Full Breakdown
Broncos Safety Brandon Jones Steps In as Emergency Kicker
8/10/2026, 8:18:10 PM
Emergency Kicker Emerges at Training Camp
During a recent Broncos scrimmage, safety Brandon Jones took the place of regular kicker Wil Lutz, who missed practice to attend former teammate Drew Brees’ Hall-of-Fame induction. Jones attempted four field goals, converting three, with his longest effort reaching 41 yards. The makeshift kicking display drew cheers from teammates and fans alike.
Roster Constraints and Backup Plans
The Broncos carry only one dedicated kicker on their 90-man roster, a limitation imposed by NFL game-day roster rules. When Lutz was unavailable, special-teams coordinator Darren Rizzi activated the team’s “safety plan,” allowing a non-kicker to fill the role.
Performance and Statistics
- Field-goal attempts: 4
- Successful conversions: 3 (two from around 35 yards, one from 41 yards)
- Extra-point attempt: 1 (made in a prior practice)
Jones also recalled making a 50-yard field goal while working with Lutz in earlier sessions, indicating his kicking ability extends beyond the scrimmage.
Official Statements & Responses
Rizzi praised Jones’s effort, saying the safety “did a great job” and that the drill provided a realistic test of the team’s contingency. He also expressed a long-term interest in trying out for a Major League Soccer team after his football career.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I didn’t kick in high school or college, I just have some history in playing soccer,” — Brandon Jones
- “If we’re winning by a lot, no big deal. Hopefully, I don’t think it would ever come down to a game-time thing where I would need to make it to win. If it comes down to that, just pray for me, that’s all I can say,” — Brandon Jones
- “Played some club soccer, stopped in high school because I was like, ‘Let’s be real, I’m a football player,’” — Brandon Jones
