Former Michigan giants have return to play for Superbowl.
Former Michigan Wolverine Jake Moody was the highest kicker drafted since 2016 because of the reliability of his right leg, no matter how big of a moment.
Despite misses in back-to-back playoff games, the San Francisco 49ers rookie remains confident heading into Sunday’s Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs.
“It’s no different than in college,” Moody said during Super Bowl LVIII Opening Night. “The posts are the same size. Ball is the same. Holder and snapper are just as good, if not better in the NFL. Situationally, I guess it can be a little bit different. There’s a lot more games that are decided by one or two scores as opposed to college. … It’s something that you learn, just being in those situations, you kind of learn how to deal with it, mindset.”
Moody, Michigan’s record holder record in most made field goals (69), single-season field goals (29) and most field goals from 40-plus yards (17), connected on 21 of 25 attempts during the regular season, but three of his misses came in two games decided by fewer than three points.
The Northville native had a 48-yarder blocked in San Francisco’s 24-21 win over the Green Bay Packers in the Division Round but bounced back to drill a 52-yard field goal that ended up being the difference in the game.
In the NFC championship against the Detroit Lions, he missed wide-right on a 48-yarder in the first quarter but later connected on attempts from 43 and 33 yards as the 49ers rallied from a 17-point halftime deficit for a 34-31 victory.
At Michigan, Moody faced many pressure moments and frequently came through for the Wolverines. He set a program record with a 59-yarder in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl loss against TCU and was 69 of 85 in his career. That includes hitting 23 of 25 attempts in 2021, when he won the Lou Groza Award as the nation’s top kicker.
He said he will be ready when his name is called Sunday.
“I’ve been in a bunch of big games, whether it’s been in college or the NFL now, going through the playoffs,” he said. “I feel like I’m prepared for it. It’s the same kick. Just trust the routine; trust the process. It’s no different than any other kick.”
A few of his misses this season came in inclement weather, which won’t be a factor at domed Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
“Pretty happy,” Moody said. “Can’t really beat indoor weather for being a specialist.”
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