Zane Gonzalez was caught on television during his pre-kick routine during last weekend's wild-card win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he spoke about his relationship with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Gonzalez, who is in his first season with the Washington Commanders, was seen alternating between doing his hair, adjusting his socks and putting his helmet on and off his head.
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Zane Gonzalez of the Washington Commanders celebrates after defeating the Buccaneers in the NFC Wild Card Game on January 12, 2025 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Mike Ehrman/Getty Images)
Immediately after Gonzalez completed the ceremony, he made a 37-yard field goal to lead the Commanders to a 23-20 victory over the Bucs. Washington will travel to Detroit to face the top-seeded Lions in the regional round.
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There was some speculation that Gonzalez's behavior was simply part of sports superstition, but Kicker said it was actually due to his OCD.
“If anything, it's more upsetting for my wife and family than it is for me,” Gonzalez said. washington post.
Washington Commanders placekicker Zane Gonzalez (right) is congratulated by his teammates after kicking the winning field goal against the Buccaneers on Sunday, January 12, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
“I'm used to it. … Everyone who knows me, everyone who's seen me kick, they've seen me kick a million times. To be on such a big stage on Sunday night. , being the winner of the match gets you a little more attention, I'm like, “That's me, that's what I'm going through, and I know how crazy it looks, but , at the same time, it can't be helped. ”
Gonzalez was diagnosed with the disorder as a child and this is not the first time she has spoken publicly about her condition. In 2017, he told ESPN, “When you have OCD, you become a perfectionist and you become more detail-oriented. Off the field, it's a pain.”
The former Arizona State kicker said he practiced ways to counter some of the effects his disability had on his daily life and applied those practices to preparing for game day.
Zane Gonzalez of the Washington Commanders kicks a 52-yard field goal against the Buccaneers on January 12, 2025 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
“There are some things I'm trying to do to be as low-profile as possible. Just figure it out, get it done, and do whatever it takes when I'm mentally ready to go on the field,” he said. “Putting on a helmet is literally the last thing I do.”
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Gonzalez did not kick in the NFL in 2022 or 2023, but was signed to Washington's practice squad in November 2024 and then promoted to the active roster. He made 5 of 7 field goals this season and 100 percent of his extra point attempts.
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