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Zane Gonzalez talks OCD struggle and support after his viral hair-adjusting moment

Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders place kicker Zane Gonzalez (47) celebrates with cornerback Kevon Seymour (38) after winning a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders place kicker Zane Gonzalez (47) celebrates with cornerback Kevon Seymour (38) after winning a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

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:

You have to love all that support in the face of what can be a struggle at times.

More Zane Gonzalez!

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Zane Gonzalez’s doinked winning field goal for Commanders summed up electric playoff win

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Zane Gonzalez talks OCD struggle and support after his viral hair-adjusting moment