Rookie Kicker Lucas Havrisik Says He Didn’t Join the NFL Because He Loved Football – But the Packers Made Him Fall in Love

Rookie Kicker Lucas Havrisik Says He Didn’t Join the NFL Because He Loved Football – But the Packers Made Him Fall in Love

Green Bay, Wisconsin

Just one day after signing with the Green Bay Packers, rookie kicker Lucas Havrisik has already captured attention — not only for his on-field performance, but for his honesty about how he found his place in football. Unlike most players who dream of the NFL from a young age, Havrisik admits he never truly loved the game, and once thought about becoming a substitute teacher in Cleveland, his hometown.

Speaking to reporters after hitting two clutch field goals from 43 and 39 yards in his Packers debut, the 25-year-old shared a heartfelt reflection that’s resonated with fans across Wisconsin:

“I never really loved football — I once thought I’d go back to Cleveland and start teaching. But the Packers made me fall in love with this game, with this place. The Packers are family — they’re my heart.”

For Havrisik, Green Bay has been more than just a stop in his career — it’s a revelation. He spoke about the warmth of the locker room, the trust from coaches, and the passion of Packers fans that instantly made him feel at home.

WILD: #Packers kicker Lucas Havrisik says he is an #NFL kicker because he cannot find a REAL JOB and would like to be a substitute teacher in Cleveland.

“I try to do my best to adapt to the situation.”

Havrisik hit a 43-yarder and 39-yarder for GB today.pic.twitter.com/kDcf68SByO

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) October 13, 2025

The signing, initially seen as a quiet roster move, has turned into one of the team’s most uplifting stories of the week. Havrisik’s humility and authenticity have quickly endeared him to the fanbase, reminding everyone that not every NFL dream starts with ambition — sometimes, it begins with belonging.

In a league driven by contracts and competition, Lucas Havrisik’s words cut through the noise: a rookie who came for opportunity, but stayed for love — and found a family in Green Bay.