Former Vikings Kicker Loses Job with New Team in Embarrassing Fashion

The Minnesota Vikings history at kicker has some fascinating names. The playoff failures of Gary Anderson and Blair Walsh are part of any fan's origin story when they’re asked “Why are you like this?” and other random cameos have Vikings fans scarred for life.

The Vikings seem to be set at kicker with Will Reichard, who despite an early camp hiccup, rebounded to make all but one kick during the preseason. But the man that replaced him for a few weeks last season was looking to earn a permanent spot somewhere else.

As it turns out, Parker Romo didn’t get his opportunity elsewhere and lost out on a job in embarrassing fashion with the New England Patriots.

Former Vikings Kicker Parker Romo Released Over Unproven Rookie

According to Mark Daniels of MassLive, the Patriots have released Romo in favor of rookie Andres Borregales. These things happen when teams only carry one kicker on the roster, yet Romo might have a legitimate gripe as he outkicked Borregales this preseason.

Romo made all five of his kicks for the Patriots this preseason including a 57-yard field goal in the opener against the Washington Commanders on Aug. 8. He also went 2-for-2 on field goals and 3-for-3 on extra points, solidifying his case to win the job.

But it felt like the Patriots had other plans dating back to April’s draft. New England selected Borregales in the sixth round and the rookie struggled in his first preseason, making just three of his five field goals. The misses also included a 57-yard attempt in a preseason game against the Vikings that was shanked wide left.

The rookie did make all six of his extra point attempts during the preseason and that may have been what saved his job. But this isn’t the first time that Romo has been passed over by an NFL team.

The 27-year-old bounced around the league after entering as an UDFA out of Virginia Tech in 2022, spending time with the New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears. He also kicked for the XFL’s San Antonio Brahamas before finally making his NFL debut after Reichard suffered a hip injury last November.

In four games with the Vikings, Romo made 11-of-12 field goals including four field goals in a 12-7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 10. When Reichard returned from injury, Romo signed with the Patriots practice squad but did not appear in a game for the team.

Although it appeared he’d have a shot at a job this preseason, he’ll have to hope another team was watching to get an opportunity this fall.