Washington Commanders kicker Zane Gonzalez has shed light on his pre-kick routine, revealing that it's tied to his obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Gonzalez's actions, which involve adjusting his hair, socks, and helmet, were prominently featured during the Commanders' thrilling 23-20 Wild Card victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The game-winning 37-yard field goal propelled Washington to the divisional round against the Detroit Lions, but it also brought attention to Gonzalez's ritualistic behavior.
While some might attribute the routine to superstition, Gonzalez clarified its connection to his OCD diagnosis, which he received as a child. In an interview with The Washington Post, he acknowledged the noticeable nature of his actions, stating, "It’s who I am, and it’s what I go through... I, above everybody else, realize how crazy it looks doing it. I’m aware. But at the same time, you can’t help it." He also mentioned that his pre-kick routine sometimes bothers his family more than it affects him personally.
This isn't the first time Gonzalez has publicly discussed his OCD. In a 2017 interview with ESPN, he described how the disorder influences his personality, making him a "perfectionist" and "more detail-oriented." He has developed strategies to manage the impact of OCD on his daily life, extending these practices to his game-day preparations. Gonzalez explained that he tries to keep his routine "under-the-radar" but acknowledges the necessity of his mental preparation process, concluding that adjusting his helmet is "literally the last thing I do."
After being absent from the NFL in 2022 and 2023, Gonzalez joined the Commanders' practice squad in November 2024 and was subsequently promoted to the active roster. He maintained a solid performance throughout the season, successfully converting 5 out of 7 field goal attempts and achieving a 100% success rate on extra point attempts.
