Two years after his time with the team came to an end, the Green Bay Packers and their fans bid a formal farewell to one of the most iconic figures in franchise history: kicker Mason Crosby. After a 17-year NFL career, including 16 seasons with the Packers, Crosby signed a one-day contract to officially retire as a member of the team that defined his legacy. His retirement marks the end of an era for Green Bay, where he leaves as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, a Super Bowl champion, and a symbol of reliability in the unpredictable world of professional football. Crosby’s journey—from a small-town Texas kid to a Packers legend—is a testament to talent, hard work, commitment to his craft, his family and his faith.

Early Life and Personal Background

Born on September 3, 1984, in Lubbock, Texas, Mason Walker Crosby grew up in Georgetown, a town where football is more than a game—it’s a way of life. His father, Jim, a former college running back at Texas-El Paso, instilled in him a love for the sport and a work ethic that would carry him far. At Georgetown High School, Crosby was a multi-sport athlete, excelling as a kicker, punter, and free safety. His leg strength was evident early on; as a senior, he booted a 59-yard field goal, one of the longest in Texas high school history at the time. That kick was a harbinger of the power and precision that would define his professional career.

Crosby took his talents to the University of Colorado Boulder, where he played for the Buffaloes from 2003 to 2006. There, he honed his skills under the tutelage of coach Gary Barnett, earning unanimous All-American honors in 2006. His college career was marked by remarkable feats, including a school-record 60-yard field goal against Iowa State in 2004. Graduating with a degree in communication in December 2006, Crosby entered the NFL Draft with a reputation as one of the nation’s top kickers—a reputation the Green Bay Packers would soon validate.

Professional Beginnings and Rise with the Packers

Selected in the sixth round (193rd overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft, Crosby arrived in Green Bay as a relatively unheralded prospect. Yet, he wasted no time making an impact. In his first regular-season game against the Philadelphia Eagles, he nailed a 42-yard field goal with two seconds remaining to secure a 16-13 victory—an auspicious debut that made him the first rookie since 1979 to kick a game-winner on opening weekend. That moment set the tone for a career defined by clutch performances.

Crosby’s early years weren’t without challenges. He faced competition from incumbent kicker Dave Rayner and endured the pressure of kicking in the unpredictable winds of Lambeau Field. But his perseverance paid off. By the end of his rookie season, he led the NFL with 130 points, including 24 field goals, and earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Month honors for November 2007. His ability to thrive in Green Bay’s harsh outdoor conditions—where late-season games often meant snow, wind, and frigid temperatures—quickly endeared him to fans and teammates alike.

Statistical Milestones and Key Performances

Over his 16 seasons with the Packers, Crosby amassed a staggering 1,918 points, nearly 900 more than the franchise’s second-leading scorer, Ryan Longwell (1,054). His career totals include 395 field goals on 485 attempts (81.4%) and 733 extra points on 755 attempts (97.1%). He holds Packers records for the most 50-yard field goals (43) and the eight longest field goals in team history, topped by a 58-yarder in 2011. Crosby’s durability was equally remarkable: he played in a franchise-record 258 consecutive games, surpassing even Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre.

Read that entire paragraph again before you continue. His performance and contributions to the team were simply amazing.

Some of Crosby’s most memorable performances came when the stakes were highest. In the 2010 season, he helped the Packers secure their Super Bowl XLV title against the Pittsburgh Steelers, going 4-for-4 on extra points and adding a 23-yard field goal in the 31-25 victory. His postseason prowess shone again in the 2016 NFC Divisional playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys, where he drilled a 56-yard field goal with 1:33 left, followed by a game-winning 51-yarder as time expired to seal a 34-31 triumph. Another iconic moment came in 2021 against the San Francisco 49ers, when his 51-yard field goal with three seconds left capped a dramatic 30-27 comeback win.

Crosby’s consistency was a hallmark of his tenure. He posted 100-plus points in 15 of his 16 seasons with Green Bay, a feat surpassed only by Adam Vinatieri (21) and Jason Elam (16) in NFL history. In 2020, he achieved perfection, converting all 16 field goal attempts—a franchise single-season record—and showcasing the precision that made him a Packers mainstay.

Challenges and Perseverance

Crosby’s career wasn’t without its lows. The 2012 season tested his resolve, as he connected on just 63.6% of his field goals, prompting speculation about his future with the team. Yet, he rebounded with characteristic grit, exceeding 85% accuracy in seven subsequent seasons. His ability to perform in adverse conditions—where his field goal percentage dropped from 84.8% in domes to about 80% outdoors—underscored his toughness. Kicking in the NFC North, with its brutal winters and tricky venues like Lambeau and Soldier Field, was no small feat, and Crosby embraced the challenge.

Life Beyond Green Bay and Retirement

Married to Molly Ackerman since 2008, Crosby is a devoted husband and father to five children, often prioritizing family amidst the demands of his NFL career. His faith has been a cornerstone of his life, providing strength during challenges such as his wife Molly’s battle with lung cancer in 2019 and the loss of his sister-in-law Brittany to ovarian cancer that same year. Crosby has openly shared how his relationship with Christ grounds him, stating that it reminds him that “kicking is what I do, not who I am,” a perspective that has guided him through personal trials and professional pressures. Whether supporting his brother Rees during grief or fostering a home where his children could trust in their parents’ decisions during Molly’s illness, Crosby’s faith and family values remain intertwined, shaping him into a man admired both on and off the field.

After the 2022 season, the Packers opted not to re-sign Crosby, drafting Anders Carlson in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Crosby briefly joined the New York Giants in 2023, playing three games and going 5-for-7 on field goals, bringing his career point total to 1,939—11th in NFL history. Though he sat out the 2024 season, his desire to return to Green Bay never waned. On February 4, 2025, he announced his retirement on his radio show, “The Mason Crosby Show,” and on March 5, the Packers confirmed he would retire as a Packer, a fitting capstone to his storied career.

Legacy and Impact

Mason Crosby’s legacy extends beyond numbers. He was a “we” guy, as he often said, embodying the team-first ethos that defines the Packers. His 12 game-winning kicks, including that rookie debut, cemented his reputation as a clutch performer. His place in Packers lore is secure. He will definitely be a member of the Packers’ Hall of Fame some day.

As he steps away, Crosby leaves behind a franchise forever changed by his steady leg and spirit, a legend who turned pressure into points and dreams into history.

Thank you, Mason.

Originally published 3/7/25