Logo

Father of Packers Rookie DT shocks everyone by declaring he will quit his job and live off his son — his words leave the room silent

Green Bay, WI — October 7, 2025. In the Lambeau Field press room, a man with work-hardened hands looked straight into the lens, his voice low but resolute:
“Why should I keep working when I can live off my son? I just want to say one thing: ‘Thank you, son — from now on your father will live off you.’”

He paused for half a beat and smiled. “I’m saying it half-jokingly. I’ve worked night shifts my whole life, some months counting every dollar to pay the power bill. Today, when my son sent 100% of his first month’s salary to our family, it felt like we finally rounded a long, hard bend. ‘Live off my son’ is my way of saying pride, and of setting down old burdens.”
Beside him, the rookie nodded gently. Per a plan discussed with his advisors, starting next month 50% of his salary will go home on a regular schedule — the rest will be split among long-term savings, a small fund for his old school, and careful investments. “Careers can be short or long, but gratitude to our parents can’t wait,” he said, just loud enough for the room to hear.

Outside, the “Titletown” signage shimmered in the morning haze. For a young defensive tackle fighting his way into the Packers’ rotation, everything moved fast: signing as a UDFA after the Draft, grinding through camp, and then making the 53-man roster right before the season — milestones most players only dare to dream about. (It also extends the franchise’s streak to 21 straight seasons with at least one UDFA on the Week 1 roster.)

That’s why this story goes well beyond a bank transfer. It’s a message about discipline, gratitude, and grit. A team spokesperson put it simply: “We respect any decision that puts family first — as long as the player matches it with professionalism every day.” On the low risers of the press room, a few reporters nodded: it’s rare to see a rookie choose to “speak with his wallet” in his very first month.

And then, at the heart of this story — like the moment a name finally gets inked onto the lineup — that rookie is Nazir Stackhouse: DT #93 of the Green Bay Packers, undrafted in 2025, who quite literally stitched his name onto a first-team jersey.

Nazir Stackhouse

Back at the podium, the father — still wearing a faded ball cap — spoke again, slower this time, clearer:
“I’m not bragging. I’ve patched roads, hauled loads; some days my hands cracked and bled. We ate lean so our son could chase football. Today I say ‘live off my son’ because, for the first time, I feel I can breathe. Thank you, son, for not giving up.”
Then he turned to his boy, a hint of mischief in his voice: “As for me… tomorrow I’ll still work half a day. The other half, I’ll be home grilling for the neighbors.”

A quick hug closed the presser. Shutters clicked. The rookie smiled and tugged up the strap of his practice backpack: “On the field, this is only the beginning,” he said. In Green Bay — where the Lombardi name is heritage — a rookie’s anchor doesn’t always start in a thick playbook; sometimes it begins with an envelope sent home and a single sentence that makes a crowded room go quiet.

Comments (0)

Loading comments...

Packers Offensive Line Leader Elgton Jenkins Praises Two Rookies for Making the Unit More Complete: “They Are the Future of the Packers”
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Ahead of the new game week, Elgton Jenkins spoke about his leadership role on the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line—both a responsibility and a privilege. He said that, alongside the veterans in the room, the goal is to “pull” the younger players up to the standard every day and turn each practice into real progress. Jenkins reserved special praise for two rookie offensive linemen: Anthony Belton (OT, Round 2, No. 54) and John Williams (OL, Round 7, No. 250). Belton has the profile of a modern edge tackle, while Williams is a flexible piece who can play tackle/guard depending on the package—very much in line with the Packers’ philosophy of building dependable depth. In pass protection, Jenkins emphasized that Belton keeps his shoulders square, stays calm versus blitz looks, and shows enough anchor when defenders try to long-arm him on the edge; Williams communicates well through twists/stunts, executes clean pass-offs in the pocket, and helps keep Jordan Love a stable platform. In the run game, both rookies expand the toolbox—from inside/outside zone that demand quick reach and firm combos to gap/power concepts that require precise second-level fits. “They are the future of the Packers — these two young guys bring the energy, discipline, and standard an offensive line needs to dominate. My job is to keep them on track so we get better every week.” — Elgton Jenkins said. Jenkins acknowledged that a dense schedule and “multiple” defensive fronts are forcing the O-line to mature quickly in high-leverage moments: third-and-long, two-minute drills, and slide/half-slide protections against pressure from multiple sources. “Once the young guys start to ‘catch the rhythm,’ the whole unit pops at the same time,” he said. Expert view: From a technical standpoint, Belton fits vertical/45 sets on the edge, is improving his anchor versus bull rushes, and is increasingly confident holding the corner without constant chip help; Williams brings the frame, tight hand usage, and low pad level, plus reliable MIKE-point ID and clean climbs to the second level—traits that set him up for early swing duties (tackle/guard). Within the Packers’ developmental framework—where disciplined footwork and communication are priorities—this duo has a clear pathway to grow from late-day draft picks into meaningful contributors.