Packers' Crosby says tough moments helped him grow as kicker
MILWAUKEE -- Mason Crosby will keep kicking on the Green Bay tundra.
The Packers have officially announced the re-signing of the reliable kicker and franchise career scoring leader. General manager Ted Thompson announced the deal Wednesday that keeps the nine-year veteran off the free agent market.
A person familiar with the four-year contract told The Associated Press that the deal was worth $16.1 million, with a $5 million signing bonus. The person requested anonymity because the Packers do not release financial terms of contracts.
Crosby has been a special teams mainstay in Green Bay since being selected in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL draft out of Colorado. He ranks first in franchise history with 1,145 points and 236 field goals. His 20 straight postseason field goals dating back to 2010 are an NFL playoff record.
"I feel so thankful and so happy to be part of this organization again for another four years and continue that run that we've had," Crosby said Wednesday at Lambeau Field.
Crosby's worst year was 2012, when he hit just 63 percent of field-goal attempts. The Packers stuck with Crosby, and the veteran has bounced back with three of his best seasons.
In 2015, Crosby hit 85 percent of his field-goal chances and provided a security blanket for the struggling offense. He made all 36 extra-point attempts.
Crosby has been appreciative of coach Mike McCarthy's loyalty.
"There's been some really awesome moments, but those tough moments are what helped me to really kind of polish what kind of kicker I'm going to be," Crosby said.
He and quarterback Aaron Rodgers are friends as well as being two of the longest-tenured members of the team. Rodgers was drafted in 2005.
"Great seeing my friend and longtime teammate ... coming back for another 4 years!" Rodgers posted Tuesday on Twitter.
