Some spring football on spring football crime is happening in Atlanta, with the Falcons bringing in some competition for their incumbent kicker. John Parker Romo who spent 2023 with the XFL’s San Antonio Brahmas is joining the Atlanta Falcons, competing with former AAF Atlanta Legends Kicker, Younghoe Koo.
Romo has bounced around professional football since coming out of Virginia Tech in 2022. After getting released by the Saints, Romo put together an All-XFL season in 2023, earning contracts with the Lions and Bears in 2023. Romo found his footing a bit in 2024, serving as a replacement for Will Reichard (Vikings), going 11 of 12 including a game winner against the Chicago Bears. Upon Reichard’s return to the lineup, Romo was released however, would sign with the Patriots on their practice squad, remaining with the team until final cuts of 2025.
Koo has been one of the NFL’s best kickers since signing with the Falcons after his time in the AAF. Koo is 181/211 (85.8) earning a 2020 pro bowl nod. In March of 2022 Koo signed a five-year, $24.25 million contract extension with the Falcons and currently has one year remaining on his contract (4.5 Million in 2026).
Romo joins 53 other UFL/USFL/XFL/AAF players currently on NFL rosters in 2025. Spring Football players are slated to earn about 45 million dollars in 2025, about on par from their 2024 total. Specialist specifically, have led the charge earning about 71 million dollars since 2019. Koo and Romo will battle this week, to see who kicks against the Vikings on Sunday night.
