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Commanders punter Zane Gonzalez embraces his viral experience as an opportunity to raise awareness about OCD

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ASHBURN, Va. — In a thrilling NFL playoff game aired nationally, Zane Gonzalez captured attention as he meticulously adjusted his socks and styled his hair on the sidelines. This routine culminated in him donning his helmet and successfully kicking the decisive field goal that led to a victory for the Washington Commanders. This moment marked the franchise’s first playoff win in nearly two decades, and it gave Gonzalez a unique platform to share his personal journey with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Those watching the game, however, were unaware of the moments that shaped Gonzalez’s life—like his childhood struggles with writing assignments, enjoying soccer as a mental escape from school pressures, or how he obsessively reset his alarm clock many times before a recent practice. The disorder has been a constant in his life, influencing his experiences both on and off the field. After his monumental kick against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Gonzalez expressed gratitude for the chance to discuss disability misconceptions and shed light on managing OCD as a professional athlete.

“Anyone familiar with OCD can relate to the mental struggle; it often feels like the worst-case scenario is the only option,” Gonzalez explained after practice. Currently 29 years old, he reflected on how he’s grown in his ability to cope with the intrusive thoughts and anxiety that accompany his condition. The attention from social media surrounding his nail-biting kick has not phased him as much as it would have in his younger years.

As a child, Gonzalez often hid his OCD from others, worried about what they might think. “You’re always trying to mask it,” he said. “People assume it’s nervousness, but it’s more about managing those compulsive habits.” Now, as a professional, he embraces the moment stating, “I’m here on this big stage, it’s time to perform.”

Following his kick, Gonzalez’s wife, Lizzy, took to TikTok to address criticisms targeted at her husband regarding his compulsive habits. This was highlighted during “The Pat McAfee Show,” where they discussed the mental fortitude required for kickers and how they establish routines for optimal performance.

Gonzalez’s peculiar pre-kick behavior is an accepted aspect of his routine, observed by both his wife and teammates during games and practices. Long snapper Tyler Ott acknowledged that while he never thought much about Gonzalez’s habits before, the significant moment of the kick drew additional attention to it.

In the wake of this newfound focus, Gonzalez, Ott, and punter Tress Way have lightened the mood surrounding his quirks, even joking about it in team meetings. Coach Dan Quinn remarked on the importance of understanding Gonzalez’s condition, seeing an opportunity for meaningful dialogue.

“If he can help just one person by sharing his story, that speaks volumes about his character, both as a player and a person,” Quinn stated. Tress Way, who has celebrated his first playoff win alongside Gonzalez, noted the ease of working with someone who has a positive attitude and trusts his team.

This season has seen Gonzalez as the fourth kicker for the Commanders, and he has previously played for Arizona, Cleveland, and Carolina. His regular-season performance boasted 5 out of 7 successful field goal attempts and a perfect record on extra points, culminating in his flawless execution during the wild-card round game against Tampa Bay.

“Given how much turnover we’ve experienced at the position, Gonzalez has been a great stabilizing force for us,” affirmed special teams coordinator Larry Izzo. “He came in ready to do his job, and we couldn’t be more pleased with his contributions.”

Gonzalez has not only learned techniques to manage his OCD but has also sought help from therapists. He values the opportunity to articulate his experiences and hopes to inspire others grappling with hidden struggles similar to his own.

“There are countless individuals facing daily challenges that the outside world remains unaware of,” Gonzalez reflected. “It’s heartening to witness the community rallying together in support.”

@USLive

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