Jake Moody had plenty of reasons to be ready for Monday night in Washington. Everybody knew what happened to him in San Francisco. He’d struggled with the 49ers since last season. Ultimately, after going 1-of-3 in his first three kicks of 2025, they cut him. The Chicago Bears brought him onto their practice squad, believing they needed some insurance at kicker and feeling Moody had enough talent to justify giving him another chance. He vanished from the spotlight after that.
Everything changed when Cairo Santos suffered a quad strain.
He was declared inactive for the game in Washington, meaning Moody’s first action after his ugly exit from San Francisco would be in primetime on a rain-soaked field. It was a big opportunity for him, and he delivered, going 4-of-5, including the game-winner as time expired.
Performing like that was a wonderful feeling in itself. Moody earned a game ball from head coach Ben Johnson and rapturous hugs from teammates. However, there was also a hidden sense of satisfaction that he finally got some revenge.
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Jake Moody owed Deebo Samuel some payback.
The kicker used to be teammates with the Commanders’ wide receiver in San Francisco. Most people don’t recall an incident that occurred last season. The 49ers were playing Tampa Bay. Jake Moody kicked six field goals that day, but missed three of them. At one point, an irate Samuel went up to long snapper Taybor Pepper and shoved him, simultaneously punching Moody as well.
Samuel shrugged the incident off as no big deal. So you can imagine how Moody felt when he realized he’d get a chance at some vengeance in that game. What makes it extra sweet is that while the kicker had a terrific night, Samuel made just four catches for 15 yards. He was a non-factor in the passing game. One can only imagine what went through his head as he watched Moody send him home with a loss, pushing Washington to 3-3.