Anders Carlson, born June 16, 1998 in Colorado Springs, emerged over six seasons as Auburn University’s steady leg. A second‑team All‑American and first‑team All‑SEC in 2020, he finished fifth in school history in points, third in field goals, and sixth in extra‑points Carlson’s academic achievements matched his athletic ones—graduating with an aviation degree and earning consistent recognition on the SEC Academic Honor Roll . He entered the NFL spotlight as a sixth‑round pick (207th overall) by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 draft, stepping into the shoes of Mason Crosby, the legendary Packers kicker since 2007
In Green Bay, Carlson’s tunnel vision and natural leg strength initially made waves. In his debut against the Chicago Bears, he nailed a 52‑yard field goal and was perfect on extra‑points Over the 2023 regular season, he made 27 of 33 field goals and 34 of 39 extra points—reportedly ranking 24th and 25th in the NFL in FG% and XP%, respectively Yet the adage “consistency wins championships” exposed Carlson’s shortcomings. He missed a playoff field goal that could have sealed victory against the 49ers, and his struggles with PATs continued—he led the league in missed extra points .
Critics—and some teammates—began to question his reliability. Reddit thread commentary highlighted his misses, especially from 40‑plus yards and on PATs, with quotes like:
“He missed the most PAT’s than any other kicker in the league”
“Kicking is such a finely‑tuned thing… Anders has the ability to be good”
These posts captured the dichotomy: a powerful leg held back by erratic mechanics. Applauded by some for his potential and work ethic, he drew criticism for mental lapses and in-game pressure. By August 2024, the Packers chose to pivot—opting instead for rookie Brayden Narveson following a close kicking competition
Carlson didn’t languish. In October 2024, the San Francisco 49ers signed him to their practice squad and soon elevated him to the active roster. He responded with authority—drilling a 55‑yard field goal in his debut, followed by a 50‑yard FG against Dallas . Yet inconsistency seized him again: he missed an extra point and maintained his streak of “missed at least one kick in six straight games” . In early November, SF released Carlson, and by mid‑month, the New York Jets signed him to their practice squad
New York saw promise in Carlson. He was elevated in November 2024 and immediately responded—going perfect on kicks and drilling a 58‑yard field goal against Indianapolis But he wasn’t the long-term answer; his name began surfacing on the inactive list by late December and he was officially released on December 30, only to return on a reserve/future contract in January 2025 .
This finally brings us to June 18, 2025. The Jets have cut Carlson again—this time, to make room for Missouri sensation Harrison “Thiccer Kicker” Mevis, fresh off a stellar UFL season Carlson was 8-for-10 on field goals across five games for NY, but the Jets, now under coach Aaron Glenn, opted for Mevis’s consistency and buzz Another chapter closes, yet another door may open.
Now Carlson stands at a career crossroads. His résumé—Auburn star, drafted kicker, NFL debut hero, practice‑squad journeyman—bristles with potential. But those high‑pressure misses loom large. At 27 and with NFL experience across three teams, opportunity may come calling again. Teams facing kicking woes often revisit familiar names. At a minimum, Carlson’s pacing builds respect.
Reddit analysts long have noted that kicker development takes time:
“Not a lot of folks know… after they have been in the league 3–4 years it starts to click… he has a lot of potential.” “Consistency between snap/hold and work on footwork and mental game
Whether Carlson finds redemption may depend on his willingness to rebuild: refining mechanics, stabilizing mentally, absorbing every lesson. His college track record tells the tale of a learner who flourished under guidance. His brother Daniel—an All‑Pro with Las Vegas and a scoring leader—offers both a blueprint and a mentor .
Importantly, Carlson’s offseason training reveals grit. Reports suggest he regularly studied stance tweaks—micro‑adjustments believed to improve accuracy. In July 2024, Reddit users noted:
“Anders Carlson believes a small adjustment to his stance has led to big improvement in accuracy.
If he can thread that needle, blending his powerful leg with technical precision.
Looking ahead, what might redemption look like? Carlson could audition in training camp for teams lacking kicker clarity, or return midseason if injuries strike. His strengths—leg strength, experience under pressure, Auburn pedigree—remain valuable. For teams weighing potential versus volatility, he checks a lot of boxes.
But there are factors beyond technique: NFL kicking is as much psychological as physical. One miss can spiral. Confidence must be cultivated, press conferences managed, and consistency delivered. Carlson’s mission is twofold: sharpen mechanics and stabilize mentally.
Here’s a roadmap that might guide a fresh NFL start:Specialist coaching: contract a dedicated kicking coach in the offseasonMental coaching: work with a sports psychologist to hone in‑game mindset.
Technique clinics: attend camps focusing on snap‑to‑kick rhythm, stance, plant foot, follow‑through.
Controlled exposure: take part in UFL or USFL preseason games—Mevis’s path shows this works.
NFL circuit: attend rookie minicamps as a free agent—showcase reliability and leg strength.
At age 27, Carlson is far from too old; kickers like Justin Tucker and Daniel Carlson prove late bloomers are possible, even common. But margins are fine. NFL teams cycle quickly, and depth charts fill fast.
Is this his final chance? Maybe. But redemption isn’t about semantics—it’s about seizing opportunity. For every kicking disappointment, there’s a story of resilience. Carlson’s story remains unfinished.
For Auburn fans, his journey hits hard. His college heroics—like the clutch 52‑yarder in the Iron Bowl—are still vivid highlights (reddit.com). His flying career aspirations beyond football reveal a grounded, prepared athlete: a man ready to pivot if NFL doors close . That humility, combined with discipline, may define his next chapter.
Granting him another shot—perhaps during CFL, XFL, USFL tryouts—represents a low‑risk, potentially high‑reward gamble for teams, especially as kicker performance remains unpredictable. If Carlson commits to a reinvented offseason, there will be takers.
In the end, the narrative arc bends toward redemption. A talented kicker in Auburn; a rough but teachable rookie; transient stops in Green Bay, San Francisco, New York; a cumulative experience that many kickers don’t accumulate so quickly. Released again, yes—but not broken.
Anders Carlson’s journey now crystallizes into two interwoven themes: resilience after high-profile setbacks, and a genuine shot at redemption through deliberate self‑improvement. Unlike college, NFL tolerance is slim—but the payoff is huge for those who steady. If Carlson lands that next team role and converts when counted on, his story redefines itself—not as one of promise unmet, but promise realized.
That’s the story now unfolding: released, not finished; knocked down, ready to rise. Because for kickers, and for Anders Carlson, a new beginning often follows the fall.
