Parker Romo: A Kicker's Diverse Journey with the Patriots

Meet the Veteran Kicker: John Parker Romo

The New England Patriots are set for a unique kicker competition this summer. On one side is rookie sixth-round draft pick Andres Borregales, and on the other is veteran placekicker Parker Romo. Let’s take a closer look at Romo, who brings a wealth of experience to the table.

Hard Facts About Parker Romo

• Name: John Parker Romo
• Position: Placekicker
• Jersey Number: 37 (w)
• Opening Day Age: 28 (August 24, 1997)
• Measurements: 5’11 1/8”, 190 lbs, 29 3/8” arm length, 8 3/8” hand size
• Relative Athletic Score: N/A

College and Early Career

Romo began his football journey in high school at McIntosh in Peachtree City, Georgia. He then embarked on a college career that included one-year stints at Central Arkansas and Tulsa before settling at Virginia Tech from 2019 to 2021. At Virginia Tech, he became a fifth-year senior and had a breakout season, converting 18 of 22 field goals and all 34 extra points.

Despite this success, Romo went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. He joined the New Orleans Saints but didn’t make it through training camp. Later that year, he played in the XFL with the San Antonio Brahmas, where he was a first-team All-XFL selection in 2023.

NFL Journey

After his time in the XFL, Romo returned to the NFL as an offseason member of the Detroit Lions and later spent time on the practice squad with the Chicago Bears. In 2024, he saw his first in-game action with the Minnesota Vikings, playing in four games as an injury replacement. He made 11 of 12 field goal attempts and also handled kickoffs and punting duties.

Later that same season, Romo joined the Patriots via their practice squad. Although he didn’t make it onto the active roster, he signed a futures contract with the team after the season.

Scouting Report

Strengths:
Romo has shown consistent accuracy, making 86.8% of his field goal attempts across his college and professional careers. He has experience with multiple teams and coaching staffs, which gives him a diverse background. He can also perform on kickoffs and has some punting experience.

Weaknesses:
Romo lacks the leg strength and consistency needed for long-range kicks, having attempted only seven field goals of 50+ yards in his career. His smaller size may also be a disadvantage on kickoff coverage. Additionally, he has been cut by four NFL teams, indicating that some organizations have not been satisfied with his performance or potential.

2024 Review

During his time with the Vikings, Romo played in four games and made 11 of 12 field goals. He also converted 7 of 8 extra points and recorded 19 touchbacks on 23 kickoffs. His performance helped the Vikings go 4-0 during his tenure, including wins over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, and Arizona Cardinals.

However, after Will Reichard returned from injured reserve, Romo was released again. He was quickly picked up by the Patriots and added to their practice squad, though he did not make the 53-man roster.

2025 Preview

As the 2025 season approaches, Romo will be competing with rookie Andres Borregales for the starting kicker position. He is expected to handle field goals, extra points, and kickoffs, similar to his role in previous seasons.

At 28 years old, Romo appears to be close to a finished product as a kicker. However, his future with the Patriots remains uncertain. Unless Borregales underperforms during training camp, it seems unlikely that Romo will make the active roster.

Contract and Salary Cap

Romo signed a futures deal with the Patriots in January, carrying a $960,000 salary cap number. This amount is entirely non-guaranteed, meaning it does not impact the team's cap significantly. He also has a small roster bonus of $25,000 that could be earned if he makes the 53-man team.

Final Thoughts

Romo had a promising 2024 season with the Vikings, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. While his chances with the Patriots are uncertain, he still has the potential to carve out a niche in the league. As the competition for the kicker job begins, fans will be watching closely to see who emerges as the top candidate. What do you think about Parker Romo heading into the 2025 season? Share your thoughts in the comments below.