The young kicker opens up about his struggles after a challenging game against the Detroit Lions.

A Night to Forget in Santa Clara

On a pivotal “Monday Night Football” matchup, the San Francisco 49ers fell short against the Detroit Lions in a high-scoring thriller, losing 40-34. The defeat pushed the 49ers to a 6-10 record, overshadowing moments of promise with a series of missteps. Among those struggling was kicker Jake Moody, whose performance reflected a tough night for the team.

Moody, who missed two field goals and an extra point, did not shy away from his responsibility. “Definitely, probably one of the lowest times in my career dating back to when I first started football,” he admitted after the ga

The Game That Slipped Away

The 49ers had an early advantage, heading into halftime with a 21-13 lead. However, the Lions surged back with a dominant second half, scoring 27 points to seal their victory. While quarterback Brock Purdy’s two interceptions put the 49ers on the back foot, Moody’s missed kicks became a focal point in the post-game analysis.

Despite his struggles, Moody’s missed field goals—attempted from 51 and 58 yards—were ambitious long-range tries. Still, the weight of those misses, combined with a rare failed extra point, added to the pressure on the young kicker.

A Personal Admission

Facing the media after the game, Moody didn’t hold back. “Confidence, you know, gotta keep it high. You got no other choice as a kicker,” he said. “You gotta keep staying confident in yourself, otherwise, you got nothing.”

These words, though honest, underscored the emotional toll the game had taken on him. At halftime, tight end George Kittle was seen talking to Moody on the sidelines, offering encouragement in what was clearly a difficult moment.

Fans and the Road Ahead

Moody’s struggles have become a recurring narrative this season. Entering the game, he had converted just 23 of his 30 field goal attempts. His performance on Monday reignited criticism, with some fans taking to social media to question his place on the team for the 2025 season.

Despite the challenges, Moody’s track record remains impressive. During his college career at Michigan, he achieved a stellar 69-for-84 mark on field goals and was perfect on 148 extra-point attempts. He also made NFL history with a record-breaking 55-yard field goal in the Super Bowl just last year.

Turning Rock Bottom into Redemption

For Jake Moody, Monday’s game may represent a low point, but it is not the end of his journey. “Rock bottom,” as it’s often called, can be the foundation for a comeback. Moody has proven his talent in high-pressure situations before, and with the support of his team and the resilience he’s shown in his career, the young kicker has the tools to rise again.

The road ahead for the 49ers and Moody is challenging, but football is a game of perseverance, and Monday’s loss may just be the turning point Moody needs to find his stride once more.