The Packers’ new kicker faced challenges before joining the team — agreed to take a pay cut to stay in Green Bay.
Green Bay, WI — October 15, 2025, 05:18 PM
Lucas Havrisik’s journey to the Green Bay Packers was anything but easy, marked by uncertainty until a life-changing call brought him back to the NFL. Just days before signing with the Packers, the kicker was on the brink of leaving football behind to become a substitute teacher. Now, after a heroic Week 6 performance, he’s expressing a desire to remain with the team, even if it means accepting a reduced salary.
Havrisik joined Green Bay on Saturday after regular kicker Brandon McManus suffered a right quadriceps injury in practice. Less than 24 hours later, he delivered a clutch 39-yard field goal in Cincinnati, securing a nine-point lead with under two minutes left to clinch a hard-fought victory over the Bengals. The unexpected heroics earned him the game ball from head coach Matt LaFleur.
“I was probably going to do substitute teaching again, try to get my credentials in Cleveland if they needed any,” Havrisik told reporters, reflecting on his pre-NFL plans. His NFL path has been rocky since going undrafted in 2022, bouncing between the Colts, Browns, Rams, Bills, and even the UFL with the Dallas Renegades, where he made 15-of-20 field goals and 19-of-22 extra points with the Rams in 2024.
Lucas Havrisik has been trying to get a real-life job, likely as a substitute teacher in Cleveland, but the Packers needed him to kick today. Made a 43-yarder and 39-yarder, the latter to put the Packers up nine with 1:52 left.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) October 13, 2025
“I try to do my best to adapt to the situation.” pic.twitter.com/VUVgAD2NCx
Despite his temporary role, Havrisik’s attachment to the Packers is clear. “Though I’m just a stand-in and my time here might be short, I love this team,” he said. “If not for that call, I was about to give up football and teach. Thank you, Green Bay, for this opportunity. Now, I want to stay with this team, even if it means taking a pay cut to do so.”
With McManus’ recovery uncertain, Havrisik’s future hangs in the balance. His willingness to adjust his salary could secure his place, adding depth to a 2-1-1 Packers squad aiming for more wins.











