Zane Gonzalez Biography: The Inspiring Journey of Zane Gonzalez: From College Star to NFL Kicking Sensation
Holden Fortunato “Zane” Gonzalez (born May 7, 1995) is an American professional football placekicker for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils, finishing as the NCAA Division I leader in field goals made at the time prior to being selected by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL draft. He was a unanimous All-American and won the Lou Groza Award in 2016.
Zane Gonzalez College Career
Zane Gonzalez joined Arizona State University (ASU) on March 28, 2013, and played for the Sun Devils from 2013 to 2016.
- Freshman Year (2013): Gonzalez played in every game, making 25 of 30 field goals (83.3%) and converting all 63 extra point attempts. He set an ASU freshman record with a streak of 18 consecutive field goals and was awarded First Team All-Pac-12 honors. Gonzalez broke the ASU record for points by a kicker with 138 and tied the NCAA record for most field goals by a freshman.
- Sophomore Year (2014): Gonzalez continued to impress, making 22 of 27 field goals (81.5%) and going 50–52 on extra points. He received Second-Team All-Pac-12 honors and matched his career-high with four field goals against Stanford. He kicked the game-winning field goal in overtime against Utah and earned Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week.
- Junior Year (2015): Gonzalez scored on 26 of 34 field goals (76.5%) and converted all 52 extra point attempts. He set a Pac-12 record with six field goals in a game against California and became ASU’s all-time scoring leader.
- Senior Year (2016): Gonzalez had his best season, making 23 of 25 field goals (92.0%) and missing only one of 40 extra-point attempts. He became the first Sun Devil to kick multiple 50-yarders in a game and broke the Pac-12 record for career points. He was named Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week four times and received the Lou Groza Award and unanimous All-American honors.
In the 2017 Senior Bowl, Gonzalez tied a record by kicking three field goals.
Zane Gonzalez Professional Career
Pre-draft Measurables
- Height: 6 ft 0+1⁄2 in (1.84 m)
- Weight: 202 lb (92 kg)
- Arm Length: 29+1⁄2 in (0.75 m)
- Hand Span: 9 in (0.23 m)
Cleveland Browns
- 2017 Season: Selected by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Gonzalez signed a four-year contract. He earned the starting kicker position and made 25 of 26 extra points and 15 of 20 field goals in his rookie season.
- 2018 Season: After a rough start, missing critical kicks in the first two games, Gonzalez was waived by the Browns.
Arizona Cardinals
2018 Season: Signed to the Arizona Cardinals practice squad and promoted to the active roster, Gonzalez made key field goals to secure a win against the Green Bay Packers.
2020 Season: Re-signed with the Cardinals but placed on injured reserve in December. He was released in March 2021.
Detroit Lions
- 2021 Season: Briefly signed with the Detroit Lions but was waived and re-signed to the practice squad.
Carolina Panthers
- 2021 Season: Signed by the Panthers, Gonzalez earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week twice. His season ended with a quad injury.
- 2022 Season: Re-signed with the Panthers but missed the season due to injury.
San Francisco 49ers
- 2023 Season: Traded to the 49ers but was placed on injured reserve and later released.
Washington Commanders
- 2024 Season: Signed with the Commanders’ practice squad and promoted to the active roster. In his first playoff appearance, Gonzalez kicked a game-winning field goal, securing the team’s first playoff win since 2005.
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