Brandon McManus

BIOGRAPHY

Born on July 25, 1991, Brandon Tyler McManus is a renowned American football player known for his exceptional placekicking talent. His journey as a professional player started with a hitch when the Indianapolis Colts signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2013 after he finished his college years at Temple University. However, he quickly proved his prowess and became one of the most notable players in his right accumulating the highest points scored, field goals made, field goals attempted, and punt average during his college career.

Despite his exemplary performance, McManus was waived off by the colts before the start of the season. This did not put him off, as in January of 2014, he signed a reserve/future contract with The New York Giants. His stint with the Giants included 4 preseason games, which ultimately paved the way for his transfer to the Denver Broncos.

Arriving at the Broncos in August 2014, McManus was assigned to cover for Matt Prater, the team’s starting kicker serving a season suspension. In October the same year, McManus rose to the ranks of the starting kicker following Prater’s release. This, however, was shortlived as he was waived again in November when the team opted for Connor Barth. He wasn’t away for long as he re-joined the Broncos to serve as the kickoff specialist.

In 2015, after showcasing his consistency, McManus was chosen as the Broncos’ main kicker over Barth. As the kicker, he made record-breaking football history by becoming the third kicker to score multiple 56+ yards field goals in a single game. His performance led to the team’s victory over the Cleveland Browns in an intense, suspense-filled overtime match. Earning the title of Special Teams Player of the Month, the Broncos had an impressive season, making it to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. McManus further solidified his star status by tying an NFL-postseason record. He scored a breathtaking five field goals in the Broncos’ victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. After this victory, they moved on to the AFC Championship, which they won against the New England Patriots. McManus and the Broncos competed in Super Bowl 50, where McManus continued to make valuable contributions, securing three successful field goal attempts and gaining extra points to lead the Broncos to their 24-10 victory against the Carolina Panthers.

With success in the 2015 season, McManus made another admirable performance in 2016, converting almost all of his extra point attempts, and a significant majority of field goal attempts. March of 2017 saw the Broncos doubling down on their confidence in McManus’ talents by extending his contract by three years.

Over the following seasons, McManus remained consistent, scoring all extra point attempts in the season and maintaining a high success rate for field goal attempts. His performance in the 2018 season was unparalleled, scoring all 35 extra point attempts and successfully executing 80% of his attempts. He nearly had a perfect record in his extra point attempts and kept up his high success rate of field goal attempts in the 2019 season.

Rewarding his outstanding performance, McManus was given a more lucrative four-year contract by the Broncos, making him a wealthy player. With multiple 50+ yards field goals earning his team victories, McManus was named the Special Teams Player of the Week many times during his contract. Despite his busy schedule on the field, McManus found himself in trouble in 2020 when he was linked to the novel coronavirus. He returned to form later to continue making the fans proud. Unfortunately, he was released in 2023 by the Broncos, leaving on a high note as the last remaining member of the Super Bowl 50 winning team.

Shortly after his release, McManus signed a one-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. With a three-from-three kick in a match towards the month’s end, McManus earned the title of AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. He was also awarded the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month following a 12-for-12 kicking spree in the month of October, showcasing his consistent talent.

Even with these achievements, McManus faced difficulties in 2024 as he moved to the Washington Commanders. He found himself mired in controversy following sexual assault allegations that ultimately led to his release from the team. While legal proceedings were underway, McManus denied all allegations leveled against him enthusiastically. Despite the off-field issues, on-field, McManus’s talent as a placekicker remains undisputed, and his story offers glimpses of endurance, talent, and the will to overcome challenges.