ZANE GONZALEZ OCD VIDEO BELOW ARTICLE:
In a nail-biting moment during the Washington Commanders' wildcard matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Zane Gonzalez delivered a game-winning 37-yard field goal. But as fans across the nation watched his pre-kick rituals—fixing his hair, tapping his helmet, removing and re-lacing his cleats—they were witnessing more than just pregame nerves or quirky superstitions. For Gonzalez, this was a glimpse into his daily battle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Gonzalez, 29, has been open about his OCD, a condition he was diagnosed with during childhood. Despite the challenges it presents both on and off the field, the veteran kicker has embraced it as part of who he is. "It’s who I am, and it’s what I go through," Gonzalez shared. "I, above everybody else, realize how crazy it looks doing it. I’m aware. But at the same time, you can’t help it."
For Gonzalez, OCD is more than just the visible rituals—like his meticulous sock adjustments and helmet taps. It impacts the smallest aspects of his daily life, from how he handles objects to his detailed game-day preparations. While he admits it can be frustrating, he also credits his OCD with making him a perfectionist, a trait that drives his success as a kicker.
This season has been a whirlwind for Gonzalez, who joined the Commanders in November after being sidelined by injuries for two years. Having been cut, signed, and traded by multiple teams, he was facing the uncertainty of a journeyman career. Yet, he seized the opportunity with Washington, stepping in after Austin Seibert’s injury and proving himself under pressure.
In the wildcard game against Tampa Bay, Gonzalez went three-for-three on field goals, including the game-winning kick that propelled Washington to the divisional round against the Detroit Lions. In the regular season, he was 19-for-19 on extra points and 5-for-7 on field goals—a testament to his resilience and skill.
"At the end of the day, I’m doing what I love to do," Gonzalez said, reflecting on his unconventional career path. From facing eight team workouts this season to now being hailed as a hero in Washington, Gonzalez’s story is one of perseverance, mental toughness, and the drive to succeed despite challenges.
As the Commanders gear up to face the Lions, Gonzalez’s remarkable journey reminds us all that embracing who we are—even the struggles—can lead to extraordinary triumphs.
Visit Dan Lalonde Films For All Technology And Entertainment News
Source: Yahoo Sports
Photo Credit: NFL
Komen