Former QB’s insane story of Justin Tucker reveals how Ravens kicker can rebound

Justin Tucker has never been "just a kicker." He’s a future Hall of Famer and the best ever to do it. But 2024 has been a humbling year. Tucker’s missed eight field goals and two extra points—an unthinkable stat line for someone who’s been automatic his entire career. His struggles have cost the Baltimore Ravens a couple of games, most recently a five-point loss to the Philadelphia Eagles where Tucker left seven points on the field.

It’s been tough to watch the most clutch kicker in NFL history suddenly look human. Analysts have blamed everything from age to mechanics, while fans have debated whether the team should even explore backup options. But there’s one thing no one should ever doubt about Justin Tucker: his confidence.

That swagger, that unshakable belief in himself, is what made him great—and it’s what will get him back on track. Just ask his old college buddy and Texas teammate Colt McCoy, whose wild story about a young Tucker says everything you need to know about how the Ravens kicker can rebound.

Justin Tucker's swagger has always set him apart—just ask Colt McCoy

McCoy, now a retired quarterback, recently shared a hilarious story from his college days with Tucker. Back then, Tucker was a freshman kicker at Texas, playing in a tight 3-0 game against Wyoming. Frustrated with the offense’s inability to move the ball, Tucker decided—on his own—to take matters into his own hands.

Facing a fourth-and-six from their own 14-yard line, Tucker inexplicably ran a fake punt without permission. Predictably, he got stuffed. Furious, McCoy confronted Tucker, only for the freshman to hit him with this gem:

“You guys weren’t doing anything. I thought I’d call my own number to give us a spark.”

While the Longhorns went on to win that game, McCoy made sure to set the record straight. “J-Tuck, you’re a freshman,” he told him. “Don’t you ever think you’re going to turn things around on your own.” Tucker’s response after the win? “Maybe I did provide a spark.”

That’s the Justin Tucker the Ravens need to see again. The guy who’s unbothered by failure, who believes he can handle anything—even if it means trying something outrageous. That confidence has carried Tucker through the biggest moments of his career, and it’s what will help him fight through this slump.

Tucker’s struggles this year aren’t permanent. They’re a crack in confidence, not in talent. And if there’s one thing we know about J-Tuck, it’s that his swagger is unshakable. The Ravens’ kicker isn’t done—he’s just setting the stage for his next big moment. After all, the greatest comebacks come from the greatest setbacks.

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