The Green Bay Packers are facing a tough loss as veteran placekicker Brandon McManus has officially retired from the NFL due to a career-ending injury. McManus, who joined the team in October 2024, quickly became a vital part of the Packers’ special teams, providing consistency and reliability in crucial moments.
A Key Midseason Acquisition
McManus was signed by Green Bay following the release of rookie kicker Brayden Narveson. He made an immediate impression by stabilizing the position and delivering under pressure. Over 11 games, McManus made 20 of 21 field goal attempts—an outstanding 95.2% conversion rate—and was perfect on all 30 of his extra-point tries. These numbers gave him the highest single-season field goal percentage in Packers history for a kicker with at least 20 attempts. He also sealed back-to-back games with game-winning kicks in the final seconds, quickly becoming a fan favorite and a reliable performer.
A Noteworthy NFL Career
Before his brief stint with the Packers, McManus enjoyed a successful career in the NFL, most notably with the Denver Broncos. During his nine seasons in Denver, he became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer and played a key role in their Super Bowl 50 victory. He also spent the 2023 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Over an 11-year NFL career, McManus scored over 1,100 points and built a reputation as one of the league’s most dependable kickers, both in field goal accuracy and extra-point consistency.
The Injury and Retirement Decision
McManus suffered an injury during the 2024 season, and despite attempts to recover, it ultimately forced him to make the difficult decision to retire. The nature of the injury was serious enough that continuing to play would have risked further health complications. The Packers expressed sincere appreciation for his professionalism, leadership, and poise during a critical time for the team.
What’s Next for the Packers
McManus’s retirement creates a major vacancy in the Packers’ special teams unit. Finding a replacement with his level of precision and experience will be a tall order. Nevertheless, the organization remains focused on the future while recognizing the impact McManus made in his short, but memorable time with the team. His legacy will be remembered fondly in Green Bay.