Since 2019, the Atlanta Falcons have had one of the best kickers in the NFL, Younghoe Koo. In six seasons with the Falcons, Koo has made 87.1% of his field goals and 95.9% of his extra points. The 30-year-old was even selected to the Pro Bowl in 2020.
That said, Koo is coming off a down season. In 2024, Koo hit just 73.5% of his field goal attempts. Besides his one season in Los Angeles with the Chargers, last season was Koo's worst performance. As a result, Atlanta brought in some competition for Koo on Thursday.
According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the Falcons have signed International Pathway's kicker Lenny Krieg. Krieg is a German-born player who had visits scheduled with other teams but decided to forgo those and sign in Atlanta.
The #Falcons have agreed to terms with German-born K Lenny Krieg, sources say. One day after he kicked at the NFL’s International Player Pathway program pro day, Krieg visited Atlanta. He had trips to other teams scheduled but signs with the first team that hosted him. pic.twitter.com/ufU4M73qZ4
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 27, 2025
Falcons Sign International Pathway's Kicker Lenny Krieg
The NFL relaunched the International Player Pathway Program in 2016 to help reintroduce players who weren't born in America back into the NFL. One of the most notable names that have taken part in this program is Philadelphia Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata, who, since being drafted in 2017, has become one of the league's better tackles.
Despite Mailata being one of the only success stories from the program, other foreign-born special teamers have come into the league and looked good. For instance, Chicago Bears punter Tory Taylor, who was born in Australia, had a pretty good rookie season in 2024.
While Taylor played college football at the University of Iowa, his Australian roots make him a notable international player.
Krieg was a soccer player before watching YouTube and Instagram videos to learn how to kick an American football. He also kicked Stuttgart Surge in 2023 and 2024 prior to joining the NFL's International Player Pathway program.
Nonetheless, it will be an uphill battle for Krieg to make the roster in 2025. If he does, though, maybe he could be the next international success story.