Jake Moody’s journey from a recent San Francisco 49ers waiver to Chicago Bears game-winner wasn’t smooth, marked by a sleepless night and a forced ice shower, yet his clutch 38-yard field goal solidified a 25-24 victory and ignited speculation about a unique pre-game tradition.
In a dramatic twist of fate that encapsulated the unpredictable life of an NFL kicker, Jake Moody emerged as an unlikely hero for the Chicago Bears. Just hours before the Monday, October 13, 2025, game against the Washington Commanders, Moody was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster. With veteran kicker Cairo Santos sidelined by a right thigh injury, the stage was set for Moody to step into the spotlight, culminating in a game-winning 38-yard field goal as time expired.
A Whirlwind Debut and Uncomfortable Accommodations
The path to heroism for Jake Moody was anything but conventional. The 25-year-old was added to the Bears’ roster just before kickoff, a rapid escalation that meant some of his teammates didn’t even meet him until they were on the field. Bears running back D’Andre Swift candidly admitted, “First time I’ve spoken to him,” highlighting the sudden nature of Moody’s activation.
Before his heroics, Moody faced a series of uncomfortable hotel experiences that tested his composure. He described a rough night where his bed was “smaller than he prefers,” jokingly adding, “I like a big king bed. I like to sprawl out.” Even more challenging was the hotel shower, which seemed to operate only at extreme temperatures—either “far too hot or too cold.”
This frustrating shower experience led to an unexpected pre-game ritual. Moody recounted, “I took a nice ice shower before the game. That may be the new tradition I start.” What began as an inconvenience could now become a superstitious cornerstone of his career, a story that resonates deeply within the fan community for its quirky, relatable human element.
From San Francisco Struggles to Chicago Savior
Moody’s arrival in Chicago followed a tumultuous period with the San Francisco 49ers, the team that selected him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite his draft pedigree, his tenure with the 49ers was marked by inconsistency, including a 74.2% field goal conversion rate and 10 misfires in 34 attempts in 2024. The 49ers waived him on September 9, 2025, just two days after he went 1-for-3 on field goal attempts in their season opener. This “dispiriting Week 2 exit,” as described by some, paved his way to the Bears’ practice squad on September 12.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson, however, expressed full confidence in Moody, stating, “I wasn’t surprised at all. We’ve seen him in practice now for a number of weeks. We also knew what he was capable of. He’s made big kicks in big games over the course of his career so far. So none of that was surprising.” This trust was a stark contrast to his recent past, and it paid off handsomely.
His performance earned immediate respect from his new teammates. Quarterback Caleb Williams noted, “I didn’t necessarily fully know who (Moody) was when he got here. So being able to hear about his story…and being able to kind of have this moment – I know he’s been through some tough moments, and so having this moment for him I know is important.” For more details on Moody’s professional journey, you can refer to his player profile on USA TODAY Sports.
The transition was eased by the presence of his predecessor. The injured Cairo Santos traveled with the team, providing valuable insights. Moody credited Santos, explaining, “He’s kicked here a fair amount, and he was able to kind of help me with the wind, with the field surface, all that stuff. So I was very glad to have an extra set of hands on hand.” This camaraderie underscores the supportive environment Moody found in Chicago after being waived by the 49ers.
The Game-Winning Kick: Poise Under Pressure
The decisive 38-yard field goal was Moody’s fourth successful attempt of the night, alongside one extra point. His composure was particularly noteworthy given the pressure and a previous setback. Earlier in the game, a 48-yard field goal attempt to start the fourth quarter was blocked, a moment that could have derailed a less resilient player.
However, Moody maintained his focus, attributing it to thorough preparation. “I like to think if you’re over-prepared for something, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be confident,” he said. This mindset allowed him to shake off the blocked kick and deliver when it mattered most, securing the 25-24 victory.
Team Triumph: More Than Just a Kicker
Moody’s heroics were part of a larger team effort that saw the Bears secure their third consecutive victory, improving their record to 3-2. The offense, led by quarterback Caleb Williams (252 passing yards, 1 touchdown), showcased resilience. Running back D’Andre Swift had an outstanding game with 175 yards from scrimmage, including 108 rushing yards and a crucial 55-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter.
The defense also played a pivotal role, forcing three key takeaways:
- Safety Jaquan Brisker intercepted a pass near the goal line.
- Defensive end Montez Sweat forced a fumble, recovered by linebacker T.J. Edwards.
- Cornerback Nahshon Wright recovered a fumbled handoff late in the game, setting up Moody’s game-winning drive.
This victory carried additional significance, coming nearly a year after the Bears suffered a heartbreaking loss in the same stadium to the Commanders on a Hail Mary pass. This time, they were on the winning side of a last-second thriller, a testament to their perseverance and growth.
The Future: A New Tradition for the Windy City?
Following his heroics, Moody was carried off the field by his elated teammates, an “amazing feeling” he was “really glad” to share with them. The question now looms: will Moody continue to handle kicking duties for the Bears, or will Cairo Santos return once healthy? The team has yet to announce their plans for their next game on Sunday, October 19, against the New Orleans Saints.
Regardless of his long-term role, Jake Moody’s memorable debut, fueled by a chaotic yet ultimately triumphant pre-game experience, has certainly made an impression. And as for that ice shower? It might just become the quirky, new tradition that helps stabilize the Bears’ kicking game, adding another layer of lore to a thrilling season for the Windy City faithful.
