Packers unsung hero opens up about the strange and unpredictable life of an NFL journeyman
Lucas Havrisik had a perfect game in Green Bay.
It couldn’t have been a crazier week for Lucas Havrisik, a guy who you had probably never had heard of, unless you’re a football sicko or a fantasy football enthusiast.
He worked out in Green Bay on Thursday, competing with veteran Greg Joseph, signed with the Packers on Saturday, and had a perfect game on Sunday to help the Packers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 27-18. He converted five of five kicks, including two field goals — and the last of them, with the game on the line, was a 39-yarder to seal the win.
Life is not always easy for NFL players
It’s great to be Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen, but that’s not the reality of every NFL player. Lucas Havrisik, a 26-year-old, has been around the league since 2022. He’s spent time with the Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, Browns again, Buffalo Bills, and even with the UFL’s Arlington Renegades.
Several opportunities, but only nine NFL games with the Rams before this chance in Green Bay. And because of that, he’s already considering opportunities outside of football — establishing himself as a teacher in Cleveland is one of them.
“Of course it’s strange, but I try to do my best to adapt to the situation,” Havrisik said after the game. “I’ve had a lot of workouts in the NFL. I had to head out last year to Buffalo and ended up getting signed. I’m a little fried mentally, but I treat it as just your job, be prepared as best as possible and be ready for a sudden change.”
Mental toughness is a big part of being a successful NFL kicker, and Havrisik displayed that approach to kick with confidence at the end of the game. His 39-yarder put the Packers up two scores, essentially deciding the matchup.
“You always have to discipline your mind to treat every kick the same, whether it’s a PAT or a 66-yarder,” the kicker explained. “Your emotions and adrenaline change, but you try to get back to the central spot and treat every kick the same.”
Next week against the Arizona Cardinals, veteran kicker Brandon McManus will likely be back from his quad injury. Maybe Lucas Havrisik will get back to his life in Ohio, trying to be a teacher. Or maybe his performance with the Packers will open new opportunities for him to keep his NFL dream alive. It’s not an usual path, but Green Bay was thankful of how it shook out on Sunday.
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