Jake Moody Rises to the Occasion for Chicago Bears After Challenging Hotel Stay
Chicago Bears kicker Jake Moody emerged as the unexpected hero on Monday Night Football, following a dramatic entry into the team.
At just 25 years old, Moody was called up to the Bears’ active roster mere hours before the game against the Washington Commanders on October 13, stepping in for kicker Cairo Santos, who was grappling with a right thigh injury.
With time running out, Moody successfully kicked a 38-yard field goal to clinch the game, and his teammates joyfully carried him off the field at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland.
However, his evening started off on a rocky note while staying at the team hotel, where he found the bed smaller than he preferred.
“I prefer a spacious king bed,” he remarked after the victory. “I love to spread out.”
Additionally, he faced challenges with the hotel shower’s temperature controls.
“I couldn’t find the sweet spot,” Moody explained to reporters, mentioning the water was either scalding hot or freezing cold.
He jokingly added, “I ended up taking a chilly shower before the game. That might become my new pre-game ritual.”
Moody began the season with the San Francisco 49ers, the team that drafted him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He was waived on September 9, just two days after an uncharacteristic 1-for-3 field goal performance in the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks.
Subsequently, he joined the Bears’ practice squad on September 12.
“This is a fascinating series of events,” Moody reflected after his dramatic performance. “Just a couple of days ago, I wasn’t sure I’d be playing, and being hoisted by my teammates is an incredible moment. I’m really thankful to have shared it with them.”
Interestingly, some teammates didn’t even meet Moody until they were on the field.
“This is the first time I’ve talked to him,” stated Bears running back D’Andre Swift on Monday. “He did an outstanding job. I’m unsure when he learned about his role for today, but he came in resilient. I’m really proud of him and thrilled to have him on our team.”
Bears head coach Ben Johnson showed immense confidence in Moody, relying on him to deliver in a high-pressure situation.
The Tennessee Titans have dismissed their head coach, Brian Callahan, shortly after he publicly criticized their star quarterback, Cam Ward. The Titans confirmed Callahan’s termination on Monday, October 13, following a disappointing 1-5 start to the season. An interim coach has yet to be announced to fill Callahan’s role, who is 41 years old.
“I was completely unfazed,” Johnson remarked after the win. “We’ve seen Moody in practice over the past few weeks, and we knew his potential. He’s delivered significant kicks in crucial games throughout his career. So none of this surprised us. This change of environment has been beneficial for him.”
Injured kicker Santos traveled with the Bears, something Moody credited for aiding his performance.
“I’m really thankful we brought him along,” Moody said. “He has plenty of experience here and was able to offer valuable insights regarding the wind and field conditions. Having that extra support was quite beneficial.”
As of now, the Bears have not confirmed whether Moody or Santos will take on kicking duties when they face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 19.
