Cody Parkey
An NFL kicker whose career was defined by a single, infamous playoff miss, showcasing the intense psychological pressure of professional sports.
Born 1992 (age 34)·American football player·Birthday: February 19·Millennials
Biography
Cody Parkey's NFL story is a stark study in the fine margins and brutal scrutiny of professional football. Emerging from Auburn University, he burst onto the scene as a rookie with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014, making the Pro Bowl and setting a franchise scoring record. For a few seasons, he was a reliable, strong-legged specialist. However, his career became inextricably linked to one moment: the 2018 NFC Wild Card game. Playing for the Chicago Bears, Parkey attempted a 43-yard game-winning field goal in the final seconds. The ball hit the left upright, then the crossbar, and fell back—no good. The 'double-doink,' as it was instantly dubbed, eliminated the Bears and became a viral sports trauma. Despite sound statistical performances afterward, the specter of that kick followed him. He played for several more teams but could never fully escape the narrative, ultimately retiring after the 2022 season. His journey underscores the unique, unforgiving burden placed on NFL kickers.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Cody was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Cody Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Cody's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected to the Pro Bowl and named a Second-team All-Pro in his rookie season (2014) with the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Set the Philadelphia Eagles single-season scoring record with 150 points in 2014.
- Kicked a 54-yard game-winning field goal for the Miami Dolphins in 2017, the longest of his career.
- Played in 83 regular season NFL games over eight seasons with seven different franchises.
Did You Know?
The infamous 'double-doink' playoff kick was actually tipped at the line by Eagles defensive lineman Treyvon Hester, a fact confirmed by film review.
He appeared on the 'Today Show' the morning after the missed kick, discussing the intense public reaction.
Parkey was a soccer-style kicker who played soccer in high school before focusing on football.
He was a finance major at Auburn University.
“You prepare for every kick, but you can't prepare for the aftermath.”
