EAGAN, Minn. — Snap, set, signed.
The Vikings on Wednesday signed kicker John Parker Romo, a free agent who played for the San Antonio Brahmas in the 2023 XFL season.
Romo led the XFL with 51 points on a 17-of-19 showing (89.5 percent) on field goals (the XFL did not have kickers attempt extra points after touchdowns; instead, teams tried plays similar to a 2-point conversion in the NFL and NCAA with the opportunity to earn 1, 2 or 3 points, depending on the chosen line of scrimmage).
Romo was 6-for-6 from 20-29 yards, 2-for-3 from 30-39, 7-for-7 from 40-49 and 2-for-3 from 50-plus with a long of 57 in the XFL, which merged with the USFL as the UFL for the 2024 season.
Following San Antonio's season (Feb. 19 to April 22), Romo signed with the Detroit Lions. He attempted one field goal (28 yards) and one extra point, making both kicks in the team's preseason opener against the Giants.
Chicago signed Romo to its practice squad after his August release by the Lions, but he did not appear in a game with the Bears.
Romo's first shot in the NFL occurred in 2022 with the Saints as an undrafted free agent out of Virginia Tech. Romo made a 36-yard field goal for New Orleans at Houston in the preseason opener but missed a 35-yarder at Green Bay the following week.
Romo played three seasons for the Hokies from 2019-21 and teamed with Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw from 2019-20 when Romo was tasked with focusing on kickoff duties and attempted eight punts.
In 2021, Romo added field goals and kicked at an 81.8-percent success rate (18-for-22). Those numbers included going 7-for-9 from 40 or more yards and a long of 52. He was 34-for-34 on extra points for 88 total points.
Romo transferred to Virginia Tech after one season at Tulsa in 2018. He began his college career at Central Arkansas in 2016 and did not play in 2017. He played football and soccer and ran track and field at McIntosh High School in Peachtree City, Georgia.
