Robbie Gould, an American football placekicker, is best known for his tenure in the National Football League (NFL) with the Chicago Bears and the San Francisco 49ers. Born on December 6, 1982, in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, Gould attended Central Mountain High School, where he excelled in multiple sports, including football and soccer. His athletic prowess earned him a scholarship to Penn State University, where he played college football for the Nittany Lions.
Gould entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2005, initially signing with the New England Patriots. However, he was released before the start of the regular season. Shortly thereafter, the Baltimore Ravens picked him up, but he was again released before playing in any regular-season games. His break came when the Chicago Bears signed him in October 2005, following an injury to their starting kicker.
During his time with the Bears, Gould quickly established himself as a reliable kicker. In his rookie season, he converted 21 of 27 field goal attempts. His performance improved significantly in 2006, when he made 32 of 36 field goals, earning him a Pro Bowl selection and a spot on the First-team All-Pro. That year, Gould played a crucial role in helping the Bears reach Super Bowl XLI, although they ultimately lost to the Indianapolis Colts.
Gould continued to be a consistent performer for the Bears over the next several seasons. He became the franchise's all-time leading scorer, surpassing Kevin Butler's record. Known for his accuracy and composure under pressure, Gould was often relied upon in critical game situations. His tenure with the Bears lasted until 2015, when he was released as part of a roster overhaul.
In 2016, Gould signed with the New York Giants, where he played for a single season. Despite the brief stint, he maintained his reputation for accuracy, converting all 10 of his field goal attempts. The following year, he joined the San Francisco 49ers, where he continued to excel. In his first season with the 49ers, Gould led the NFL in field goals made, with 39 successful attempts out of 41.
Gould's consistency remained a hallmark of his career in San Francisco. In 2018, he was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for December, and he finished the season with a career-high field goal percentage of 97.1%. His performance earned him a four-year contract extension with the 49ers in 2019.
Throughout his career, Gould was known for his work ethic and precision. He became one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, consistently ranking among the top in field goal percentage. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations made him a valuable asset to his teams.
Gould's career spanned over a decade and a half, during which he played in numerous playoff games and was a part of several memorable moments.
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