TAMPA, Fla. -- Ryan Succop sat alone in a Tampa hotel room back in August, looking for a sign from above.
The former Titans kicker had been tested in the past year. A successful career had been interrupted by a troublesome knee injury that required surgery, and it impacted his game. He was never quite right on the field for the Titans in 2019, and it showed. It led to the most frustrating season of his playing career, which ended with him being placed on Injured Reserve, and then more months of recovery and soul-searching while wondering if, when, and where he'd play in the NFL again.
So here was Succop, the night before his tryout for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, praying for answers.
When he stepped into his hotel's parking lot, in the distance he saw Raymond James Stadium, home of the Buccaneers.
And he got his sign.
"I had been praying, and kind of struggling, asking, 'Lord show me where you want me to be. Show me what you want me to do," Succop recalled. "And then I looked up and saw this huge rainbow, and it looks like it is going into Raymond James Stadium. It gave me chills."
Succop woke up the next morning, had a flawless workout with the Buccaneers the next day, and by night's end he'd signed a contract to renew his playing career.
On Sunday he'll kick for the Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV – at Raymond James Stadium – against the Kansas City Chiefs, his first NFL team, following one of the best seasons of his 12-year career.
How's that for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?
"I'm telling you, that rainbow was the deciding factor," Succop said. "It was God talking to me, telling me He wanted me to be in Tampa. It was one of those powerful moments where it was like, 'OK, I think you want me to be here, Lord. I trusted Him, and this whole season has been a blessing in so many ways."
Succop, who kicked from 2014-2019 with the Titans, has been solid for the Buccaneers.
On the season he's 28-of-31 on his field goal attempts (90.3 %), with a long of 50. Succop has been a perfect 8-of-8 in the playoffs, including a big, pressure-packed kick against the Packers in the NFC Championship Game.
Succop, who has been living in a two-bedroom apartment in Tampa all season while the rest of his family remains in their home in Nashville, said it's been a year like no other.
Just a few days after signing with the Buccaneers, his wife, Paige, paid him a visit with the couple's two young children. Succop's son, Cooper, handed him a drawing he'd penned with his mom, dad, himself, and his sister, Reese. But there was another tiny figure in the drawing.
"I looked at my wife and said, 'Who is his friend? And she had a tear in her eye," Succop said with a smile. "What is that Thomas Rhett song, 'Life Changes?' Within a matter of four days I found out I am living in a new city, I am on a new team, my family is apart from me, and oh yeah, we have a baby on the way. It's been a whirlwind, but God has blessed me in so many ways. I have so much to be thankful for."
Succop said he's been buoyed by the support he's received from friends and family in Nashville, which he calls "home." Tiffany Kern, wife of Titans punter Brett Kern, is among those who've brought meals to the Succop house in Nashville.
Succop said he's thankful for his days with the Titans, where he made so many game-winning kicks, and memories.
"I have nothing but fond memories of my time in Tennessee," Succop said. "I am so grateful for my six years there, the relationships I made there. There are some guys on that team in the locker room now that are some of my best friends and will be for the rest of our lives. Nashville is our home, we love the city, we have a lot of great friends there, and I love the fans. I still get a lot of great messages and a lot of support front the Titans community. It was a great ride, and I am thankful for the experience."
Titans General Manager Jon Robinson said he'd happy for Succop's success.
"I am pumped for him," Robinson said of Succop. "I know it was a frustrating year for him last year with us. It was a weird year for us at that position. But he's always been a consummate pro, has a great family, is a strong Christian. He never wavered in his thoughts. … I am proud of him."
