McBriar began as an Australian rules football player at Brighton Grammar School and Deakin University (he attended three semesters).

After performing well at an NFL-sponsored kicking competition in Waverley Park, Bennett helped him receive a football scholarship with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

In January 2003, McBriar was the first-ever Australian player to be selected to play in the Hula Bowl Maui, as punter for the Kai (North) team.

That season, he narrowly missed a Pro Bowl selection, after being chosen as an alternate for the National Football Conference team in case of an injury.

On 12 October 2008, he sustained a season-ending fracture in his kicking foot, after his first career blocked punt, which was also returned for the game-winning touchdown on the final play of an overtime loss against the Arizona Cardinals.

[3][4] In 2009, he had a team record 38 punts downed inside the red zone, ranking third in the NFL and sixth all-time in a single season in league history.

However, after several missed field goals, holding duties were handed over to Tony Romo in the 13th game versus the San Diego Chargers.

[6] On 25 July 2012, McBriar signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles to compete with Chas Henry for the starting position.

On 9 December 2014, McBriar signed with the San Diego Chargers to replace the injured Mike Scifres,[8] whose season ended after suffering a broken collarbone.