Anders Carlson’s football journey has been one of resilience, faith, and perseverance—and now, once again, it enters a new chapter. The former Auburn Tigers standout has been released, a move that sends ripples through the NFL and college football circles alike. For Carlson, it’s a familiar position—doubted, dismissed, and yet never discouraged. With a powerful leg, a determined spirit, and a history of defying expectations, he now looks ahead with one thing on his mind: redemption.
Carlson’s name has long been associated with the Auburn football family. Following in the footsteps of his older brother, Daniel Carlson—now one of the NFL’s premier kickers—Anders brought his own flair to the Plains. During his time with the Tigers, Anders became a trusted weapon, drilling clutch field goals and handling pressure with the kind of calm that only comes from relentless preparation. From dramatic game-winners to high-stakes Iron Bowl moments, he was a mainstay of Auburn’s special teams.
But like many NFL kickers, Carlson’s transition to the professional level has had its share of ups and downs. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, Carlson entered the league with high hopes. He was given the challenging task of replacing longtime veteran Mason Crosby, stepping into massive shoes with a legacy fan base watching closely. Early signs were promising—his leg strength was undeniable, his confidence seemed unshaken, and he showed flashes of the consistency that defined his college days.
Still, the NFL is a brutal business, especially for kickers. The margin for error is razor-thin, and patience is rarely extended. A few missed kicks, some inconsistent outings, and a couple of late-game mishaps began to pile up, and soon, the pressure mounted. As the Packers evaluated their roster during the offseason and preseason, they made the difficult decision to part ways with Carlson. It wasn’t necessarily a condemnation of his ability—it was a reflection of the win-now mentality that dominates professional football.
Yet, if history has taught us anything about Anders Carlson, it’s that he doesn’t stay down for long.
This latest hurdle is not the end—it’s simply a detour. Carlson has been here before. In college, he tore his ACL during an onside kick attempt in 2021. It was a gut-wrenching injury, especially for a kicker whose success depends so heavily on lower body strength and timing. But Anders attacked the rehab process with discipline and purpose. He returned to the field in 2022, showing signs of his former self and reminding everyone that his mental toughness matched his physical tools.
That same grit will serve him now. Being released is never easy, but for a kicker of Carlson’s caliber, another opportunity is not just likely—it’s expected. NFL teams are constantly looking for reliable special teams contributors. Injuries, slumps, and the ever-shifting tides of roster needs mean that kickers are often one phone call away from a second chance. Carlson knows this. He’s staying ready. He’s training. He’s trusting the process.
For Auburn fans, Carlson’s release is bittersweet. He’s one of their own—a player who wore the orange and blue with pride and delivered time and again in pressure-packed moments. They’ve watched him grow from a wide-eyed freshman to a veteran leader. They know what he’s capable of because they’ve seen it firsthand. And now, they’ll root for him just as fiercely in his pursuit of another NFL roster spot.
The NFL, too, is filled with stories like Carlson’s—players who face adversity, get released, and then come back stronger. Some of the league’s best kickers—Adam Vinatieri, Robbie Gould, and Daniel Carlson himself—were once released or overlooked. It’s not about avoiding failure; it’s about how you respond to it. Anders Carlson is built for that response.
His technique is sound. His leg is still one of the strongest among free agent kickers. His college resume remains impressive: 79 made field goals, over 400 career points, and countless pressure-packed moments that showcased his calm under fire. In a league where special teams often decide games, those attributes matter. Teams will notice. Front offices will remember. And sooner or later, Carlson will get the call.
Until then, he’ll continue to prepare. That’s the part the public doesn’t always see—the daily grind, the quiet work, the hours of solo kicking sessions, film study, and mental focus. It’s in those moments that great players are made. Anders Carlson understands that well. He’s never been one to seek headlines or complain. He just works. And when the time comes, he’ll be ready.
Carlson’s release also shines a light on the fragile nature of NFL careers. For kickers especially, it’s a job defined by volatility. One bad week can derail a season. One mistimed kick can shift public perception. But that reality doesn’t have to define a career. Kickers like Anders Carlson know that their job comes with extreme scrutiny. They learn to embrace it.
As teams assess their rosters ahead of training camp and the preseason, Carlson will be in the mix. Whether it’s as an injury replacement or a late-summer signing, he’s bound to get another shot. His resume demands it. His potential warrants it. And his character ensures that he’ll handle it with grace and determination.
For now, Carlson’s fans—at Auburn and beyond—will continue to support him. They’ll remember the booming field goals against SEC rivals, the poise in high-pressure games, and the humility he carried throughout his journey. They’ll hope to see his name back on an NFL roster, and they’ll believe, as Carlson surely does, that his best days in football are still ahead.
So, while Anders Carlson may be temporarily without a team, he’s far from finished. In fact, this may just be the spark that reignites the next great chapter of his career. With a powerful leg, a clear vision, and the unshakable belief that he still belongs, Anders Carlson stands ready. Released, yes—but not defeated. Not even close.
