It was the moment everyone watching the Washington Commanders’ Wild Card win was wondering about: Why did Zane Gonzalez adjust his hair so much before putting on his helmet to kick the game-winning field goal?
The answer was that it was part of his OCD diagnosis, and he’s brought awareness to the disorder simply through that moment. He spoke about it in the week leading up to the Commanders’ next playoff game against the Detroit Lions, where we may see Gonzalez prepare in the same way before taking the field.
From USA TODAY Sports, here’s what Gonzalez said about how he’s handled the disorder:
“I just wish more people would understand, like, it’s hard to describe the mindset that’s going on in the OCD,” he said. “So it’s like, whenever you’re having one of those situations come up, you truly – whatever it may be – you think the worst possible situation’s going to come of it. It could be the most unrealistic, crazy, unimaginable thing and people will be like, ‘You’re crazy for thinking that stuff.’ Which, I’m aware I’m crazy to think that stuff. But that tick just constantly is kneading at you. It’s never-ending. It’s always just there. It’s just one of those things you just kind of get used to and you can grow accustomed to.”
And here’s more from Gonzalez this week:
Washington Commanders kicker Zane Gonzalez welcomes his viral moment as a chance to educate about OCD. pic.twitter.com/Fx9qmRXCgL
— AP NFL (@AP_NFL) January 16, 2025
You have to love all that support in the face of what can be a struggle at times.
