Before the Bears could celebrate one of the most improbable comebacks in the history of “Monday Night Football,” Bears kicker Robbie Gould needed to kick the decisive extra point.
Pressure?
According to Gould, an undrafted kicker out of Penn State, it was “one of the biggest kicks” of his career.
What was the plane ride back to Chicago like?
It was pretty exciting, but by the end, because it was so late, everybody was passed out. [But] it was pretty electrifying.
Was it more celebratory or shock?
Celebratory. Obviously, when you’re down that many points in the first half and [come back] to win a game like that, it’s always a great way to come together as a team.
How many times did you see your teammates shaking their heads laughing after the game?
Everyone was like, “I can’t believe that just happened.” But that’s why you play the game.
Were there any tears?
There really weren’t any tears–just joy and happiness.
Did “destiny” cross your mind after a game like that?
Right now we have the bounces going our way. Early in the game we didn’t get the calls we would have liked to have. Toward the end we started getting them. There’s a lot to be said about being 6-0. Things are going our way. In order to get deep in the playoffs, you take fumbles into the end zone.
How nervous were you knowing that your team needed every point?
Every game is like that. That’s your job. Whether you’re in Chicago or Arizona you need to get the job done.
Take us through the last kick. What did your coaches and teammates say to you?
They don’t really say much to me. Going out there, we knew we needed the extra point. That was probably one of my biggest kicks in the NFL, and it’s just an extra point. I knew I had to focus a lot more. It was more me telling the guys we need to get it done.
What do you think Neil Rackers is going through?
Probably pretty down on himself. Kickers can win or lose games. Unfortunately, he came out on the wrong end. He’s a Pro Bowl kicker, one of the best in the NFL–you can’t take that away from him. I felt for him. One kick can determine his career as far as no one remembering he’s a Pro Bowl kicker. Now everyone remembers he missed a 40-yarder on “Monday Night Football.” I’ll probably give him a call later this week after everything settles down.
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larroyave@tribune.com
