Long-time Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby has officially announced his retirement from the NFL, bringing to close a remarkable 17-season career, with 16 of those spent with the Packers. His announcement came on Tuesday during his radio show on Milwaukee’s 105.7 The Fan, where he reflected on his gratitude and the memories he created during his time on the field.
Crosby, recognized as the Packers’ all-time leading scorer with 1,918 points, expressed both nostalgia and appreciation for having spent the majority of his career with the esteemed franchise. "My 17 seasons in the NFL surpassed all of my childhood hopes and dreams," he stated. "I couldn’t be more grateful for those 16 years with the Packers." Drafted as the 193rd overall pick during the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft, Crosby’s expectations for his career were initially modest, but he ended up crafting a legacy few could have envisioned.
Over his career, Crosby made 400 successful field goals from 492 attempts, leaving him with an impressive overall success rate of 81.3 percent. His NFL career saw him ranked 11th on the league's all-time scoring list at retirement. During his time solely with the Packers, he set franchise records for most field goals made, extra points made, and total points scored. His playoff performances were equally notable, as he converted 31 out of 35 field goal attempts during postseason play, marking him as one of the best postseason kickers historically.
Crosby's career highlights include being part of the celebrated Super Bowl XLV winning team where he converted all four of his extra-point attempts, showcasing his reliability during high-stakes moments. One defining feature of his career has been his ability to perform under pressure, including having made 12 game-winning field goals over the course of his tenure.
Reflecting on his departure from the league, Crosby noted how difficult the decision was for him, admitting he had been "putting off" retirement for the past two years. "I always was so worried and fearful of retirement, of being done with something, being done with the end of a career," he admitted, but he’s reassured fans and supporters about his next steps. "The best part of this next chapter is the flexibility to be with family and chase my five amazing kids around," he added, speaking enthusiastically about his future.
The kicker was not only known for his skills on the field but also for his involvement off the field. He was considered one of the more reliable and consistent players throughout his career, facing the media at every juncture and taking accountability after missed kicks. He has been remembered fondly by both fans and analysts, with sportscaster Dennis Krause mentioning Crosby's reliability and community involvement, particularly his advocacy work at the Lombardi Cancer Clinic.
After his tenure with the Packers, Crosby had brief stints with the Los Angeles Rams and later the New York Giants, where he played three games, making five of seven field goals. His last season with Green Bay was 2022, after which the team opted to go with younger talent, leading to the drafting of Anders Carlson.
During his farewell, Crosby expressed deep gratitude to the fans and community, sharing how much he would miss the rush of running onto Lambeau Field on game days. "To the fans, I will miss the rush of running on to Lambeau field on Sundays... we will always be connected with our love of the Packers," he reflected. This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the emotional connection Crosby has forged with the fans throughout his illustrious career.
Now, at 40, Mason Crosby looks to embrace retirement with the same dedication he showed on the field. "I found things I’m chasing, I found things I’m passionate about," he stated, signifying his readiness to transition, perhaps leading to future endeavors within sports or broadcasting.
The legacy left by Crosby is undeniable, with strong anticipation for him to eventually be honored at the Packers Hall of Fame. His career serves as both inspiration and proof of how dedication, resilience, and teamwork culminate success.