GREEN BAY, Wis. – Brandon McManus still has a few things to work on: At the top of his list should be finding out everyone's name on the Green Bay Packers, how to do a Lambeau jump and who invented the famous celebration.

He has the important things — like hitting a game-winning field goal when time runs out just days after joining a new team — down pat.

The 11th-year veteran, who hadn't played in a game since the end of last season before the Packers signed him on Wednesday, hit a 45-yarder on his first official field goal with the team, giving Green Bay a 24-22 Victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday at Lambeau Field.

That's the difference between a Super Bowl-winning kicker like McManus, who won one with the Denver Broncos, and a rookie like Brayden Narveson, who was fired last week after missing five field goals in the first six games of the season had missed.

“Obviously he's successful in the moments that matter, so he doesn't get nervous,” Packers safety Xavier McKinney said. “And obviously this isn't the Super Bowl, so it's a lot easier for him and he doesn't feel as much pressure and we were able to make it happen. We love it.”

McManus was out of football after being fired by the Washington Commanders this offseason before ever kicking for them, following a lawsuit filed by two women – who worked as flight attendants at his former team's charter airline, the Jacksonville Jaguars, flew in September To London in 2023 – which accused him of sexual assault on the trip. The NFL announced on September 30 that McManus would not face disciplinary action. Attorneys for McManus and the women announced last week that the case was “resolved.”

The Packers took over with 1:44 left, trailing 22-21. Jordan Love, who had an uneven day with three touchdowns and two interceptions, engineered a masterful drive to give McManus a chance.

He made the first attempt to win the game, but had to blow it off because the Texans called a timeout at the last second.

“I've always thought, I don't know why teams take a timeout so late to give you a practice kick,” McManus said. “But I expected it.”

On the second attempt, defending champion Daniel Whelan had to accept a snap from Matt Orzech that went deeper than expected.

“Much lower,” Orzech said. “Much, much lower. But Danny does a great job working with me and proving me right when I'm wrong. At the end of the day, the group of specialists is about fixing each other, and he's done a lot.” I owe him dinner for that.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur said of his first thought when he saw the snap: “I was like, 'Uh-oh.'” But in addition to being a great player, he's also a great holder, I can't say enough great things about him tell him. He definitely had a big impact on the game.

LaFleur gave play balls to McManus and Whelan (along with one to defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, whose creative attacks gave Texas quarterback CJ Stroud problems all afternoon. Stroud threw for just 86 yards and was sacked four times).

McManus improved to 9 of 15 career field goals on clutch kicks, defined by ESPN Research as kicks in the final 2 minutes of regulation or overtime to win or take the lead.

The ball had barely hit the net when McManus ran toward the south end zone and took a Lambeau leap into the stands. He needed the help of the fans in the front row to help him up.

“Green Bay is a special team,” McManus said. “That’s why I chose the Lambeau Leap, just because I grew up watching Brett Favre play, and I think was it Ryan Grant who started it?”

“Much lower. Much, much lower. But Danny does a great job of working with me and proving me right when I'm wrong. At the end of the day, this battery of experts is about fixing each other, and he did it.” I owe him dinner for that.

Matt Orzech of the Packers on his low snap against Daniel Whelan on the game-winning field goal

In fact, it was Hall of Fame safety LeRoy Butler who made the first Lambeau jump.

“I really need to work on my hops,” McManus said. “I don’t practice jumping as much anymore.”

He had more important things to practice.

“The guys worked hard and practiced all week,” McManus said. “Many of them still don’t know my name. Maybe they will today. I'll do my best to get everyone's names. It’s an honor to be here and help the team win.”

McManus wasn't sure what Sunday night had in store. He had no friends or family in town.

“My father thought about coming but decided against it,” he said. “I’m going to hang out with some teammates and stuff like that. Are there any good places to eat?”

He probably wouldn't have to buy everywhere he went.