Washington Commanders kicker Zane Gonzalez made a game-winning field goal against the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card Round, propelling his team into the divisional round. While Gonzalez's kick was the highlight of the game, his pre-kick ritual of repeatedly adjusting his sock and fixing his hair drew attention. Gonzalez later revealed that these actions are not nerves or superstition, but rather a manifestation of his long-standing battle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He used the platform to openly discuss his experiences with OCD, emphasizing the progress he's made and the courage it takes to face such challenges.
With the score tied at 20-20, Zane Gonzalez stood poised to deliver the Washington Commanders their first playoff victory in nearly two decades. As he walked onto the field for the crucial kick, viewers noticed Gonzalez repeatedly adjusting his sock and fixing his hair. While many assumed these actions stemmed from nerves or superstition, Gonzalez revealed a deeper reason: he has long struggled with obsessive-compulsive disorder ( OCD ).
Since his freshman year at Arizona State, Gonzalez has been open about his journey with OCD. This high-pressure moment provided him with a platform to shed light on his condition. His constant hair adjustments, while seemingly minor, became a focal point as the world watched him make the game-winning kick, propelling the Commanders into the divisional round. After the victory, Gonzalez candidly addressed the media, stating that his OCD has become more manageable over time, attributing his progress to maturity and personal growth. He explained that the hair-fixing was a tic, something he used to try and hide but now embraces as part of who he is. 'It's not nervous, it's just a tic type of deal,' he shared. 'As a younger person you try to hide that a little bit. But older, being a professional athlete, it's like, 'Hey, I'm here, I'm in the big moment, big stage, do what you do, make the kick.'” Gonzalez also acknowledged the challenging nature of living with OCD, emphasizing the constant mental battle and the tendency to catastrophize even in seemingly manageable situations. 'Anybody that has OCD understands that mental battle is not easy,' he said. 'You truly think it is at the end of the road or whatever that situation is that you're going through that you think the worst possible situation to come out of it, even if it is the most unrealistic thing ever.' Commanders head coach Dan Quinn commended Gonzalez for his openness, recognizing the courage it took to share his personal struggles. 'I am super happy that he was able to discuss that,' Quinn said. 'If that is a chance for him to assist one other person, I think that takes just a lot of courage and tells you a lot about who he is, not just as a ballplayer but as a man.
ZANE GONZALEZ OCD Commanders NFL Playoff Kicker Mental Health Courage
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Commanders kicker Zane Gonzalez opens up on OCD after pre-kick routine goes viral“If anything, it makes my wife and family more upset than it does with me.”
Read more »
Commanders kicker Zane Gonzalez welcomes his viral moment as a chance to educate about OCDWashington Commanders kicker Zane Gonzalez has lived with obsessive-compulsive disorder his entire life.
Read more »
Commanders kicker Zane Gonzalez welcomes his viral moment as a chance to educate about OCDWashington Commanders kicker Zane Gonzalez has lived with obsessive-compulsive disorder his entire life. It was in the spotlight on national television Sunday night before he made the game-winning kick at Tampa Bay to give the franchise its first playoff win in nearly two decades.
Read more »
Commanders Announcers Go Wild After Zane Gonzalez Kicks Team Into Divisional RoundThe Washington Commanders announcers, Bram Weinstein and London Fletcher, erupted with excitement after Zane Gonzalez's game-winning field goal sent the team to the divisional round of the playoffs.
Read more »
Xbox Game Pass Users Praise New Free Game: “Best Game I’ve Played This Year”Xbox Game Pass subscribers were recently treated to a major new release, and it is proving to be a big hit with subscribers.
Read more »
Packers Lose to Eagles: Keys to Game, Play of Game, Player of GameThe Green Bay Packers were eliminated from the playoffs by the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Here’s a look at what happened and a glimpse at what’s ahead.
Read more »