Packers Kicker Lucas Havrisik Goes from Practice Squads to Franchise Record Breaker

Green Bay Packers kicker Lucas Havrisik has come a long way in a short time. Less than a month ago, the former Arizona star was contemplating getting certified to become a substitute teacher. Now, he holds the Packers franchise record for the longest field goal. Havrisik has given the Packers strong kicking in the absence of Brandon McManus. Now, he may also be giving the team something hard to think about at the kicking position both in the short term and long term. It’s been an incredible journey for Lucas Havrisik going from perennial practice squad player to Packers franchise record breaker.

Packers Lucas Havrisik Goes from Practice Squads to Record Breaker: The Journey

The road to Green Bay hasn’t been easy for the team’s newest kicker. Havrisik went undrafted in 2022 after finishing his college career at Arizona. Since then, he’s bounced around NFL training camps and practice squads. He initially spent time on the Browns practice squad and the Colts practice squad.

In 2023, the Rams signed him to their active roster. He played nine games for Los Angeles and connected on 15-of-20 field goals and 19-of-22 extra points. Havrisik kicked the game-winning field goal against the Seahawks in Week 11. In Week 9, he played against the Packers at Lambeau Field. He made 1-of-2 field goals in the Packers 20-3 win.

The Rams released him after the season. In 2024, Havrisik spent time in training camp with the Browns before they released him and then spent two weeks on the Bills practice squad. He spent this spring with the Arlington Renegades of the UFL.

The Record Setting Performance

The Packers signed Havrisik when McManus went down with a quad injury before the team’s Week 6 game against the Bengals. He connected on both field goals and three extra points in the Packers 27-18 win. That included a clutch kick late in the game that clinched the victory.

Last week, Havrisik connected on a franchise record 61-yard field goal on the final play of the first half. It gave the Packers vital momentum and made it a one-score game right as the teams headed into the locker room.

“I ain’t gonna lie. It was so fast. Everything happened so fast,” Havrisik said after the game. “Kickoff, one play, field goal. I saw we had seven seconds and a timeout, so I got a kick in on the net and I was like we got to be ready just in case. Thankfully, we got an opportunity. Good job by the offense and it was kind of a blur, to be honest.”

“It’s just really cool having an opportunity in [that] stadium,” Havrisik said. “The adrenaline was so up, and I was trying to calm myself. I hit it and felt good, but you really don’t know until it’s headed a little further than 10, 15 yards. It was a straight pure ball. Everybody did a really good job.”

“That’s a big-time field goal right there at the end of the half,” said quarterback Jordan Love. “And those three points came back to be so beneficial in this game. Those are those points that you never know when they’re going to come back at the end of the game, and I think that was a huge way to end the half.”

The field goal was a critical part of the Packers 27-23 comeback win in Arizona.

Packers Lucas Havrisik Goes from Practice Squads to Record Breaker: The Future

The old record was held by Mason Crosby. The team’s all-time leading scorer sent a video message to Havrisik. “Congrats, awesome, 61-yarder down in Arizona,” Crosby said. “Records are made to be broken. I’m proud of you, bud. You helped that Packers team get a win yesterday. But now I have a ball that has no meaning because I don’t have that record anymore. Congrats! Just help me figure out what I’m going to do with this now. Appreciate it.”

The Packers are not sure when McManus will be ready to return. But they no longer feel the need to rush him back knowing they are in good hands with Havrisik.

Head coach Matt LaFleur was unsure about what will happen to Havrisik when McManus comes back. If the Packers seek to put Havrisik on their practice squad, he will have to pass through waivers. It would be very likely some team looking for kicking help would claim him either immediately or sign him off the practice squad at a later date.

“That’s a hell of a question,” LaFleur when asked about Havrisik. “He’s answered every challenge that’s been put in front of him. We don’t win that game without his ability to go out there and make all his tries, his attempts. A 61-yarder, I didn’t envision that going into the game, but he’s done a hell of a job.”

The Packers could opt to keep two kickers for a while when McManus returns. They could also place McManus on IR which means he’d have to sit out at least four games before he can return. They could also try to trade one of their kickers, more likely Havrisik.

This is a good problem to have. One thing Havrisik has done is given himself a high chance of getting another opportunity to kick in the NFL whether it’s in Green Bay or elsewhere. He also has a place in the Packers record book.