Ahead of the NFC Championship game in Philadelphia, Washington kicker Zane Gonzalez found himself at the center of controversy as he was mocked by Eagles fans for his obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
The Incident Before the Game
As the Commanders were preparing for their crucial match-up against the Eagles, a social media video surfaced showing Gonzalez going through his usual warm-up routine near the stands at Lincoln Financial Field.
The kicker, who has been open about his struggles with OCD, was subjected to cruel taunts from a couple of Eagles supporters who appeared in the clip.
Mocking His OCD Habits
Gonzalez, who became a viral sensation earlier in the playoffs when his pre-kick ritual — adjusting his socks and fixing his hair repeatedly — went viral, was the target of taunts from the fans.
One of the individuals mocked Gonzalez’s actions by shouting, “Fix your hair, buddy!” as he went through his usual pre-game preparation.
The other fan chimed in with jeers, calling out, “Four missed kicks today!” and reminding him, “You’re lucky you won the last game!”
Despite the abuse, Gonzalez kept his focus, ignoring the hostile comments.
A Personal Struggle on Display
In interviews, Gonzalez has been transparent about his OCD and how it affects his daily life, including his routines on the field.
“It’s who I am, and it’s what I go through,” he said.
“I, above everybody else, realize how crazy it looks doing it. I’m aware. But at the same time, you can’t help it.”
His candidness about his condition has been both admirable and controversial, especially as incidents like this one continue to highlight the challenges he faces.
Eagles Fans’ History of Controversy
The incident with Gonzalez is just the latest example of Eagles fans crossing the line.
Weeks earlier, another video went viral showing Ryan Caldwell, an Eagles fan, verbally abusing a female Packers fan.
Caldwell was fired from his job and banned from Lincoln Financial Field as a result of his actions.
In the case of Gonzalez, despite the fan mockery, the kicker successfully made all of his first three field goals in the game as the Commanders battled to stay in the NFC Championship.
A Bigger Picture
This episode with Gonzalez continues to shed light on the toxic side of fan culture, as individuals use social media and in-person encounters to demean players for conditions beyond their control.
For Gonzalez, it was just another challenge to overcome — but it’s a reminder of the hurdles athletes often face, both on and off the field.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn