On Sunday the Packers squared off against the Arizona Cardinals, and Havrisik came in off the bench due to injury to the usual starter. Just like that, late in the first half, he boomed a 61‑yard field goal to set a new franchise record.
In the postgame press conference, LaFleur’s reaction carried a blend of surprise, genuine respect, and a forward‑looking mindset. He didn’t treat it as just a “nice moment” and move on—he acknowledged what it meant both for the game and for the team’s belief.
He referenced the kick as a key turning point: more than just points on the board, it brought momentum, showed the team trust in special teams, and affirmed that players stepping up from unexpected spots can deliver at the highest level. In his words, he noted that the record kick “filled the room” and provided a jolt—not just for Havrisik, but for the unit and the team as a whole.
LaFleur also didn’t shy away from the context behind the moment. He’s been vocal about team culture, preparedness, and making sure every man knows his role. Havrisik’s path—undrafted, bouncing around, waiting for his shot—reflects this type of “next‑man‑up” mentality that LaFleur emphasizes. Knowing that the coaching staff signed Havrisik recently and then he delivers in a big way sends a clear message: “We trust you. Be ready. And when your moment comes, go.” That dynamic seemed important to LaFleur’s comment
Another layer to his reaction: LaFleur acknowledged that while the kick was spectacular and record‑setting, it wasn’t about one play in isolation. He emphasized the ongoing work—the protection, the snap, the hold, the overall special‑teams unit functioning under pressure. By doing so, he subtly reminded that while individual heroics are impressive, they exist in a system, a team, a context. In that way, he used the moment to reinforce the standards he wants his players to uphold. The 61‑yard FG becomes not just a highlight, but a representation of what the team strives to be: disciplined, prepared, and confident.
Also noteworthy: LaFleur’s reaction included the practical side of coaching. Rather than gush about the feat alone, he tied it into strategy and momentum. In games at the NFL level, a long field goal at the end of a half can swing momentum, affect how the opposing team lines up, and influence the mindset for the second half. LaFleur mentioned that the kick helped provide a cushion, gave the team a lift, and signaled belief. In that sense, he sees it not just as a statistical achievement but as a tool for winning.
What this says about LaFleur’s broader coaching mindset: He values players who are ready when called upon. He values special teams as a critical phase (often under‑appreciated). And he desires to create a culture where no role is too small, no contributor too obscure. That message is sharpened by moments like this. Havrisik wasn’t the well‑known household name entering the game; he was signed recently, had a challenging path, yet here he is delivering one of the franchise’s longest kicks ever. LaFleur’s reaction thanks him, acknowledges him, and uses the moment to reinforce the locker room’s collective mindset.
LaFleur also made sure to credit the rest of the team: the protection unit that allowed the kick, the coaching staff who prepared the scenario, the confidence given to Havrisik. In doing so, he avoided the narrative that this was “just a kicker doing his job” without support. Instead, he lit up the fact that the system worked, the plan held up, and when adversity struck (starter injured, backup in), the team responded. That reinforces the type of resilience LaFleur pursues.
From a media perspective, his comments were measured—not overly emotional, but certainly appreciative and clear. He didn’t dwell on the spectacle alone (though the kick was spectacular), he used the moment as a springboard for team identity. For example, he acknowledged the leg injury to the usual kicker, how they had to pivot, and how Havrisik stepped in. That shows LaFleur’s comfort in acknowledging the challenges and spotlighting solutions rather than glossing over them. (The Washington Post)
The deeper significance: For the Packers, a long field goal like this also signals something to opponents. It stretches what special teams can do, forces defense and offense to respect the kicking game, may affect how opponents approach drives (especially on longer fields). LaFleur recognizing this shows his awareness of the ripple effects in strategy. The 61‑yard kick is not just six points—it potentially changes field‑position thinking, the psychological balance within a game, and the expectation of what this team can execute. LaFleur’s reaction demonstrates he sees it that way.
Importantly, LaFleur does not rest on the win alone; he pointed out that there is still work ahead. The 61‑yard kick is a highlight, but it doesn’t mean everything is solved. Issues in the game still require cleaning up (execution, consistency, etc.). In short, he invested in the moment but stayed on mission. That blend—celebration + accountability—is characteristic of his coaching style. As one earlier season analysis of him noted, he emphasizes not just big plays but consistency and “when you’re not generating explosive plays, you better be extremely efficient.” (packers.com)
From a leadership standpoint, LaFleur’s reaction sends a positive message to the “non‑superstars” in the locker room. It communicates that if you are prepared, if you do your job, your opportunity can come. That is especially potent in special teams where many players rotate in and out, where minutes and roles are less glamorous. By giving Havrisik credit publicly, LaFleur strengthens the culture of readiness and inclusivity.
Another dimension: The record kick also helps relieve pressure on the kicker position going forward, and LaFleur acknowledged that by referencing the circumstances (injury to starter, backup stepping in) and showing satisfaction with how they handled it. In doing so, he implicitly signalled to the team and the fan base that special teams is stable, that they have trust in their backup, and that the team is capable of adapting. That kind of assurance has both internal and external value.
It’s also worth noting how LaFleur kept the tone grounded. He didn’t allow the moment to become purely about heroics and hype. He balanced praise with the reminder that the game is still in progress, that they are still striving for improvement. This is important because it keeps the team from resting on one moment, and it maintains momentum rather than letting it become a singular flashpoint. That kind of tone is critical in championship‑driven programs.
In essence, LaFleur’s reaction to the 61‑yard field goal was layered: admiration for the player and play, recognition of the moment’s significance, reinforcement of team values (readiness, resilience, execution), strategic awareness of what such a play means for field perception and game momentum, and a steady reminder of ongoing work. It wasn’t just “what a kick!”—it was “what this kick means for us, and now let’s build on it.”
For Havrisik personally, the reaction elevates his status within the team. When the head coach publicly acknowledges you for stepping up, especially under unusual circumstances, it validates the coaching staff’s faith and the team’s belief. That becomes currency in locker room culture. LaFleur’s acknowledgement likely boosts Havrisik’s confidence and reinforces the message to the rest of the roster that opportunities are real.
The big takeaway: This kind of reaction from a head coach is more than optics. It’s a signal. It tells the team: we have depth, we trust our people, we value preparation, every phase matters. It tells players: your role matters, even if you’re not the starter right now. And it tells opponents: don’t sleep on this unit, we’re capable of big‑time execution. For LaFleur and the Packers, the 61‑yard kick becomes a moment of momentum—and his reaction frames it as such.
In short, LaFleur took a remarkable play and used it as a teaching moment. He celebrated it, yes—but within the context of team growth, expectation, and the journey ahead. He underscored that while one kick doesn’t win a season, one kick can shift things. And his reaction conveyed that he knows the difference.
If I were to speculate on longer‑term implications: We’ll likely see LaFleur lean further into his special teams emphasis, highlight readiness from a broader roster perspective, perhaps give Havrisik more latitude (at least in discussion) moving forward. And the message is clear: preparation plus opportunity equals execution—and as a head coach, LaFleur wants his team to live that every week.
If you like, I can pull direct quotes from LaFleur’s post‑game comments and analyze them line by line, showing how each part of his reaction ties back to his wider coaching philosophy. Would that be helpful?
