Keisean Nixon, a guy who’s been to the Pro Bowl not once but *twice* , first as a return specialist, then last year as a legitimate cornerback , is somehow finding himself fighting for a starting spot right now. Man, talk about high stakes early in the season! This isn’t just some camp battle for a fringe player; this is a proven veteran, Year 8 in the league, battling to hold onto his place in the lineup after hitting a career high.
Nixon himself, though, is playing it cool. Like, ice in his veins cool. He told reporters on Sunday, straight up, “I don’t see myself in no competition.” He’s just out there doing him, controlling what he can control. You gotta respect that old-school, undrafted-in-2019 grit. He’s been through the grind, reminding everyone, “I came from the bottom, so I’m here. I’m Year 8. 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… I always show up.” That kind of confidence is infectious, especially from a player who’s entering the final year of a three-year, $18 million contract, set to make $2.66 million in salary and per-game roster bonuses. He’s been the guy, he’s earned his stripes, and he clearly expects to remain the guy. In fact, the Packers’ unofficial preseason depth chart lists him as the starter, and he even started the preseason opener at Pittsburgh, playing 19 snaps.
LaFleur’s “Key Factors” Are a Wake-Up Call
But here’s the kicker: Head Coach Matt LaFleur laid out exactly what he’s looking for in his corners, and it sounds like he’s putting *everyone* on notice. LaFleur talked about “key factors” in the competition, and for me, the most telling part was when he said they “need corners that are willing and capable tacklers.” That’s not just some throwaway line, is it? He’s talking about the whole package, saying it starts with “doing your right assignment,” sure, but then it gets real about “your style of play.” Are you “competing, going after the ball”? And not just against the pass, but “in the run game as well? Are you sticking your nose in there?” That’s a direct challenge, pure and simple.
What’s Next for Nixon?
So, while Keisean Nixon might say there’s no competition, LaFleur’s demands speak volumes. He’s not just asking for guys who can cover, but guys who are physical, who aren’t afraid to get dirty. With Benjamin St-Juste signing a two-year, $9.8 million deal with Green Bay in the offseason to be Nixon’s backup, you know there’s legitimate pressure. This isn’t just about Nixon’s personal pride; it’s about who gives Green Bay the best chance to win on defense this season. Every snap, every tackle, every assignment matters now more than ever for Nixon as he tries to prove he’s still the guy heading into the regular season.
And in other news around the league, the Seattle Seahawks unfortunately fell to the Dallas Cowboys, 17-7.
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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