Zane Gonzalez: Commanders Kicker Steps Up Amid Injury, Personal Milestones

Zane Gonzalez, the 28-year-old kicker for the Washington Commanders, has been thrust back into the spotlight due to an injury to the team’s primary kicker, Austin Seibert. Seibert, who is dealing with a hip injury, was ruled out of the Commanders’ Thursday Night Football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, prompting the team to elevate Gonzalez from the practice squad for the second consecutive week[2][3].

Gonzalez, a seventh-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, has had a varied career. After being waived by the Browns early in his second season, he was signed by the Arizona Cardinals and later played for the Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers. In 2022, he signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract extension with the Panthers but was traded to the San Francisco 49ers in March 2023 and subsequently released in September of the same year[3][4].

In his recent outing for the Commanders, Gonzalez performed admirably, making both of his two field goal attempts and all three extra point attempts against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This performance has been crucial as the Commanders look to rebound from their loss to the Steelers[3][4].

Off the field, Gonzalez is preparing for significant personal milestones. He and his wife, Lizzy Gonzalez, are expecting their first child, a baby boy named Luca, in December 2024. The couple, who recently got married, has been sharing their journey on social media, with Lizzy documenting her fitness journey and their preparations for parenthood[1].

Lizzy Gonzalez is a travel enthusiast and fitness aficionado, often sharing her adventures and workout routines on Instagram. Her profile showcases her travels across Europe and her dedication to fitness over the past eight years[1].