ASHBURN, Va. — Viewers across the nation witnessed Zane Gonzalez, a kicker for the Washington Commanders, adjusting his socks and brushing his hair repeatedly before stepping onto the field to make a crucial game-winning field goal during an NFL playoff game on Sunday night. However, what the audience didn’t see was his life outside the spotlight, including memories of him rewriting school papers, enjoying walks with his father, and playing soccer to distract himself from unfinished homework. Just his wife observed him resetting his alarm clock countless times the previous night to ensure it was set correctly.
These actions are all part of the experience of living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a condition that has affected Gonzalez since childhood. Delivering the winning field goal for the franchise’s first postseason victory in almost two decades has given him a platform to narrate his journey, clarify misconceptions about OCD, and share the reality of competing at a professional level while managing this disorder. “Anyone with OCD can relate to how challenging that mental struggle is,” Gonzalez stated after Thursday’s practice. “You often feel like every situation is dire or that the worst possible outcome is imminent, regardless of how unlikely that may actually be.”
At 29 years old, Gonzalez’s ability to cope with his anxiety has improved significantly. He expressed increased confidence and has managed to brush off some of the social media buzz following his pivotal moment on the field. “As a child, I was very secretive, trying to hide my symptoms and fearing how others would perceive me,” he admitted. “The public reaction often leads people to think I was just nervous, but it’s more of a tick stemming from my OCD. In the moment, you have to focus on executing the kick amidst the pressure.”
Following his successful kick, Gonzalez’s wife, Lizzy, addressed criticisms of his condition in a TikTok video. The situation even made its way onto “The Pat McAfee Show,” where McAfee discussed how mental aspects play a big role in kicking, including how kickers must create and follow routines to attain the right mindset. Gonzalez’s pre-kick habits are well-known to his teammates, who have seen similar actions during practices and games.
Long snapper Tyler Ott shared, “I’ve noticed the hair-fixing and shoe adjustments numerous times without giving it much thought. It gained attention because of the significance of that moment.” In the days that followed, Gonzalez, Ott, and punter/holder Tress Way found humor in the situation, playfully mimicking his quirks during practice after receiving team recognition. Coach Dan Quinn highlighted the importance of discussing Gonzalez’s experience, saying, “If he can assist just one person with his story, that takes courage and reflects his character beyond being just an athlete.”
Way, who celebrated his first playoff win alongside Gonzalez, praised his teammate’s no-drama approach and positive mindset. “It’s enjoyable to partner with someone like him, as he trusts Tyler and me to handle everything effortlessly,” Way commented.
Gonzalez has had a turbulent journey this season, becoming the fourth different kicker the Commanders have employed and the seventh since spring. After previous tenures with Arizona, Cleveland, and Carolina, he showed impressive performance, converting 5 of 7 field-goal attempts and successfully kicking all 19 extra points throughout the regular season, culminating in a flawless performance in the wild-card round against the Buccaneers.
According to special teams coordinator Larry Izzo, “He has stabilized the position for us despite the turnover we’ve seen. He has consistently done his job and we are very pleased with his contributions.” Gonzalez, who actively seeks methods to manage his OCD and has consulted with therapists, voiced his gratitude for the opportunity to elucidate his thoughts and possibly foster a positive atmosphere both on and off the field.
“There are so many individuals navigating their own battles daily, often hidden from view,” Gonzalez remarked. “It’s heartening to see the community come together and offer support.”
