FLOWERY BRANCH — Kicker Younghoe Koo, released by the Falcons on Friday, bid farewell to fans on social media.

“I want to thank the Falcons organization for giving me an opportunity when no one else would six years ago,” Koo wrote on Instagram under his “kooyounghoe” account. “This place helped me grow as a kicker and as a man. I will forever be grateful for the support from the fans during my time here.”

Koo played at Georgia Southern and was popular with the fans. Things started to sour after he missed nine field goals last season.

“I have nothing but love and respect for everyone in the building,” Koo wrote. “I wish (y’all) the best. I’m full of gratitude and excitement as I continue my journey in this league.”

Koo, who was a Pro Bowler in 2020, is looking to catch on with another NFL team.

Several teams, including Washington, Cleveland and San Francisco, have kicking issues.

After missing a 44-yard potential game-tying field goal in the final seconds of a 23-20 loss to the Bucs on Sept. 7, the Falcons brought in six kickers to compete for Koo’s job Sept. 9.

Parker Romo, a Peachtree City native who played at McIntosh High, won the competition and made 5 of 5 field goals in a 22-6 win over Minnesota on Sunday.

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Younghoe Koo missed a career-high nine kicks in 2024 and was benched after missing a game-tying 44-yard field goal in this season's opening loss to the Buccaneers. The Falcons released him on Friday and named Parker Romo his replacement after a successful start at Minnesota on Sunday. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

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Credit: U.S. Army