ss Veteran RB Praises Rookie Kicker Who Was Supposed to Be Just a Replacement – “He Plays Football for a Paying Job”.

Veteran RB Praises Rookie Kicker Who Was Supposed to Be Just a Replacement – “He Plays Football for a Paying Job”

Green Bay, Wisconsin

In a season where stability has been the Packers’ top priority, an unexpected name — a temporary replacement — has suddenly stolen the spotlight. The rookie kicker, brought in to fill in for the injured Brandon McManus, delivered a stunning debut performance that caught everyone’s attention.

With two perfect field goals and three successful extra points, he not only helped Green Bay secure a key victory but also earned the respect of his veteran teammates. Running back Josh Jacobs, who has played alongside many kickers throughout his career, couldn’t hide his admiration:
“He came to the NFL to play football because he needed a paying job — yet he plays like a seasoned veteran. He’s incredibly calm. No nerves, no panic. And then — boom, right through the uprights, like it’s nothing.”

Head coach Matt LaFleur echoed the praise, noting the kicker’s composure in high-pressure moments:
“He just got here, barely knows the system, and yet when he steps onto the field, it feels like he’s been here for years. The way he prepares, the way he handles pressure — it’s impressive,” LaFleur said.

That kicker — Lucas Havrisik — might have entered Lambeau Field as a short-term fix, but he’s quickly becoming something more. Ironically, just a few months ago, Havrisik admitted that he didn’t really love football. For him, it was simply a way to make a living.
“I just wanted a stable job with a paycheck. If I wasn’t kicking, I’d probably be teaching back home,” he once shared in an old interview.

Now, after stepping in for Brandon McManus and shining under the spotlight, perhaps he’s found something more than just “a job.” Maybe it’s belief — or a new reason to love the game he once said he only played “to make a living.”