Keisean Nixon, a guy who hit the Pro Bowl last year as a corner, is somehow battling just to keep his starting job. That’s right, a Pro Bowler is in a fight for a spot, and this isn’t some new guy either. He’s been a Packer for a long time.
Nixon’s Wild Response to the Depth Chart
But don’t expect Nixon to back down. The dude straight up told reporters on Sunday, through Ryan Wood of USA Today, “I don’t see myself in no competition.” Can you believe that? He’s not seeing it as a fight against others, but a personal challenge. “I’m coming in here to compete for myself,” he declared. He’s putting the ball back in the coach’s court, saying “What they do, and what they choose to do, that’s out of my control. I can only control what I can control.”
He’s been around, this is Year 8 for him, and he’s clearly got that veteran fire. “I came from the bottom, so I’m here,” Nixon stated. “Since I’ve been here, I ain’t been off the field, and anything they’ve asked me to do I’ve played at a high level.” The man’s confident. He ended that thought with a mic drop: “I always show up.”
What the Coach Is Actually Looking For
So, what’s Coach Matt LaFleur even looking for if a Pro Bowler’s gotta fight? He broke it down Sunday. For LaFleur, it’s all about basics and grit. “It starts with doing your right assignment,” he said. Fair enough. But then it gets into “style of play.” How intense are you? “How are you competing, going after the ball,” LaFleur asked rhetorically.
He isn’t just talking about defending passes, either. This is crucial: “Not only in the past game, but in the run game as well? Are you sticking your nose in there?” The coach needs a corner who can tackle, plain and simple: “we need corners that are willing and capable tacklers.” It sounds like a challenge for Nixon to prove he’s that all-around force, even with his Pro Bowl nod. The good news? The unofficial preseason depth chart still lists Nixon as the starter, with Benjamin St-Juste behind him. So, the spot’s his to lose, but he’s clearly got to keep proving himself.
This isn’t some quiet camp competition, folks. This is a Pro Bowl talent having to prove himself all over again. Nixon’s got the fire, the stats, and the unofficial starter nod. But LaFleur’s laying down the law on what he expects, especially in the run game. You gotta wonder if this pushes Nixon to an even higher level, or if the pressure starts to wear thin. Keep an eye on this battle, because it’s a wild one for a guy who just played in the Pro Bowl!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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