Titans Online looks back at kicker Ryan Succop's six seasons in Tennessee. (AP Photos)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) celebrates after kicking a 44-yard field goal against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
A Salute to Service military appreciation logo is on the cap worn by Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop as he warms up before an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) celebrates with punter Brett Kern (6) after Succop kicked a 33-yard field goal during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Chicago Bears, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) kicks an extra point during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers defeated the Titans 30-20. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop, right, takes part in the announcement of the final pick of the NFL football draft Saturday, April 27, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The final pick of the draft is dubbed "Mr. Irrelevant." Succop was chosen as the final pick of the 2009 draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. UCLA tight end Caleb Wilson, picked by the Arizona Cardinals, is this year's "Mr. Irrelevant." (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop warms up before an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) lines up a field goal attempt during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday Dec. 15, 2019 in Nashville. The Texans defeated the Titans 24-21. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) looks on after missing a field goal against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop walks onto the field for the first day of NFL football training camp Thursday, July 26, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans tight end Luke Stocker (88) and offensive tackle Tyler Marz (69) congratulate kicker Ryan Succop (4) after he made a go-ahead field goal against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) celebrates his field goal during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against Kansas City Chiefs, in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) celebrates a field goal against the Jacksonville Jaguars with punter Brett Kern (6) and offensive tackle Taylor Lewan, right, during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop stretches on the sideline in the first half of an NFL football game between the Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) celebrates after making a 33-yard field goal against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) kick a field goal against the Buffalo Bills during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop, left, greets New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) before an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) celebrates his field goal with Brett Kern (6) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop kicks a 33-yard field goal as Brett Kern (6) holds against the New England Patriots in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) speaks with fans before the first half of an NFL football game between the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) and kicker Ryan Succop (4) hug during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 34-10. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) celebrates a field goal with guard Corey Levin (62) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop, left, celebrates as offensive tackle Taylor Lewan (77) watches Succop's field goal against the New England Patriots in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) watches his field goal against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans punter Brett Kern (6) and kicker Ryan Succop (4) in action during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Dec. 06, 2018 in Nashville,TN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop celebrates after kicking a field goal against the Washington Redskins in the first half of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans free safety Kevin Byard (31), quarterback Marcus Mariota (8), and kicker Ryan Succop (4) stand on the field during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018 in Nashville, TN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop, right, gestures after kicking a field goal against the New York Giants during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) runs to kicks the football for a field goal as punter Brett Kern (6) holds during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 25-16. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) and holder Brett Kern (6) watch a field goal in the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) is congratulated by holder Brett Kern (6) after Succop kicked a field goal against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans place kicker Ryan Succop (4) celebrates during a week 11 NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017 in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh won 40-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) kicks a field goal attempt in action against the Houston Texans Sunday December 3, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans place kicker Ryan Succop (4) celebrates with long snapper Beau Brinkley (48) after a kick during a week 6 NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017 in Nashville, Tenn. Tennessee won 36-22. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Tennessee Titans place kicker Ryan Succop (4) celebrates with long snapper Beau Brinkley (48) after a kick during a week 6 NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017 in Nashville, Tenn. Tennessee won 36-22. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) kicks during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers , Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Titans 40-17. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) kick the football for a field goal as punter Brett Kern (6) holds during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 40-17. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop stands by a kicking net before an NFL football game between the Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) and punter Brett Kern (6) walk off the field after NFL football training camp Monday, July 31, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop kicks a 47-yard field goal as Brett Kern (6) holds in the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) points upward after kicking a field goal against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) is greeted by fans as he takes the field before an NFL football preseason game against the Carolina Panthers Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) and holder Brett Kern (6) watch Succop's 48-yard field goal in the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts Monday, Oct. 16, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop warms up before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) celebrates after kicking a 48-yard field goal against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 16, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop watches the ball after kicking a 43-yard field goal in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) boots a 46-yard field goal in the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) celebrates after making a winning 47-yard field goal in overtime in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Ryan Succop, pateador de los Titans de Tennessee, convierte un gol de campo de 47 yardas en la prórroga del encuentro ante los Browns de Cleveland, el domingo 22 de octubre de 2017 (AP Foto/David Richard)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop, left, greets Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (9) before an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) celebrates after kicking a 43-yard field goal against the Houston Texans in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. At right is offensive tackle Dennis Kelly (71). (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec.10, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) kicks a 25-yard field goal as Brett Kern (6) holds and Los Angeles Rams' Troy Hill (32) defends in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) kicks a 38-yard field goal as Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Myrick (31) tries to block it in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. Holding is Brett Kern, left, (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) and holder Brett Kern (6) celebrate after Succop kicked a 37-yard field goal against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop shakes hands with fans after beating Jacksonville Jaguars in an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 15-10 and earned an AFC wild-card playoff berth. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) celebrates after kicking a field goal against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
FILE - In this Dec. 18, 2016, file photo, Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) celebrates after making the winning field goal during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, in Kansas City, Mo. Tennessee rumbles into Kansas City for the wild-card round Saturday in its first postseason trip since 2008, when the Titans were the AFC's top seed. If they can waltz out with a win, like they did last regular season, it would be their first playoff victory since January 2004. ( AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succor (4) kicks a field goal attempt in action against the Carolina Panthers Saturday August 20, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) kicks the football for a field goal as punter Brett Kern (6) holds during a week 1 preseason NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 27-10. (Scott Boehm via AP)
San Diego Chargers nose tackle Damion Square, top left, gets his hands up as Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop kicks an extra point field goal during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succor (4) follows through on a field goal attempt in action against the Carolina Panthers Saturday August 20, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) kicks a field goal in action against the Denver Broncos Sunday December 11, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) looks on from the sidelines during a week 8 NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Oct 27, 2016, in Nashville. The Titans won 36-22. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop, right, celebrates with holder Brett Kern (6) after Succop kicked a 48-yard field goal against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop wears a breast cancer awareness sticker on his helmet before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans Ryan Succop kicks a field goal in action during a NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in Kansas City, Mo. The Titans won, 19-17. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) runs to the locker room before an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) kicks a 28-yard field goal against the Minnesota Vikings in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. Brett Kern (6) holds. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) kicks a field goal as teammate cheer him on during practice at the NFL football teams training camp Monday, Aug. 1, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) celebrates after kicking a 51-yard field goal against the Green Bay Packers in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 47-25. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) kicks off the football during a week 12 NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov 27, 2016, in Minneapolis. The Titans won 27-21. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) during an NFL game between the San Diego Chargers and the Tennessee Titans , Sunday, November 6, 2016, in San Diego. (Tom Hauck via AP)
Tennessee Titans punter Brett Kern (6), kicker Ryan Succop (4) and long snapper Beau Brinkley (48) run onto the field before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4), Tennessee Titans punter Brett Kern (6), and Tennessee Titans long snapper Beau Brinkley (48) during an NFL game between the San Diego Chargers and the Tennessee Titans , Sunday, November 6, 2016, in San Diego. (Tom Hauck via AP)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) warms up before an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) celebrates his field goal against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, in Houston. (AP Photo/George Bridges)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) and punter Brett Kern (6) take the field before an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans place kicker Ryan Succop (4) kicks an extra point against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) reacts after kicking a field goal during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Tennessee Titans place kicker Ryan Succop (4) kicks a field goal from the hold of Brett Kern during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) celebrates after kicking a 51-yard field goal against the Green Bay Packers in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. Also watching the kick is Green Bay Packers' Micah Hyde (33). (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) and holder Brett Kern (6) watch Succop's 41-yard field goal against the Denver Broncos in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. At left is Denver Broncos' Aqib Talib (21). (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop, left, is congratulated by linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) after making the winning field goal during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) makes an extra point with punter Brett Kern (6) holding during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) celebrates as he walks off the field following an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016. Tennessee won 19-17 on a field goal by Succop. