan, this 6’1″, 210-pound powerhouse has shattered records from Ann Arbor to the Super Bowl, only to face a shocking mid-season cut before rising as the Chicago Bears’ walk-off hero in 2025. If you’re wondering, “Who is Jake Moody, and why should I care?”-buckle up. His journey from “Money Moody” the college phenom to NFL comeback king is packed with clutch moments that could redefine his career.
From Frozen Fields to Michigan Stardom: Building a Legend
Moody’s story starts in Northville, Michigan, where high school stardom in football and baseball foreshadowed his pro potential. He committed to the University of Michigan in 2018 without a scholarship but quickly earned one—and a starting spot. As a true freshman, he exploded onto the scene with six field goals in a single game against Indiana, setting a Wolverines record and scoring 19 points in a 31-20 upset win.
His senior year in 2021 was pure magic: 22-of-24 field goals (91.7%), a perfect 56-of-56 on extra points, and a team-leading 122 points. That included a dagger against Nebraska and the Lou Groza Award-Michigan’s first ever-as the nation’s top kicker. Moody earned All-American honors twice, cementing his status as a “Michigan legend.”
Returning for a COVID-extended fifth year in 2022, Moody shattered more records: 29 field goals (school record), 147 points (topping Desmond Howard’s mark), and a 59-yard bomb against TCU that rewrote Michigan’s history books. He finished with 355 career points-the all-time Wolverines scoring record-and 69 field goals made. In the Fiesta Bowl CFP semifinal, his kicks helped Michigan crush TCU 51-31 en route to a national title run. Fans still chant his name in Ann Arbor for those ice-cold game-winners, like the 34-yarder vs. Illinois with nine seconds left.
Alt: Jake Moody Michigan Wolverines record 59-yard field goal
What sets Moody apart? His kicking style is a masterclass in consistency. He uses a straight-on approach with a fluid follow-through, generating whip-like power for 50+ yarders while maintaining pinpoint accuracy inside 40. His mental game-visualizing success amid chaos-earned praise from coach Jim Harbaugh: “You don’t see a freshman kicker just come in and be good… Jake will thrive.”
Draft Day Glory: Third-Round Steal for the 49ers
The 2023 NFL Draft was Moody’s launchpad. Selected 99th overall by the San Francisco 49ers-only the second kicker in the top 100 since 2016-he joined an elite club of early-round specialists. Paired with Michigan punter Brad Robbins, they were the first such duo drafted together in 40 years. At the Combine, his 209-pound frame and 30⅞-inch arms screamed “prototype kicker.”
NFL Rookie Fireworks: Super Bowl Clutch and Records Galore
Moody hit the ground running in 2023. Week 1 vs. Pittsburgh: 3-for-3 on field goals and extra points-the first rookie to do so since Justin Tucker in 2012. Week 2 vs. the Rams: Another perfect day, capped by a 57-yard franchise-record rookie kick.
A Week 6 hiccup in Cleveland (two misses) tested him, but Moody rebounded with a 53-extra-point streak and 21-of-25 field goals (84%), earning PFWA All-Rookie honors. In the playoffs, he nailed game-winners in Divisional and NFC Championship wins, then in Super Bowl LVIII, drilled a 55-yard record FG-the longest in Super Bowl history at the time-despite a blocked PAT and OT miss in a heartbreaking 25-22 loss to Kansas City.
Alt: Jake Moody 55-yard field goal Super Bowl LVIII San Francisco 49ers
The 2024 Dip and Shocking 2025 Cut: Adversity Strikes
2024 brought challenges: A hot start (NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after six FGs vs. the Jets) was derailed by a high-ankle sprain in Week 5. He returned too soon, finishing 24-of-34 (70.6%), with long misses haunting a 40-34 Lions loss. Critics questioned high-draft kickers’ bust rate, but Moody’s calm was his anchor.
Week 1 of 2025 vs. Seattle was a low point: 1-for-3 FGs, including a blocked 36-yarder. Waived September 9, it seemed his 49ers story ended at 74.6% career FG accuracy.
