Zane Gonzalez reveals shocking details about his intense pre-game rituals

Zane Gonzalez made the biggest kick of his career on Sunday night, sealing the Washington Commanders’ first playoff victory since 2005. But before he made the game-winning field goal, Gonzalez went through a unique and extensive routine that went viral during the game.

NBC cameras captured Gonzalez’s pre-kick procedure, which included fixing his sock and tapping his helmet. While these actions may have looked like superstitions or rituals, they are actually the result of Gonzalez’s obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It’s a routine he’s developed to help him mentally prepare for high-pressure situations, especially in a game as critical as Sunday night’s.

Zane Gonzalez Opens Up About His OCD

“I’m used to it,” Gonzalez said in an interview with Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. “Everybody that’s known or seen me kick has seen me do it millions of times. Being on such a big stage on Sunday night, a game-winner, it draws a little bit more attention, I’ve learned. It’s who I am, and it’s what I go through, and I, above everybody else, realize how crazy it looks doing it. I’m aware. But at the same time, you can’t help it.”

While many may see his actions as odd or unnecessary, Gonzalez explained that his routine isn’t about superstition; it’s about making sure he’s mentally ready. He’s aware of how the repetitive motions might appear to others, but it’s something that helps him focus and calm his nerves before kicking in high-stress situations.

Understanding OCD in Sports

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health condition that can affect many aspects of a person’s life. For Gonzalez, it manifests in a pre-kick routine that helps him feel more in control and focused. Despite the challenges OCD presents, Gonzalez has learned to manage it, turning his rituals into a tool for performance rather than something that hinders him.

“There’s a few things I try to do to keep it as under-the-radar as I can, just understanding, get it done and whatever gets me mentally ready to go on the field, do that,” he explained. “The helmet thing is literally the last thing I do.”

His ability to navigate the demands of both his career and his mental health challenges is a testament to his resilience and commitment to his craft.

Gonzalez’s Journey to the Commanders

Gonzalez’s journey to the NFL has not been without its obstacles. A 2017 seventh-round pick by the Cleveland Browns, he spent a short time with the team before bouncing around the league. After stints with Arizona and Carolina, he hadn’t kicked in an NFL game since 2021. However, his career got a new lease on life when he joined the Washington Commanders in November 2022.

Since then, Gonzalez has become the team’s primary kicker. Despite missing time due to an injury, he has made 8 of 10 field goals and is perfect on 21 extra points, including in the playoffs.

The Big Moment: Game-Winning Kick

Sunday night’s game was the defining moment of Gonzalez’s career. The 29-year-old kicker was called upon to make a 37-yard field goal that would send the Commanders to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. The kick came with plenty of drama — the ball clanged off the upright before going through the goalposts, but it was good.

“I’ve banked a field goal before, but that was the biggest bank shot, I’d say, of my career,” Gonzalez recalled. “I really wish it would’ve just gone in so I didn’t hear the ‘doink’ stuff. … That one was just a little outside, but I felt pretty confident about it.”

Despite the unconventional sound of the kick, the result was exactly what Washington needed to break a 19-year playoff win drought. Gonzalez’s performance was a huge part of the team’s success and gave Washington fans something to celebrate after nearly two decades of playoff futility.

What’s Next for Gonzalez and the Commanders?

With the Commanders advancing to the Divisional Round, Gonzalez’s role is far from over. If Washington is to pull off an upset against Detroit, Gonzalez will likely play a key part once again. His ability to stay mentally sharp, even while dealing with OCD, has proven invaluable to the team.

As the pressure builds in the playoffs, Gonzalez’s routine and mental preparation will continue to be essential to his performance on the field. His resilience in the face of personal challenges and his calm under pressure will be crucial if the Commanders are to make a deep playoff run.