Washington Commanders kicker Zane Gonzalez was just another replacement before sending his team to the divisional round of the playoffs with his game-winning heroics against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
Playing in just his seventh game for the team, Gonzalez hit a 37-yard field goal, "doinked" in, to earn Washington its first playoff victory since the 2005 season.
The former journeyman was called into action for the first time since 2021 this year having spent his seven season career with three other franchises.
But despite being the hero for Washington, it's what Gonzalez did just before his kick that went viral online.
While walking onto the field to line up for the field goal, "Sunday Night Football" cameras caught him fixing his short hair repeatedly before putting on his helmet. In fact, he adjusts it six times before finally locking in.
While fans online had a chuckle about the episode and others speculated over his apparent superstition, Gonzalez decided to set the record straight Thursday and take the opportunity to educate the masses while he had their attention.
"It's not nervousness, it's kind of a tic-type deal," he told reporters (h/t Associated Press).
Gonzalez revealed he struggles with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Sunday's viral episode was him actively trying to "fight it" in the biggest moment of his career.
"Anybody who has OCD understands that mental battle is not easy," he said. "It's gotten easier with the confidence and stuff."
Gonzalez's battle is impressive and inspirational considering he won the Lou Groza Award in 2016 while kicking at Arizona State, leaving college as the all-time NCAA leader in field goals made (96).
Now he will have the opportunity to continue reactivating his NFL career as Washington travels to face the No. 1 seed Detroit Lions on Saturday.
