Brandon McManus: College | Missed Field Goal | Packers | Wife

Brandon McManus is one of the NFL’s most reliable and well-known kickers — a player whose career has included dramatic game-winning kicks, record-setting college performances, Super Bowl success, and personal life milestones that make him a compelling figure both on and off the field.

In this deep-dive, we explore his roots in college football, memorable professional moments (including missed field goals and big comebacks), his role with the Green Bay Packers, and insights into his family life with his wife, Nadia.

1. Early Life and College Career at Temple

Brandon Tyler McManus was born on July 25, 1991, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He developed an early passion for football — especially kicking — that would eventually lead him to Temple University.

Temple University: Where It All Began

McManus attended Temple University from 2009 to 2012, where he became one of the most prolific kickers in school history. During his Temple tenure:

• He set school records for career points scored (338), field goals made (60), field goals attempted (83), and even punting average (45.3).

• As a senior, he earned All-Big East first-team honors after scoring 74 points — leading the Owls.

• McManus also handled kickoff duties and notched 40 touchbacks on 56 kickoffs in one standout season.

His production at Temple showcased both accuracy and range — traits that NFL scouts would later value as he pursued a professional career.

2. NFL Journey: From Undrafted to Superstar Kicker

Despite an outstanding college career, McManus went undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft. But that didn’t slow him down.

Early Pro Career

After signing as an undrafted free agent with the Indianapolis Colts, McManus spent time on practice squads before landing with the Denver Broncos — the team where he finally established himself.

Denver Broncos: Super Bowl Glory

With Denver, McManus became the Broncos’ starting kicker and enjoyed remarkable success:

• He hit clutch field goals throughout the season and helped Denver reach the postseason.

• In Super Bowl 50, McManus connected on three field goals and one extra point, contributing significantly to a 24-10 victory.

His tenure in Denver solidified him as one of the NFL’s most reliable kickers — a role he would carry throughout his career.

3. Packers and Professional Highlights

Brandon McManus’ NFL path eventually brought him to the Green Bay Packers — where he has been both a hero and, at times, under scrutiny.

Signing With the Packers

McManus signed with the Packers in October 2024, bringing stability to a kicking game that had struggled after the departure of Mason Crosby.

In 11 games during the 2024 season:

• McManus made 20 of 21 field goals — a 95.2% accuracy rate, one of the highest percentages in team history.

• He was perfect on all 30 extra-point attempts.

His performance was a huge upgrade and helped the Packers earn a postseason berth.

Memorable Field Goals and Misses

McManus had multiple clutch field goals — including game-winners in his first Packers games.

However, like every kicker, he has also experienced adversity:

• McManus missed a 38-yard field goal in a wild-card playoff loss, marking his first postseason miss despite an otherwise high career total.

This mix of heroics and setbacks reflects the high-pressure nature of kicking in the NFL — and the razor-thin margin between glory and disappointment.

Contract and Role

In early March 2025, McManus agreed to a three-year, $15.3 million contract extension with the Packers — a clear sign of the team’s confidence in his abilities.

As of the 2025 season, his performance has included both clutch kicks and some misses that ignited discussion among fans and analysts — a reminder that even great specialists can have rough patches.

4. Analyzing McManus’ Field Goal Accuracy

Across his career:

• McManus boasts an overall field goal percentage above 82%, a very strong mark for NFL kickers over time.

• He has drilled field goals from beyond 50 yards and at times been among the league’s most trusted specialists.

His career trajectory highlights both consistency and critical moments under pressure — the kind that define NFL careers.

5. Personal Life: Wife Nadia and Family

Off the field, Brandon McManus has a rich personal life anchored by his marriage to Nadia McManus (née Spencer).

How They Met and Married

• Brandon met Nadia while they were both students at Temple University — spotting her in the cafeteria and eventually connecting.

• The couple married on March 5, 2016, in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, in a beautiful destination wedding surrounded by family and friends.

Together, they have built a family life that includes three sons — twin boys Caden and Luca (born January 18, 2019), and a younger son, Oliver, born in 2020.

Life Beyond Football

Nadia has supported Brandon through the ups and downs of NFL life — including relocations and the pressure of professional football.

While Brandon’s NFL career occasionally hits the headlines for performance or controversy, his family remains a foundational part of his world.

6. Legacy and Beyond

Brandon McManus’ story is not just about numbers — it’s about endurance, peak performance under pressure, and personal growth.

From his record-setting days at Temple to a Super Bowl victory, and from clutch kicks for Green Bay to the personal joys of family life with Nadia and their children, McManus embodies the blend of athletic achievement and human depth that fans admire.

His journey illustrates how success in sports isn’t linear — it includes triumphs, setbacks, and the constant pursuit of excellence.

FAQs

1. What college did Brandon McManus attend?
Brandon McManus played college football at Temple University, where he set multiple school kicking records.

2. Has Brandon McManus ever missed an important field goal?
Yes — one notable miss was a 38-yard attempt in the Packers’ wild-card playoff loss, his first postseason miss.

3. Is Brandon McManus married?
Yes, he is married to Nadia McManus (née Spencer). They married in 2016.

4. How many children does Brandon McManus have?
Brandon and Nadia have three sons: twins Caden and Luca, and younger son Oliver.

5. Which teams has Brandon McManus played for in the NFL?
McManus has played for the Colts, Giants, Broncos, Jaguars, Commanders, and currently the Green Bay Packers.