Indianapolis, IN – August 17, 2025 — In a game that swung from frustration to jubilation, the Green Bay Packers found their spark on defense from one of their youngest rising stars. Defensive end Lukas Van Ness delivered a statement performance in Sunday’s comeback win over the Indianapolis Colts, punctuated by a highlight moment that turned heads across the league.

Midway through the third quarter, with Green Bay trailing, Van Ness lined up across from Colts left tackle Bernhard Raimann, the man handed a $100 million contract this offseason to anchor Indianapolis’ protection. What followed was a clash of raw power and rising talent. Van Ness exploded off the edge, lowered his shoulder, and ripped through Raimann’s block, collapsing the pocket and bringing down quarterback Anthony Richardson for a momentum-shifting sack.

The play ignited the Packers’ sideline and set the tone for a defensive surge that fueled Green Bay’s second-half rally, ending in a 23–19 comeback victory.

After the game, Van Ness reflected on the moment with both emotion and purpose.

“That was one rep, one moment — but it meant everything. To beat a $100 million guy shows me I belong here. I’m just getting started, and I promise this defense and this city that I’ll keep bringing it, play after play, year after year.”

For Packers fans, the sack was more than just a preseason highlight — it was a glimpse of what the future may hold. Drafted in the first round in 2023, Van Ness has faced questions about consistency and polish in his young career. But with his relentless motor and growing confidence, Sunday felt like a turning point.

Head coach Matt LaFleur praised Van Ness afterward, emphasizing how such plays can define a young pass rusher’s growth: “That’s the kind of effort and finish we want to see. Lukas is learning how to put it all together, and when he does, it changes our defense.”

As the Packers build toward the regular season, Van Ness’ breakout moment against one of the NFL’s highest-paid tackles serves as both a confidence boost and a promise: the best is yet to come.