Overview and Career Summary
Brandon McManus is an American football placekicker known for his longevity and reliability in the National Football League (NFL). Since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2013, he has played for multiple teams and established himself as a dependable scoring contributor at the professional level. This profile outlines his career trajectory, notable performances, and verified accomplishments.
Entry into the NFL and Early Teams
2013: Detroit Lions
McManus began his professional career with the Detroit Lions in 2013 after going undrafted. He served as a backup during his rookie season, learning the roster expectations and earning experience behind the established kicker.
2014–2015: New York Giants
In 2014, the New York Giants signed McManus to their practice squad and later promoted him to the active roster. He remained with New York through the 2015 season, where he handled kickoffs and saw limited field goal opportunities.
2016: Jacksonville Jaguars
McManus joined the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016, again serving primarily on special teams. His tenure in Jacksonville provided further development as a specialist on a competitive roster.
Denver Broncos Tenure and Breakout Period
2016–2022: Denver Broncos
McManus was signed by the Denver Broncos in October 2016 following an injury to the team’s starter. He quickly claimed the starting role and remained the Broncos’ placekicker through the 2022 season. This period represents the most consistent stretch of his career, featuring multiple Pro Bowl selections and franchise records.
- Set the Broncos franchise record for most points by a kicker
- Earned recognition as a First-Team All-Pro and multiple Pro Bowl invitations
- Played a key role in Denver’s offensive scoring output during playoff and regular-season games
Later Career Moves
2023: New England Patriots
In 2023, McManus signed with the New England Patriots. He competed for the starting role during training camp and preseason, though the team ultimately selected another kicker for the season opener.
2023–2024: Return to the New York Giants
McManus returned to the New York Giants later in 2023 and remained with the team into the 2024 season. He handled kickoffs and provided depth and experience as the squad’s veteran specialist.
Playing Style and Role
As a placekicker, McManus is responsible for converting field goal attempts and extra points, as well as handling kickoffs. His accuracy and consistency on field goals have allowed teams to manage game situations more effectively, particularly in close contests where scoring opportunities are critical.
Career Milestones and Notable Achievements
Over his career, McManus has achieved several league-recognized milestones. He is one of the few kickers to maintain a high success rate on field goals beyond 50 yards and has remained productive across more than a decade in the league. His work with long snaps and reliability under pressure have contributed to his sustained presence on NFL rosters.
Verified Career Facts
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Placekicker | Official rosters, team announcements |
| NFL Debut | 2013 | League records, team media guides |
| Primary Teams | Detroit Lions, New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos, New England Patriots | Team transaction reports |
| Denver Broncos Tenure | October 2016 – 2022 | Broncos roster archives, game logs |
| Pro Bowl Selections | Multiple selections during Broncos tenure | NFL official selections |
| Kicking Foot | Right | Player profile data |
Current Status
As of the most recent season, Brandon McManus remains an active NFL kicker, continuing to contribute as a veteran presence on special teams. Teams value his experience and ability to execute under game conditions, making him a sought-after specialist in a competitive market.
Summary
Brandon McManus has built a durable career as an NFL placekicker, spanning multiple teams and over a decade of service. His time with the Denver Broncos stands out as a period of peak performance, where he earned Pro Bowl honors and set franchise scoring records. Known for consistency and reliability, McManus continues to play at the highest level of professional football.