New Falcons kicker admits he didn't know teammate’s name during live postgame interview

John Parker Romo, the Atlanta Falcons' recently promoted kicker, acknowledged on live television that he did not know the name of a teammate during a postgame interview after going 5-for-5 in Sunday's 22-6 win over the Minnesota Vikings.

Romo, 28, who was added to Atlanta's 53-man roster on Saturday after joining the practice squad last week, started in place of struggling kicker Younghoe Koo and connected on a 54-yard field goal among his five successful kicks. During an on-field interview with NBC's Melissa Stark, Romo correctly identified running back Bijan Robinson but hesitated when asked to name the linebacker standing beside him.

"I know Bijan," Romo said, prompting laughter from the group when Stark helped identify the other player as Leonard Floyd. Stark then urged Romo to shake hands with Floyd, who also laughed at the exchange. The moment drew quick attention on social media, where fans called the interaction relatable and celebrated Romo's composure after a near-flawless debut for the Falcons.

Romo, a Georgia native, has been a journeyman in professional football. He went undrafted in 2022 after graduating from Virginia Tech with an economics degree and signed with the New Orleans Saints' practice squad. Over the ensuing seasons he spent time on several NFL practice squads and played for the San Antonio Brahmas of the USFL before getting regular-season snaps with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. In four games with Minnesota, Romo went 11-for-12 on field-goal attempts, including a 55-yarder.

After the game in Minneapolis, Romo thanked his former team and discussed his sudden return to active duty. "I'm truly grateful for the Minnesota Vikings taking me in last year," he told Stark after being named Player of the Game. The Falcons acquired him this week amid concerns about Koo's performances, and Romo's perfect outing on Sunday gave Atlanta a reliable option while the team evaluates its kicking situation.

The exchange with Floyd was a light moment in a largely positive night for the Falcons, who improved their record with a defense-led effort and field-goal production that accounted for the bulk of the scoring. Romo's 54-yard field goal stood as one of the game's longest and underscored his leg strength and range, traits the Falcons will monitor as the season continues.

Romo's path to an NFL roster spot underscores the transient nature of the kicker position, where players often move between practice squads and short-term opportunities. His performance against the Vikings will likely earn him further looks as Atlanta weighs its options at the position, while the brief on-field name mix-up became a viral, humanizing moment after a standout personal performance.