I can’t lie, it gave me chills. When I stepped out of that tunnel at Lambeau Field, hearing the roar from the fans—truly embracing me in a way that felt one-of-one—I was completely overwhelmed. You know, when Jordan Love told me how nice this place was going to be, I believed him, but I never could’ve imagined anything like that reception. Just everything about that moment felt meant to be, like being welcomed into a family that had already made space for me. That moment felt like a blessing in disguise
It wasn’t just emotional; it was electrifying. Just 10 days after that whirlwind trade from Dallas, I’m out there battling with half the defensive snaps, still managing to record a sack—and a key one in the fourth quarter at that. Managing to get to Jared Goff, dropping him for a 4‑yard loss when everything was on the line—that was special. And don’t forget, I was doing that while still managing a lingering back issue and dealing with less practice time than usual. But it didn’t feel like limits were holding me back—it felt like I was still playing catch-up, and every one of my teammates was flying around, setting the tone, allowing me to integrate at my own pace
The game itself—the 27–13 win—felt like a declaration. It wasn’t just any win; it was my first win at Lambeau, the green and gold, surrounded by fans who didn’t just welcome me—they celebrated me. That sensation, man, it felt like home, instantaneously ).
But beneath the rush, there’s something deeper I’ve been carrying. The last six months, dealing with that contract situation in Dallas, it was… super draining, super toxic—for me, for everyone involved. Being traded just a week before the season opener wasn’t easy. I couldn’t help but think, “We could’ve been together, improving together, building momentum.” It almost breaks me thinking about what we might have achieved with more time
Now that it’s behind me, I’m incredibly relieved. Green Bay embraced me—ownership embraced me, the organization, the coaches, my new teammates—they all showed belief. I’m carrying that trust and I want to repay them. I know what’s at stake; I know what they gave up for me. And trust me, I’m going to give everything I have to make sure it counts
One of the things that struck me even before game day was the culture here. I’ve never been in a locker room like this—ever. I came in for treatment on a Tuesday, and almost every guy in the locker room was there. You could see how badly they wanted to be here—they weren’t showing up for anything else, just for each other. That sense of camaraderie—that mutual desire to be around one another—makes coming to work exciting
There’s also something symbolic for me about putting on that uniform. I got here one day, walked through the hallways, looked at the legends on the wall—Brett Favre, Reggie White. And I thought, “That’s the standard. That’s where I’ve got to be.” I want to wear that legacy well. It’s like full-circle; I even played for a youth team called the Harrisburg Packers when I was a kid. And now I’ll be wearing No. 1—the first Packer to wear it since Curly Lambeau in the 1920s. Heavy responsibility, but it’s one I welcomee—and hope, too. With that kind of money, with that kind of nod of confidence from the front office, you’d be a fool to not feel expectations hanging over your head. But I also felt it as a blessing, because it signaled that they believed in me
Now, think about what that means. The Packers traded away two first-round picks and Kenny Clark to get me. That tells me they’re building for now, but with intent. They’re sending a message, and I’m determined to be the kind of player who lives up to that message (
All that pressure, all that noise—it’s in the rearview now. What’s past is past. What matters is what’s ahead. I’m here to contribute to that culture, to push good habits, to push us toward winning. Because winning is everything to me. I’m just grateful for this start, for the embrace, for the opportunity, and I’m going to use every ounce of energy to prove that bringing me here was the right move—for the organization, for the city, for the fans
So yeah, those chills I talked about weren’t just physical. They were emotional, symbolic. They were everything this moment feels like—for someone who’s battled through turbulence, uncertainty, who’s carried burdens for months, to suddenly feel at home and wanted… that’s rare. That’s powerful. That’s worth everything I’m putting into this now.
It wasn’t just a win. It wasn’t just a debut. It was a statement. And it’s just the beginning of that statement I intend to keep making.
Let me know if you’d like a slightly different tone or further polish!st
