Jake Moody Emerges as Unlikely Hero in Bears’ Thrilling Monday Night Win

LANDOVER, Md. — Under a misty October sky, with three seconds left on the clock and a game hanging in the balance, Jake Moody stood at midfield as the Chicago Bears’ fate rested squarely on his shoulders.

Just weeks removed from being a free agent — and mere days into his introduction with the Bears — the 24-year-old kicker lined up for what would be a defining 38-yard field goal. Calm, quiet, and focused, Moody didn’t flinch.

Snap. Hold. Kick.
Bears 25, Commanders 24.
Victory secured. A career moment born.

For a player with zero established trust in Chicago, who only joined the active roster after Cairo Santos was ruled out with a quadriceps injury, Moody’s moment was improbable — and unforgettable.

“I can’t wait to formally meet everybody else at some point,” Moody said, smiling as teammates hoisted him off the field.

📉 From Disappointment to Redemption

The path to Monday night’s heroics was anything but smooth for Moody. A former third-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers, Moody was released after a rocky stint, including a game-losing miss against the Browns almost exactly one year ago.

In San Francisco, he endured 16 missed field goals over three seasons, earning a reputation for inconsistency under pressure. When the 49ers let him go earlier this season, many assumed his NFL career was in limbo.

Enter Chicago — a team in need, a kicker with something to prove.

⏱️ A Last-Second Masterclass in Composure

Moody’s 38-yard game-winner capped a performance that included four made field goals, though not without hiccups. Earlier in the fourth quarter, a 48-yard attempt was blocked after Washington defensive tackle Daron Payne broke through the line — Moody’s 17th career miss, and one that could have rattled any kicker’s confidence.

But Moody didn’t blink.

He kept things simple, focusing on his routine and relying on preparation over panic.

“If you’re overprepared for something, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be confident,” Moody said postgame.
“I kept a neutral mindset. Just one kick at a time.”

His stoic presence drew praise across the Bears locker room — from stars to strangers.

“I didn’t necessarily know who he was when he got here,” quarterback Caleb Williams admitted.

Running back D’Andre Swift, who totaled 175 yards from scrimmage and scored a 55-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, hadn’t even spoken to Moody before the final drive.

“I introduced myself to him on the sideline,” Swift said. “First time I had spoken to him.”

🔄 From Practice Squad to Prime Time

Moody joined the Bears just 26 days ago, working mostly behind the scenes on the practice squad. He wasn’t expected to play Monday until Santos’ quad injury flared up during pregame preparations.

“He’s so quiet,” tight end Cole Kmet said. “We knew he was excited to play tonight with the NFL journey he’s been on. To make that kick in that moment was pretty awesome.”

With a steady drizzle falling at Northwest Stadium and gusts of wind swirling, Moody had more than just pressure to contend with. He also dealt with less-than-ideal accommodations the night before.

“The hotel bed wasn’t to my liking,” Moody said, joking. “I like a big king bed so I can sprawl out.”

He also suffered through a temperamental hotel shower that swung between scalding and freezing, something he now laughs off as part of his new “pre-game routine.”

“I took an ice shower before the game. That might be the new tradition,” he said.

🔍 A Team-Wide Effort

The Bears’ win wasn’t solely Moody’s doing. Alongside Swift’s explosive performance, Chicago’s defense produced key takeaways from Jaquan Brisker and Nahshon Wright. Despite several early missed opportunities — including a wiped-out touchdown by Rome Odunze and a fumbled snap near the red zone — the Bears dug deep late.

A clean final drive, managed with poise by Caleb Williams and executed with calm by the special teams unit, put Moody in position to redeem himself.

And this time, with the game on the line, he delivered.

“Some people might shy away from that opportunity,” said punter and holder Tory Taylor.
“Our mindset was: ‘How good is this?’ We knew he was ready.”

⚔️ From Stranger to Savior

Moody’s late-game heroics not only earned the Bears a crucial road win to improve to 3-2, but may have reshaped his narrative in the NFL — from a kicker with question marks to one who thrives under pressure.

On a field where the Bears experienced heartbreak a year ago, Moody offered redemption — not just for himself, but for a team still forging its identity.

“It just shows how we’re able to persevere,” said long snapper Scott Daly. “Once our number was called, we got it done.”