The Green Bay Packers wrapped up their 16th and final training camp practice Wednesday, but it wasn’t just another day on the field; it was a showdown of brothers as Head Coach Matt LaFleur squared off against his younger brother, Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Mike LaFleur. The real story, though? Their parents, Denny and Kristi LaFleur, were right there in Green Bay, watching their sons lead opposing NFL teams.
A Family Rivalry That’s More Than Just Football
This joint practice was pure spectacle, the kind of family drama you love to see unfold in the NFL. Matt LaFleur, who’s been with the Packers for eight seasons now, talked about his brother Mike, who’s in his first year with the Cardinals. He said, “I’m as close to him as anybody. I love him, and I don’t want to say like, because this isn’t a slight, but I am proud of him. I think he’s done a great job. He’s true to who he is. He’s a great human being, a great father, I think he’s got an exceptional football mind, and I think he does things the right way.” You can tell the bond is legit. Mike echoed that sentiment, explaining it’s hard to process the magnitude of the moment when you’re just focused on the practice, but admitted, “On the flip side, yeah, it’s cool.” It really is cool, man! For Denny and Kristi, it was “surreal,” but as Denny put it, “They’ve earned it. They worked their butts off.” Those two words, “earned it,” speak volumes about the dedication these guys have put in.
Back on the Field: Key Returns Before Roster Cuts
It wasn’t all about the family reunion, though. There were some critical player updates that matter big time as roster cuts loom. Nickel Javon Bullard returned to practice after being sidelined since August 10 with a foot injury that even had him in a boot. Bullard was confident about his return, saying, “I’ll be back in no time. If we had a game tomorrow I’d play. It’s nothing crazy. We’re just trying to proceed with caution right now instead of letting it linger and be dealing with it later on.” Cornerback Benjamin St-Juste also jumped back in, shaking off a hamstring injury that kept him out of Monday’s session. Getting these guys back on the field, even in a limited capacity, is huge as every rep counts right now.
With training camp officially wrapped, the Packers and Cardinals are set for an exhibition game this Friday. After that, it’s crunch time. Rosters have to be trimmed down to 53 by Sunday at 6 p.m. EST. For so many players, this Friday’s game is their last shot to prove they belong, to show they’ve earned a spot. Every play, every tackle, every catch will be watched, knowing that dreams hang in the balance before the regular season kicks off.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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