Heir to a Legend: Armenian Gabriel Goroyan Follows Ben Aghajanian’s Path to the NFL
Sixteen-year-old Armenian athlete Gabriel Goroyan is rapidly making a name for himself in American football and is already regarded as one of the most promising kickers in the country at the youth level. Representing Westlake High School in California, Goroyan is among the top specialists at his position in the Class of 2027.
According to leading scouting services, Goroyan holds the No. 1 spot in the national kicker rankings for his class and has earned a perfect five-star rating. Experts highlight his powerful left leg, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure — qualities rarely seen at such a young age.
Gabriel has already attracted strong interest from NCAA Division I colleges. Despite his age, he is earning income through NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) programs. His estimated annual earnings reach around $130,000 and also include free university education — a rare achievement for a high school athlete.
During the 2025 season, Goroyan posted impressive numbers:
- 6 made field goals (longest — 45 yards);
- 58 touchbacks on 65 kickoffs — best result in California;
- Average punt distance — 40.3 yards;
- 47 successful extra points out of 48 (PAT).
His versatility is also emphasized: Gabriel is not only a kicker and punter, but also a two-sport athlete, simultaneously playing for his school’s soccer team as a goalkeeper.
Scouts describe Goroyan as a “fantastic prospect fully ready for the Division I level,” noting his field goal range beyond 55 yards, high ball hang time, and strong mental toughness. Experts predict that in the coming years he will become one of the most sought-after kickers among U.S. colleges.
Armenian kickers in American football are a long-standing tradition.
It is also worth noting that Armenians have already left a significant mark on the history of American football. One of the greatest kickers in NFL history was Armenian-American Ben Agajanian.
Benjamin James Agajanian (1919–2018), born in California to Armenian immigrant parents, was a true pioneer of placekicking in professional football. He became the first player in history to be kept on a roster solely for kicking duties — before him, kickers usually played other positions as well.
Despite suffering a severe injury that led to the amputation of four toes on his kicking foot, Agajanian overcame the setback and reached the highest level of the sport. He played in the NFL, the All-America Football Conference, and the American Football League, won NFL championships with the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers, and later spent more than 20 years as a kicking coach with the Dallas Cowboys.
Agajanian is regarded as one of the most respected kicking specialists of all time and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Today, many experts see Gabriel Goroyan’s rise as a continuation of the rich Armenian legacy in American football.
