Atlanta kicker Parker Romo went from practice-squad elevation to instant headline on September 14, 2025. In the Falcons’ 22-6 road win over the Minnesota Vikings, the 28-year-old went a perfect 5-for-5 on field goals, including a 54-yarder.
The performance gave Atlanta its first victory of the season and capped a whirlwind 48 hours in which Romo learned he would start only on Saturday morning. Yet his accuracy wasn’t the only thing fans talked about after the game.
**Parker Romo’s Awkward On-Air Handshake With Leonard Floyd After Career Night**
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Sep 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Romo’s postgame interview with NBC’s Melissa Stark produced a viral exchange. Standing between running back Bijan Robinson and pass rusher Leonard Floyd, Stark teased Romo about still learning his new teammates’ names. Romo pointed to Robinson, who had 22 carries for 143 yards, and said he knew him. But he hesitated on Floyd. Stark then introduced the 10-year veteran to Romo, who laughed and shook hands with Floyd. Play-by-play caller Mike Tirico closed the segment by joking,
> _“Man, 10 years in the league, come on! Former No. 9 pick in the draft. Dude, what’s your name, man? Nice to meet you.”_
The lighthearted exchange underscored how quickly Romo’s role has changed. He went undrafted in 2022 and had brief stints with the Saints, Lions, and Bears before making his NFL debut last November with Minnesota. In 2024, he converted 11 of 12 field goals for the Vikings. Three weeks ago, the Patriots released him. By Tuesday, the Falcons had signed him to their practice squad, and by Sunday, he was their starting kicker in place of Younghoe Koo.
Atlanta now heads into Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers with a new special-teams storyline. Romo’s accuracy and composure have likely secured him another week on the active roster and, judging by his on-air handshake, a few more introductions inside the locker room.