Bears Redemption: Walk-Off Wizard in Week 6 Glory
Fate flipped fast. Signed to Chicago’s practice squad September 12, Moody got the call October 13 vs. Washington-Cairo Santos out with injury. In rainy, windy Soldier Field, he went 4-for-5 FGs (three 40+ yarders) and sealed a 25-24 thriller with a time-expiring kick. Bears record for debut FGs? His. From cut to hero in weeks-classic Moody resilience.
His unique quality: unflappable calm under pressure shone through. As one analyst noted, “His calm no matter the storm” turns chaos into cash. Nicknamed “Money Moody” by Harbaugh, he grew up kicking on frozen Michigan fields, turning brutal conditions into his superpower.
Jake Moody Stats: The Numbers Behind the Magic
Moody’s ledger tells a tale of growth amid grit. Here’s his career breakdown (regular season + postseason as of October 15, 2025):
| Season/Phase | Team | GP | FGM/FGA | FG% | Longest | XPM/XPA | XP% | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Reg | SF | 17 | 21/25 | 84.0 | 57 | 60/61 | 98.4 | 123 |
| 2023 Post | SF | 3 | 6/8 | 75.0 | 55 | 8/9 | 88.9 | 26 |
| 2024 Reg | SF | 14 | 24/34 | 70.6 | 53 | 32/33 | 97.0 | 104 |
| 2025 Reg | SF | 1 | 1/3 | 33.3 | 32 | 2/2 | 100 | 5 |
| 2025 Reg | CHI | 1 | 4/5 | 80.0 | 48 | 1/1 | 100 | 13 |
| Career Reg | – | 33 | 50/67 | 74.6 | 57 | 95/97 | 97.9 | 245 |
| Career Post | – | 3 | 6/8 | 75.0 | 55 | 8/9 | 88.9 | 26 |
Alt: Jake Moody NFL career stats infographic 2025
Also: 107 touchbacks on 162 KOs (62.9 avg.), two blocks.
Why Jake Moody’s Story Hooks Fans (And Boosts Your Clicks)
In an NFL full of drama, Moody’s arc-from Super Bowl heartbreak to Bears redemption-screams underdog triumph. His unique calm isn’t just a trait; it’s a blueprint for handling life’s curveballs, resonating with fans beyond football. As the 2025 season heats up, watch for Moody to challenge for Comeback Player nods. Will he lock down the Bears’ job? Stay tuned-this kicker’s leg (and legacy) is just warming up.
Share this if you’re team #MoneyMoody! What’s your favorite Moody moment? Drop it in the comments to keep the conversation (and clicks) rolling. For more NFL deep dives, subscribe and hit notifications-your feed deserves legends like Jake.
Backlinks
- NFL.com Jake Moody Profile – Anchor: “Jake Moody’s official NFL stats”
- Michigan Athletics: Jake Moody – Anchor: “Moody’s Michigan Wolverines career”
- Wikipedia: Jake Moody – Anchor: “Jake Moody biography”
- Yahoo Sports: Bears Debut – Anchor: “Moody’s epic Bears debut”
- ESPN Stats – Anchor: “Jake Moody career stats”
- Pro-Football-Reference – Anchor: “Detailed Jake Moody performance data”
Acknowledgments
This article draws on data from ESPN, Pro-Football-Reference, NFL.com, Michigan Athletics, and Yahoo Sports. Special thanks to the analysts and reporters covering Moody’s journey, including insights from Jim Harbaugh’s press conferences and NFL draft coverage.
Meta Description: Discover Jake Moody’s inspiring journey as a record-breaking Michigan kicker turned NFL star. From Lou Groza Award wins to a dramatic Bears debut walk-off FG, explore his stats, unique calm-under-pressure style, and why he’s poised for a breakout 2025 season. Perfect for NFL fans!
Keywords: Jake Moody, Jake Moody kicker, Michigan kicker Jake Moody, San Francisco 49ers kicker, Chicago Bears kicker, NFL kicker Jake Moody, Lou Groza Award winner, Jake Moody stats, Jake Moody career, Jake Moody Super Bowl, Jake Moody records, clutch kicker NFL, Michigan football legends
Hashtags: #JakeMoody #NFLKicker #BearsNation #MichiganFootball #LouGrozaAward #ClutchKicker #NFLComeback #49ers #WalkOffHero #FootballLegends
