FSU football fan favorite gets starting job as rookie with NFL team

It's cut day around the NFL as teams must get down to the 53 player roster limit by Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. ET. This is a period of mixed emotions as some players finally realize their dreams while others are left searching for another opportunity.

After entering the league as an undrafted free agent, former Florida State kicker Ryan Fitzgerald has been battling for a job throughout the offseason. Fitzgerald has performed admirably in his competition to earn a roster spot with the Carolina Panthers.

Fitzgerald didn't have to wait until Tuesday to learn his fate as the Panthers have made a decision in their kicking battle.

Ryan Fitzgerald Wins Starting Job With Carolina Panthers

On Monday, the Panthers released 18 players, including veteran kicker Matthew Wright. The move leaves Fitzgerald as the only kicker on Carolina's roster.

During the preseason, Fitzgerald went a perfect 3/3 on field goal attempts with a long of 52 yards and 1/1 on extra points. His accuracy has continued to show up after an outstanding senior campaign at Florida State.

There's a chance the Panthers look into other kicking options but as of now, Fitzgerald is on the right track to open the regular season as a starter.

That's something Florida State fans would love to see following his six years in Tallahassee. Fitzgerald capped off his career by earning All-American honors and going perfect on field goal attempts outside of one that was blocked due to a bad snap.

Fitzgerald started during his final four seasons with the Seminoles. He went 58/74 on field goal attempts and 178/182 on extra point attempts. Fitzgerald connected on five 50+ yard field goals in 2024, a program record.

Which Former Florida State Players Are On NFL Teams?

RB Trey Benson - Arizona Cardinals

DB Jammie Robinson - Arizona Cardinals

OLB Josh Sweat - Arizona Cardinals

RB Jashaun Corbin - Atlanta Falcons

WR Keon Coleman - Buffalo Bills

K Ryan Fitzgerald - Carolina Panthers

K Dustin Hopkins - Cleveland Browns

DL Mario Edwards Jr. - Houston Texans

DB Jarrian Jones - Jacksonville Jaguars

DL Fabien Lovett Sr. - Kansas City Chiefs

DL Derrick Nnadi - Kansas City Chiefs

DE Janarius Robinson - Kansas City Chiefs *out for season

DB Derwin James Jr. - Los Angeles Chargers

DB Asante Samuel Jr. - Los Angeles Chargers *free agent

DL Braden Fiske - Los Angeles Rams

OLB Keir Thomas - Los Angeles Rams

OLB Jared Verse - Los Angeles Rams

DB Jalen Ramsey - Miami Dolphins

DL Joshua Farmer - New England Patriots

RB Cam Akers - New Orleans Saints

OLB Brian Burns - New York Giants

K Graham Gano - New York Giants

QB Jameis Winston - New York Giants

OLB Jermaine Johnson - New York Jets

DB Azareye'h Thomas - New York Jets

WR Johnny Wilson - Philadelphia Eagles *out for season

LB Tatum Bethune - San Francisco 49ers

DB Renardo Green - San Francisco 49ers

DL Eddie Goldman - Washington Commanders

OL Bobby Hart - Washington Commanders

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