Robbie Gould, the former San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears kicker, recently announced his retirement from the NFL after 18 years in the league. In a heartfelt article written for The Players’ Tribune, Gould expressed his gratitude for the sport that has been a significant part of his life. Throughout his career, Gould has achieved remarkable success, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered by fans and fellow players alike.
Gould, ranked 10th in league history in points scored and 8th in field goals made, has been one of the most consistent kickers in the NFL. His impressive 86.4% career success rate on field goal attempts places him in the ninth position on the all-time list. Demonstrating his skills and reliability, Gould made a significant impact on the teams he played for.
When Coach Kyle Shanahan and General Manager John Lynch took over the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, Gould was one of their first free agent signings. The decision to join the team was an easy one for Gould, as he saw the potential of the organization and the opportunity to play under the guidance of Shanahan, whom he regarded as one of the best coaches in the business. Despite the 49ers’ challenging record at the time, Gould saw the long-term perspective of what the team could become, and it motivated him to be a part of their culture.
Gould’s excellence extended beyond the regular season, as he consistently performed under pressure in the playoffs. Throughout his career, he maintained a perfect record of never missing a kick in the playoffs. One of his most memorable moments came in the January 2022 playoff game against the Green Bay Packers. With only four seconds left on the clock, Gould kicked a 45-yard field goal, securing the victory and propelling the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game. This kick not only showcased Gould’s skill and composure but also allowed him to contribute to the historic Bears-Packers rivalry, delighting fans and making Chicago proud.
Before his tenure with the 49ers, Gould spent a decade with the Chicago Bears, where he became the team’s all-time leading scorer. He expressed his deep affection for the city and the organization, highlighting the memories and deep playoff runs they shared. The McCaskey family, who owned the Bears, provided Gould with an opportunity to live out his childhood dream, an experience he cherished. Furthermore, Chicago became his home, where he met his wife and raised his three children. Now, with retirement on the horizon, Gould is excited to shift his focus to his family and be fully present in their lives.
As Gould embarks on the next stage of his life, he looks forward to being more present with his family. After dedicating nearly two decades to his football career, he recognizes the need to prioritize his loved ones and be there for them. With his oldest child already 10 years old, Gould is ready to seize this opportunity to be fully engaged in his family’s lives and create lasting memories. The decision to retire allows him to shift his attention to other aspects of life that hold significant meaning for him outside of football.
Robbie Gould’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable career, filled with numerous achievements and unforgettable moments. His skill, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure have left a lasting impact on the teams he played for and the league as a whole. As he enters the next chapter of his life, Gould’s focus will shift from football to his family, cherishing the time he missed while pursuing his passion. The retirement of Robbie Gould serves as a reminder that success on the field is only one aspect of a fulfilling life, and prioritizing what truly matters can bring immense joy and fulfillment.
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