Brandon McManus navigates challenges leading to a $15.3M extension with the Green Bay Packers in 2024
In March 2024, kicker Brandon McManus found himself with a new opportunity when he signed with the Washington Commanders as a free agent. With a decade of NFL experience under his belt, McManus was poised to take on the role of starting kicker for the team. However, his tenure with Washington was abruptly halted just months later due to serious allegations stemming from his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Allegations and Fallout
In May 2024, two women filed a lawsuit against McManus and the Jaguars, claiming that he had sexually assaulted them during a team flight to London in 2023. The court documents identified the women as “Jane Doe I” and “Jane Doe II,” detailing accusations that McManus had engaged in inappropriate behavior, including “rubbing himself against them and grinding against them.” The lawsuit alleged that the Jaguars failed to provide adequate supervision and create a safe working environment for the flight attendants.
The suit was submitted in Duval County Circuit Civil Court, with the plaintiffs seeking over $1 million in damages and a jury trial. The women, who were flight attendants on the Jaguars’ charter flight on September 28, 2023, described an atmosphere that quickly devolved into a raucous party. According to their claims, players, including McManus, disregarded the attendants’ personal space and safety regulations, with McManus reportedly handing out $100 bills to encourage the women to drink and dance inappropriately.
One woman alleged that McManus attempted to kiss her and ground against her during meal service, while the other recounted a similar experience, stating that when confronted, he simply “smirked and walked away.” The lawsuit indicated that this was the women’s first experience working on the Jaguars’ flights and that the incident caused them significant emotional distress, anxiety, and humiliation.
Legal Proceedings and Responses
The allegations prompted a response from McManus’ attorney, who characterized the claims as “fictitious and demonstrably false,” asserting that they were part of a broader campaign to tarnish the kicker’s reputation. He vowed to defend McManus vigorously, framing the allegations as an extortion attempt.
Attorney Tony Buzbee, representing the plaintiffs, noted that previous attempts to settle the matter had been met with “arrogance, ignorance, and stupidity,” likening the response to others he had encountered in similarly serious cases. The Jaguars, aware of the lawsuit, acknowledged the seriousness of the claims and stated their commitment to maintaining high standards of character and integrity within the organization.
Following the lawsuit, the Commanders released McManus and issued a statement indicating their concern over the allegations. They confirmed ongoing discussions with the league and McManus’ representatives, emphasizing their commitment to thoroughly investigating the matter.
NFL Investigation and Resolution
An NFL investigation was launched to assess the situation, during which McManus remained a free agent. By September 2024, the league concluded its inquiry, determining that there was insufficient evidence to suggest that McManus had breached the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Around the same time, the court dismissed the women’s initial lawsuit, stating it did not meet the criteria for anonymity, leading them to file an amended complaint under their real names.
By October 2024, McManus announced that the lawsuit had been resolved, with both parties confirming the settlement terms would remain confidential. Shortly thereafter, on October 16, McManus signed with the Green Bay Packers, marking a new chapter in his career.
A New Beginning in Green Bay
Reflecting on the turbulent months prior, McManus expressed relief that the ordeal was behind him. “It’s been a difficult time these last couple of months,” he said. “I’m happy that it’s in the past now. I was hoping and working hard for another opportunity. I’m extremely grateful for the Green Bay Packers for giving me that next chance to come back out here and play the game I love.”
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst expressed confidence in McManus, noting that the investigation conducted by the NFL was thorough and left the team “very, very comfortable” with the situation.
In his first season with Green Bay, McManus showcased his skills, converting 20 of 21 field goal attempts, which ultimately led to a lucrative three-year extension worth $15.3 million in March 2025. McManus’ journey through adversity highlights not only the complexities of personal conduct in professional sports but also the resilience required to overcome significant challenges.
