The Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur expressed his confidence in rookie kicker Anders Carlson ahead of the 2024 NFL season, signaling that the team is prepared to rely on the young specialist for critical game situations. Despite Carlson’s ups and downs during the preseason, LaFleur believes the rookie has shown enough promise and resilience to warrant trust in his abilities.
Carlson, who was drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Auburn, has had a challenging journey to the pros. His college career was marked by moments of brilliance but also inconsistency, particularly following a torn ACL in 2021 that affected his performance. However, LaFleur and the Packers’ coaching staff have seen enough in training camp and preseason games to feel confident that Carlson can handle the pressure of being an NFL kicker.
LaFleur noted that Carlson’s mental toughness has been a key factor in their decision to move forward with him as the team’s primary kicker. “He’s been through a lot, and that experience has really shaped him,” LaFleur said. “I’ve seen enough to be confident in him. He’s got a big leg, and he’s worked hard to improve his accuracy and consistency. We believe in his ability to deliver when it counts.”
The Packers have a storied history of successful kickers, and the decision to lean on Carlson suggests that the coaching staff sees potential for him to follow in those footsteps. With the season approaching, all eyes will be on Carlson as he steps into one of the most high-pressure roles on the team, but LaFleur’s endorsement indicates that the rookie has earned his trust.
