History of Zane Gonzalez in Timeline

Zane Gonzalez is an American football placekicker currently with the Atlanta Falcons. Born on May 7, 1995, he played college football at Arizona State. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Throughout his NFL career, Gonzalez has played for several teams, including the Browns, Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders. His career has been marked by stints with various teams and attempts to solidify his position as a reliable kicker in the league.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1985: Record Held Since 1985

In the 2017 Senior Bowl, Zane Gonzalez kicked three field goals, tying a record held since 1985.

May 7, 1995: Zane Gonzalez Born

On May 7, 1995, Zane Gonzalez was born in Deer Park, Texas.

Others born on this day/year

2002: Terrell Suggs Named All-American

In 2016, Zane Gonzalez was named a unanimous All-American, becoming the third in school history and the first since Terrell Suggs earned the honor in 2002.

2007: Thomas Weber Wins Lou Groza Award

In 2016, Zane Gonzalez was awarded the Lou Groza Award, becoming the second player in ASU history, joining Thomas Weber who won it in 2007.

March 28, 2013: Signed with ASU

On March 28, 2013, Zane Gonzalez signed with Arizona State University (ASU).

2013: Freshman Year at ASU

During his freshman year in 2013, Zane Gonzalez played every game, made 25 of 30 field goals, converted all 63 extra point attempts, had an ASU freshman record streak of 18 field goals, earned a First Team All-Pac-12 Conference selection, broke the ASU record for points by a kicker with 138, and tied the NCAA record for field goals made by a freshman.

2014: Sophomore Year at ASU

In 2014, during his sophomore year, Zane Gonzalez connected on 22 of 27 field goals and was successful on 50 of 52 extra points attempts. He earned a Second-Team All-Pac-12 selection. He matched a then-career-high with four field goals against Stanford on October 18. He kicked four field goals including a game-winning field goal in overtime against Utah on November 11 and was named the Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week. He also kicked three field goals in the 2014 Sun Bowl on December 27.

2015: Junior Season at ASU

During his junior season in 2015, Zane Gonzalez made 26 of 34 field goals and converted all 52 extra point attempts. He matched the Pac-12 record with an ASU school-record six field goals against California on November 28.

January 2, 2016: Cactus Bowl

On January 2, 2016, Zane Gonzalez kicked four field goals against West Virginia in the 2016 Cactus Bowl, also becoming the school's all-time scoring leader in the third quarter, surpassing Luis Zendejas (380).

2016: Senior Year at ASU

During his senior year in 2016, Zane Gonzalez recorded 23-of-25 field goals. He is the first Sun Devil in history to kick more than one 50-yarder in a game. He broke the Pac-12 record for career points scored in a career. He moved into 4th in NCAA history for career field goals at 84. He broke the school record for career-made field goals. He broke the NCAA career field goals made record with his 89th career field goal. He tied the NCAA record for most 50+ yard field goals in a game with three. He was awarded the Lou Groza Award on December 8 and named a unanimous All-American on December 12.

2016: College career end

From 2013 to 2016, Zane Gonzalez played college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils.

2016: Lou Groza Award

In 2016, Zane Gonzalez won the Lou Groza Award and was a unanimous All-American during his college career.

May 16, 2017: Signed with Browns

On May 16, 2017, Zane Gonzalez signed a four-year, $2.48 million contract with the Cleveland Browns, including a signing bonus of $89,156.

September 1, 2017: Browns Kicker

On September 1, 2017, the Cleveland Browns chose Zane Gonzalez as their starting kicker for the season.

September 10, 2017: First Career Points

On September 10, 2017, Zane Gonzalez recorded his first career extra point and field goal in the season-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

October 22, 2017: Career-Long Field Goal

On October 22, 2017, Zane Gonzalez scored all nine points for the Cleveland Browns on three field goals, including a career-long of 54 yards in the loss to the Tennessee Titans.

2017: NFL Draft

In 2017, Zane Gonzalez was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round of the NFL draft.

November 20, 2018: Signed to Cardinals Practice Squad

On November 20, 2018, Zane Gonzalez was signed to the practice squad of the Arizona Cardinals.

November 26, 2018: Promoted to Active Roster

On November 26, 2018, Zane Gonzalez was promoted to the active roster of the Arizona Cardinals, following an injury to Phil Dawson.

December 2, 2018: Game-Winning Field Goal

On December 2, 2018, Zane Gonzalez recorded two field goals and extra points which included the 44-yard go-ahead field goal that eventually gave the Arizona Cardinals the win against the Green Bay Packers.

April 23, 2020: Re-signed with Cardinals

On April 23, 2020, Zane Gonzalez re-signed with the Arizona Cardinals.

December 19, 2020: Placed on Injured Reserve

On December 19, 2020, Zane Gonzalez was placed on injured reserve by the Arizona Cardinals.

March 5, 2021: Released by Cardinals

On March 5, 2021, Zane Gonzalez was released by the Arizona Cardinals.

August 10, 2021: Signed with Lions

On August 10, 2021, Zane Gonzalez signed with the Detroit Lions.

September 14, 2021: Signed by Panthers

On September 14, 2021, Zane Gonzalez was signed by the Carolina Panthers off the Lions practice squad.

March 9, 2022: Signed Contract Extension

On March 9, 2022, Zane Gonzalez signed a one-year contract extension with the Carolina Panthers.

August 30, 2022: Placed on Injured Reserve

On August 30, 2022, Zane Gonzalez was placed on injured reserve by the Carolina Panthers after injuring his quad during the last preseason game.

March 24, 2023: Traded to 49ers

On March 24, 2023, Zane Gonzalez was traded by the Carolina Panthers to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a conditional swap of late-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.

November 8, 2024: Signed to Commanders Practice Squad

On November 8, 2024, Zane Gonzalez signed with the Washington Commanders' practice squad.

December 18, 2024: First Child Born

On December 18, 2024, Zane Gonzalez and his wife Lizzy Mireya Martinez had their first child.

January 12, 2025: Game-Winning Field Goal in Playoffs

On January 12, 2025, Zane Gonzalez kicked a game-winning 37-yard field goal in the playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, securing Washington's first playoff win since 2005. He made 3-of-3 field goals in the game.