Packers Defensive Players Have Fun With Brandon McManus as He Fills in as Referee During Practice

It’s not every day that an NFL kicker steps off the field and into the role of a referee — but that’s exactly what happened during a recent Green Bay Packers practice. Brandon McManus, the veteran kicker for the Denver Broncos, found himself stepping into the stripes for a unique moment in practice, and it didn't take long for Packers defensive players to have a little fun at his expense.

During a drill, McManus, who was visiting the Packers as part of a special team collaboration, volunteered to fill in as a referee for a scrimmage. While it was all in good fun, the Packers’ defensive squad couldn’t help but poke fun at the situation, with many players teasing McManus about his officiating skills.

“Hey Brandon, don’t be too quick to blow the whistle,” joked linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, as McManus flagged a play for a supposed infraction. “You’re usually the one getting flagged, not throwing the penalty!”

The playful banter didn’t stop there, with defensive end Preston Smith adding, “Are you sure you know the rules, McManus? You’ve been kicking the ball, not throwing flags!”

McManus, taking it all in stride, responded with a grin: “Hey, I’m just here to help out, but I’ve got to keep it fair — even if you guys are making it hard!”

The lighthearted moment brought some levity to the practice, showing the camaraderie between the Packers’ defensive players and the occasional guests who join them on the field. McManus, known for his professionalism as a kicker, demonstrated that his sense of humor was just as sharp as his footwork.

While the jokes flew, McManus still managed to provide useful insights during practice, and the players appreciated his willingness to jump into a new role, even if it was just for fun.

The moment served as a reminder of the light-hearted side of NFL life — where, even in the midst of intense training, players find time for some good-natured fun. For now, McManus can add "referee" to his resume, though it seems he’ll be sticking to kicking when the real game begins.