(Video) Jake Moody, Who Was Waived by 49ers, Wins It for Bears on Chicago Debut

Jake Moody went from a elite prospect as a place kicker to finding himself on the Chicago Bears' practice squad.

(Video) Jake Moody, Who Was Waived by 49ers, Wins It for Bears on Chicago Debut

Jake Moody kicking for the Bears (Image via Complex Sports/X)

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Jake Moody was a standout kicker in college, which led the San Francisco 49ers to spend a third round pick on him back in 2023. That stint with his first team lasted a little over two seasons.

His performances had declined in his second season with the 49ers. But when he went 1/3 in their season-opener against the Seattle Seahawks, head coach Kyle Shanahan was visibly frustrated. Two days later, they released him.

Three days later, the Chicago Bears decided to sign him to their practice squad. This decision was not accepted well among Bears fans as they felt the franchise was settling for mediocre players.

After starting kicker Cairo Santos suffered a thigh injury, he was ruled out for their Week 6 clash against the Washington Commanders. This paved the way for Moody to make his debut.

The 25-year-old must be thanking his stars for this opportunity, as he was called on 6 times to score points for them. One of them was an extra point, which he duly converted.

Other than that, he converted 4 out of his 5 field goal opportunities. That means Jake Moody alone scored 13 points out of the Bears’ 25. The last of those field goals was the most nerve-wracking one.

With just .3 seconds to convert his attempt, he knew he will not get another chance. He stepped back, and drove the ball slightly sideways to the left.

But it had enough spin to curl back straight between the uprights. That field goal helped them triumph over the Commanders 25-24. He single-handedly helped them win this game.

Jake Moody happy to get fresh start with Bears

As soon as Jake Moody kicked the game-winning field goal, the entire Chicago Bears roster surrounded him, and lifted him up to let him know what he had done for the team.

For someone who was let go, and then hired, waited for his chance, and then to lead the team to victory, all in the space of a little over a month was surreal. When ESPN’s Lisa Salters asked the kicker about his journey, he replied:

It’s always good to have a fresh start. I’ve always believed in myself and believed in my teammates.

Jake Moody replied

The Michigan native was ecstatic that his teammates have embraced him since he came in after his stint in San Francisco. The soft-spoken placekicker then expressed gratitude for this opportunity and was glad to get a chance to prove his worth.

Moody might return to the practice squad if starting kicker Cairo Santos returns healthy over the course of the week. They do play the New Orleans Saints on Week 7 Sunday. If Santos does not get out of the injury list, his replacement will get another chance to shine.

Caleb Williams did not know Jake Moody until he arrived in Chicago

Jake Moody was activated only after Cairo Santos was officially ruled out. Until then, he was stuck on the practice squad, awaiting a chance to earn another contract.

Caleb Williams did not know who Jake Moody was
Caleb Williams did not know who Jake Moody was (Image via Dave FBR/X)

Before he arrived in Chicago, star quarterback Caleb Williams still had no clue who the newest kicker to sign with the team was. That is what he revealed to ESPN’s Laura Rutledge after the game:

I really didn’t know who he was when he joined the team. And then I saw him kick a 65-yarder in practice… I know he’s had some tough times recently… Proud of him. Happy for him.

Caleb Williams said

Williams was happy the Bears won this game to move to 3-2 in this season. He admitted there were some mistakes on offense, but thanked the defense and the special teams for doing their part.

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