Brayden Narveson: A Journey Through College and the NFL

Brayden Narveson, born on September 28, 1999, in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a professional American football placekicker whose career has been marked by perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to advocacy. His journey through college football and into the NFL showcases his resilience and dedication to the sport.

Early Life and College Career Beginnings

Narveson began his college career at Iowa State University, where he played during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. In 2018, during his freshman season, Narveson did not see any action. The following year, during his redshirt freshman season, he only attempted four field goals. Seeking more opportunities, Narveson transferred to Western Kentucky University, serving as the team’s primary kicker from 2020 to 2022.

Western Kentucky and Transfer to NC State

Narveson made an immediate impact for the Hilltoppers, converting 13-of-14 field goals (92.9%) and going 27-for-27 on extra points. Narveson continued kicking for three more seasons during his undergraduate work, and one additional season in graduate school. In his final collegiate year, he played for North Carolina State University, where he notably kicked a 57-yard field goal, the longest in the school’s history. Narveson transferred to NC State as a graduate student this past year, going 18-of-23 on field goals (78.3%). For his college career, Narveson went 71-of-91 on field goals (78.0%) and didn't miss an extra point (196-for-196).

NFL Journey

After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Narveson signed with the Tennessee Titans as a free agent.

Preseason Success and Initial Release

Narveson handled nearly all the kicking for the Titans in the preseason and made the most of the opportunity. During the preseason, he impressed by converting seven of eight field goal attempts, including a remarkable 59-yard kick, which generated some national buzz. Prior to the NFL preseason, it was his longest made field goal in a football game since making a 58-yarder during his senior year at Desert Mountain High School in Scottsdale, Ariz. "That whole situation was cool," said quarterback Malik Willis, who played with Narveson in Tennessee prior to being traded to Green Bay on Tuesday. "Coach Colt (Anderson), the special teams coordinator, he vouched for him and said, 'Send him out there." His 59-yard kick was the second-longest made field goal of the preseason, second only to Dallas kicker Brandon Aubrey's 66-yarder in Las Vegas. When asked about his range after the game, Narveson smiled while saying simply: "My range is longer than 59. We'll leave it at that." Willis led a quick nine-play, 42-yard drive, and Narveson made a 46-yard game-winning field goal as time expired to seal the win. "They were both instrumental in the win, but (it's) the game-winner to me," Narveson said. "At the end of the day, I want the team to win. Narveson also said it wasn't certain whether he'd even play against the Seahawks after being sick all morning. Despite his preseason performance, he was released in favor of veteran kicker Nick Folk.

Green Bay Packers Stint

When the Titans exposed Narveson to waivers on Tuesday, the Packers quickly pounced. "Brayden was a kid that we liked coming out and then he had an excellent preseason there in Tennessee," Gutekunst said. "As it unfolded and he was let go, we thought it was an opportunity to get a really good young kicker and give him a shot at it. "We're really excited to get Brayden in here and see what he can do. Shortly after, the Green Bay Packers claimed Narveson off waivers, naming him their starting kicker. In his NFL debut against the Philadelphia Eagles, he made three of four field goal attempts and both extra points. However, after missing five of 17 field goal attempts over six games, the Packers released him in October 2024.

Return to the Titans

Narveson returned to the Titans in December 2024, initially joining their practice squad before being promoted to the active roster. In his sole regular-season appearance that month, he missed his only field goal attempt but successfully converted two extra points.

Advocacy for Type 1 Diabetes Awareness

Beyond his on-field endeavors, Narveson is an advocate for Type 1 diabetes awareness, a condition he manages personally. Brayden Narveson from the Tennessee Titans joined Karisa Maxwell and Sports Philanthropy Network on Radio Row at Super Bowl to discuss his experience living with Type 1 diabetes as a professional athlete and his efforts to spread awareness. Narveson was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in high school after a year of unexplained illness. Before using Omnipod, insulin injections interrupted his training. The impact of Omnipod on his training & performance has been significant.

The Tennessee Titans: A Brief Overview

The Tennessee Titans, originally established as the Houston Oilers in 1960, relocated to Tennessee in 1997 and rebranded as the Titans in 1999. They compete in the NFL’s AFC South division and play their home games at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. The franchise has experienced notable successes, including two AFL championships in the early 1960s and an appearance in Super Bowl XXXIV during the 1999 season. In recent developments, the Titans concluded the 2024 season with a 3-14 record, leading to significant organizational changes. The team appointed Brian Callahan as head coach and Mike Borgonzi as general manager. Holding the first overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, the Titans are exploring various strategies, including the possibility of trading the top selection. The franchise is also preparing for a major infrastructure upgrade, with plans to move into a new stadium set to be completed in 2027.