Former All-Pro Kicker Reveals Truth About 'Fractured' 49ers Relationship

Robbie Gould kicked for the San Francisco 49ers in their first Super Bowl matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. He would have liked to have done the same last season, but before the 2023 campaign, the 49ers instead elected to move on with rookie kicker Jake Moody.

Gould explained to NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco last week that the 49ers didn't bring him back in 2023, at least in part because of his relationship with the organization, which he described as "fractured."

"Could I have gone back to San Francisco? Probably not," Gould told Maiocco at the 2024 American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at the Edgewood Resort in Lake Tahoe. "I think the relationship there from the executives to me was definitely fractured. Not in a poor way, I just think negotiations and how those things operated, they take a toll on your relationships."

Gould, though, added that he still roots for the 49ers because of the fans and strong relationships he built with his teammates.

"It was a fun run, and it still is for those guys," Gould told Maiocco . "Obviously, my teammates, I want them to win. They deserve it."

Gould experienced a terrific tenure with the Chicago Bears to begin his career. But during his final couple seasons in Chicago, Gould struggled, particularly during the 2014 season.

However, after one year with the New York Giants, Gould rejuvenated his career with the 49ers starting in 2017. Over six seasons with San Francisco, he made 87.5% of his field goals during the regular season and all 21 of his postseason attempts.

Gould made first-team All-Pro with the Bears in 2006. He also went a perfect 29-for-29 during his postseason career.