The Green Bay Packers were hit with shocking news late Sunday night when veteran kicker Brandon McManus officially requested a trade — just days after facing heavy criticism for a string of missed kicks that cost his team valuable points in recent weeks.

In a heartfelt statement released through his agent, McManus took full responsibility for his struggles, saying he refuses to let his teammates “carry the weight” of his mistakes. The announcement sent ripples through Packers Nation, as one of the NFL’s most experienced kickers appeared ready to close his chapter in Green Bay.

“I Let the Team Down”

Following the Packers’ 23–20 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, McManus faced a brutal wave of backlash from both fans and analysts after missing two crucial field goals and an extra point. Those misses directly affected the outcome of the game, fueling criticism online and across sports media.

Instead of deflecting blame, McManus confronted the issue head-on. In his postgame interview, he admitted:

“I let the team down. There’s no excuse. These guys fight their hearts out every week, and I didn’t deliver when it mattered. That’s on me — and I have to own it.”

The candid admission earned him respect from teammates and coaches, even as outside pressure intensified. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur defended his kicker publicly, calling him “a leader, a pro, and a man who holds himself accountable.”

Still, insiders say the mental toll and social-media storm may have pushed McManus toward the drastic decision to request a trade.

A Career at a Crossroads

McManus, 33, signed with Green Bay earlier this season after nearly a decade with the Denver Broncos, where he was known for his consistency and composure under pressure. His arrival in Wisconsin was initially celebrated as a stabilizing move for the Packers’ special teams.

However, the transition hasn’t been smooth. Through seven games, McManus has converted just 75% of his field goal attempts — well below his career average of 83%. The missed opportunities have come at critical junctures, amplifying frustration from both fans and media commentators.

According to multiple reports, McManus met privately with LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst on Sunday morning, expressing his desire to seek a “fresh start.”

One team source told Heavy Sports:

“It wasn’t an angry conversation. Brandon just feels like he’s not giving the Packers what they deserve right now. He thinks a change of scenery might help everyone.”

Packers Locker Room Reaction

Inside the locker room, teammates were reportedly stunned but supportive. Linebacker Rashan Gary said, “He’s one of the best guys in this locker room — always the first to pick someone up, never the type to make excuses. If he thinks this is what’s best for him, we respect that.”

Quarterback Jordan Love echoed those sentiments, telling reporters, “Everyone makes mistakes in this league. What matters is how you respond — and Brandon’s always stood tall.”

Despite the trade request, sources say McManus remains committed to fulfilling his duties until the Packers reach a decision. He attended team practice Monday morning and was seen working extensively with special-teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia.

Teams Already Showing Interest

Within hours of McManus’ trade request, several teams reportedly contacted the Packers to gauge availability — including the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and Los Angeles Rams, all of whom are struggling with inconsistent kicking situations.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport noted that Green Bay is “open to listening but not rushing,” adding that McManus’ professionalism could still convince the team to keep him through the season.

Redemption or Farewell?

For McManus, the next few days may define his NFL future. A trade could give him a clean slate, but staying in Green Bay would offer a chance for redemption — something he has achieved before.

In 2016, he bounced back from a similarly rocky stretch in Denver, finishing the season with one of the league’s highest conversion rates. Teammates and analysts alike believe he can do it again.

Former kicker and analyst Adam Vinatieri commented,

“Brandon’s a veteran. He knows pressure. Sometimes, you just need to hit that one perfect kick again to reset the rhythm. I wouldn’t count him out — not yet.”

The Human Side of the Game

Beyond statistics and trade rumors, McManus’ story reflects the human side of professional sports — where performance pressure, mental resilience, and personal pride collide under public scrutiny. His decision to take ownership rather than deflect blame earned him quiet admiration from peers across the league.

As trade talks continue, one thing is certain: whether he stays or leaves, Brandon McManus has reminded the NFL that true accountability still exists in a game often defined by excuses.

For now, Packers Nation watches and waits — wondering if this is the end of a short-lived chapter, or the beginning of a remarkable comeback story.