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Packers’ $67M Star Fires Back at New York After Breakout in Green Bay

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Green Bay, WI – July 18, 2025
He arrived in Green Bay under the radar, viewed by many as simply a steady upgrade. But in less than two seasons, everything shifted — for both the player and the Packers’ defense.

Last year, the front office made waves by signing a versatile defensive back in free agency. Some questioned whether the $67 million price tag was too steep, and if he could ever live up to such a significant commitment.

As autumn gave way to winter, the Packers’ secondary suddenly became one of the most intimidating in the league. Rumors circulated about schemes, luck, and chemistry, but the transformation was rooted in one player’s emergence.

Xavier McKinney, once an overlooked name on New York’s roster, found new life in Green Bay, emerging as the heartbeat of the defense, a true ball-hawk who elevated everyone around him.

“In New York, I was just another name on the roster. But in Green Bay, they handed me a purpose — and the chance to become part of something legendary,”
McKinney revealed in a candid postgame interview.

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His 2024 season — highlighted by 88 tackles, 8 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and a spot on the All-Pro First Team — turned skeptics into believers. According to PFF’s top secondary grades, no opposing receiver reached the end zone in McKinney’s coverage all year.

Recognizing his value, the front office quickly locked him up with a two-year, $35 million extension this March. Social media erupted with praise, as fans started calling him the “savior of the secondary.”

McKinney’s leadership and playmaking abilities have set a new benchmark for Green Bay’s defense. As the Packers aim for another deep playoff run, his rise serves as proof: sometimes, all a star needs is a change of scenery to discover greatness.

Stay tuned to ESPN!

Bears Could Get Huge Boost to Pass Rush for ‘MNF’ vs. Commanders
Bears defensive end Austin Booker could return in Week 6. The Chicago Bears could receive a significant boost to their pass rush when they take on the Washington Commanders for Monday Night Football in Week 6. The Bears are now eligible to designate second-year defensive end Austin Booker for return from the injured reserve list after he missed the first four games of the season. Booker had shone in the preseason and seemed the likely choice to serve as the Bears‘ top rotational pass rusher behind veterans Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo coming into the 2025 season, but he suffered a knee injury in August that forced the team to place him on the short-term injured reserve list after the 53-man roster cutdown. Promoted Content Brain Specialist: Honey, The Plaque Destroyer (Watch This)   Brain Journal Researcher: Honey Method, Alzheimer's Natural Predator (See How)   Brain Journal Dementia Has Been Linked To A Common Habit. Do You Do It?   Brain Defender Dementia & Memory Loss Have Been Linked To This Habit. You Do It?   Brain Journal While the Bears have not laid out an expected return timeline for Booker, they will have the option of designating him for return to practice in Week 6 if they feel he has made enough progress in his injury recovery. Once the Bears designate him for return, they will have 21 days to activate him to the roster or else must leave him on IR for the year. The Bears could provide clues to Booker’s status when they hold their first practice of the week on Wednesday and issue their first injury report for Sunday’s prime-time date with the Commanders. They would need to activate Booker by Saturday afternoon at the latest for him to have a chance of suiting up for them on Monday Night Football. The Bears (2-2) will take on the Commanders (3-2) at 8:15 p.m. ET next Monday.