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) celebrates an extra point during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) kicks an extra point during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, Fla., Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) watches his 27-yard field goal against the St. Louis Rams in the first half of a preseason NFL football game Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. At left is holder Brett Kern (6). (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop, center, celebrates with long snapper Beau Brinkley (48) after a field goal against the Carolina Panthers in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) watches his field goal attempt during NFL football training camp Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. Holding is Brett Kern (6).(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) celebrates a made kick during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) celebrates after kicking a field goal during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday Nov. 19, 2015, in Jacksonville, Fla. Jacksonville won 19-13. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop celebrates after kicking a 32-yard-field goal against the St. Louis Rams in the first half of a preseason NFL football game Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. At left is holder Brett Kern (6). (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) kicks a point after touchdown during a NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, September 27, 2015 in Nashville. The Colts won the game 35-33. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop, right, gets a head pat from punter Brett Kern after he kicked a field goal against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop, left, and punter Brett Kern, right, talk during NFL football training camp Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) kicks off during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, September 13, 2015 in Tampa. The Titans defeated the Buccaneers 42-14. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) watches a successful field goal attempt during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, Fla., Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) puts up a kick attempt during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) talks with punter Brett Kern (6) on the sideline in the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) walks on the sideline in the second half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop warms up before an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) celebrates his field goal against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patric Schneider)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) reacts after kicking a field goal in the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) follows through after a field goal attempt in action against the New England Patriots Sunday December 20, 2015 in Foxboro, Mass (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) kicks the football for a field goal as punter Brett Kern (6) holds during a week 6 NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, October 18, 2015 in Nashville. The Dolphins defeated the Titans 38-10. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) kick a 47-yard field goal as Brett Kern (6) holds during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop arrives for an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (4) is congratulated by holder Brett Kern (6) after Succop kicked an extra point against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (8) celebrates a 50-yard field goal with teammate long snapper Beau Brinkley (48) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, Fla., Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (8) celebrates his field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Richard Lipski)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (8) celebrates after kicking a 51-yard field goal against the New York Jets in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop celebrates after kicking a field goal against the New York Jets in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. The Jets won 16-11.(AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop points to the sky as he celebrates a successful field goal during a week one NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 7, 2014 in Kansas City, Mo. The Titans won 26-10. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop (8) is congratulated by holder Brett Kern (6) after Succop kicked a 33-yard field goal against the New York Jets in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans kicker Ryan Succop kicks from the hold of Brett Kern before an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Succop, who spent his first five NFL seasons with the Chiefs before signing with the Titans, admits the road wasn't easy.
After being placed on Injured Reserve by the Titans during the 2019 season after going 1-of-6 in games – he'd made 154-of-163 field goal attempts in his five previous years with the team – Succop gave himself more time to recover.
Succop said he began working out with former Titans teammate Luke Stocker last March, and by June he felt like he was back to full strength. Succop then waited for the opportunity, and it came from the Buccaneers, where he handles extra points and field goals. The Buccaneers have another specialist who handles kickoffs.
Succop said the road to the Super Bowl has been a special one with the Buccaneers, where he's teammates with quarterback Tom Brady.
"Sometimes I still have to pinch myself, thinking this is so wild, I am getting to play with the greatest player that's ever played the game," Succop said of Brady. "And to see what makes him so successful is really cool, the way that he works, the way that he leads. And one of the coolest things for me has been the way that he treats people. That is what I have been so impressed with. The guy makes everyone feel important, even the little guy like me, who may only have six or seven or even less plays in the game, and he makes you feel important. There's been a lot of times he's come up and been like, 'Man, that was a big kick for us', or whatever that might be, and he does that to everybody. So, it is really cool to see someone in his position treat everyone with so much respect. He is just a special guy and it has been an honor to get to play with him."
On Sunday, Succop will take the field with Brady and the rest of his teammates at Raymond James Stadium.
He's thankful for the journey.
And for that rainbow.
"I think God puts us in situations and he puts adversity in our lives to grow us," Succop said. "And I think everything I had to go through last year, the frustration of the injury, I had a lot of growth, as a player, in my faith, in my family. Looking back, I am thankful I went through it, even though it was not fun at a time, I was able to grow from it.
"And now this whole season has been such a blessing in so many ways. For me, being able to come back after what happened the season before and get a fresh start here, and the way the Lord as blessed that, it has been incredible. Now, getting a chance to play in the Super Bowl, it's something you dream about as a kid. I am grateful."
