When you think of NFL’s most high-pressure moments, a quarterback’s deep throw or a receiver’s tough catch might come to mind. But according to Steve Young, those moments compare nothing to what some other NFL team players go through. The Hall of Famer shared his take on the diverse NFL roles and compared them to other sports in a way that no one saw coming. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the NFL accuracy but the mental toll as well that comes with their roles. So, think well and think hard!!

During his appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, Steve Young compared the NFL kickers to the Olympic gymnasts in a surprising manner. He didn’t hold back when talking about just how much pressure NFL kickers face. “Being a kicker is like Olympic gymnastics,” he said. “Run down the runway, flip, land, and… oh, you took a step? Sorry, go home. That’s 10 years of preparation for one moment.” And just like that, the HOFer perfectly summed up the stakes for kickers – nail the game-winning field goal, and you’re a hero; miss, and suddenly, you’re the team villain.

Young also highlighted that everyone expects these kickers to casually sink 50-yard field goals like it’s no big deal. It’s like, “Oh yeah, they’ll make that,” he remarked. But for the NFL kickers, it’s not just about the physical challenge – it’s the mental toll that accounts for. They have to hold their nerves while 80,000 fans scream, the field is wet, and there is a crucial game on the line.

During the Patrick Show, the host also questioned Steve about the kickers being real football players. To this, the Hall of Fame member replied, “Of course, they are football players. In fact, the best ones.” While a kicker might not be the most visible part of the team, Young made it clear they play a huge role in the League’s biggest moments.

Young’s comments make us wonder – are we underestimating the kickers and the insane amount of pressure they face?

Steve Young on pressure, precision, and pain: Iconic kicker moments

Steve unexpectedly compared NFL kickers to Olympic gymnasts, but could it be the perfect analogy? The mental toll, razor-thin margins and the ability to rise to the occasion, they all play a role. So, the next time an NFL kicker saves your team, maybe they deserve more than just a little credit.

Steve’s comments about kickers being under intense pressure clearly draws a comparison to some of the most iconic moments in the NFL history. Take Adam Vinatieri, for example. He didn’t just make field goals, he defined entire eras with them. Do you remember Super Bowl XXXVI? With the game on the line, Adam nailed a 48-yard field goal in a snowstorm to give the Patriots a win over the Rams. That wasn’t just a kick, it was a career-defining moment, proving that kickers can carry equal weight, if not more, compared to other players on the team.

And then there’s Justin Tucker, a name popular with clutch kicks. His 66-yard field goal against the Detroit Lions in 2021 was a game changer, not only because it broke record but also because it showed how a kicker’s role has evolved into accuracy over the years. There are many more names that won’t be forgotten, even for their missed attempts, such as Cody Parkey. Cody missed a 43-yard attempt in the 2018 playoffs against the Eagles. One miss and the whole season unravels.

No wonder Steve Young compared their roles to gymnasts. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with every performance being tightly analyzed under the lens. An NFL kicker’s moment of victory or defeat can change the course of a season. It’s a tough job, but it’s one that defines legacies.