Keisean Nixon backs off from controversial remarks and sends clear message he's ready to put the team first with the Packers
"I don't really want to do it no more."
Those are the words Keisean Nixon had to say after the Green Bay Packers lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs five months ago. He was referring to the same area of the game that made him an integral part of the Packers roster, kickoff return.
Nixon had been a First-Team All-Pro kick returner in 2022 and 2023, but had a down year last season with the new rules. But that's not the reason why he said that. In 2024, Nixon moved outside to be a boundary corner, and established himself as Green Bay's primary piece there — at least when Jaire Alexander was not on the field.
However, words have repercussions. Nixon had the right to think that, but speaking publicly about it before talking to the coaches or the front office was a questionable approach. He understands the mistake, though, and now is ready to do whatever the team needs him.
"I was kind of frustrated when the season was over," Nixon said during Packers OTAs this week. "But there's value always, especially when it comes to me being who I am, when doing it. So of course I'm open to it, I'm always going to do what the team needs."
It doesn't necessarily mean that Nixon will be a primary returner as he had been. But any discussions have to occur internally.
"Just knowing who I am as a person, I'm going to want the ball anyway," Nixon added. "So that's just probably a comment that I could have kept to myself. But it is what it is, I said it, I meant what I said, but I'm also a team player, and if coaches and the team need me to do something, I'm going to do it for sure."
New role
Nixon played 557 snaps as an outside cornerback last year, and 339 in the slot. This is the first time since 2020 that he plays more as a boundary defensive back, and the first time he had more than 200 snaps in the boundary.
It's a more valuable position, and Nixon proved he can be a viable option there. Last year, he allowed a 99.7 passer rating when targeted — which is not exactly excellent, but it's decent, and better than the number he had in 2023, 103.3.
The Packers are still waiting to see what happens to Jaire Alexander, and the only big addition for the position was Nate Hobbs, who's also been a slot-first player. Green Bay needs a reliable boundary corner, and Nixon can be that.
If they need a returner, it might be a more delicate issue. But it seems like Nixon will be ready to do it as well.
Related articles
Panthers excited to "become who we are" in prime-time showdown
Why the 49ers Drafted Georgia DE Mykel Williams at No. 11
Broncos Reveal Clear-Cut Role for Drew Sanders in 2025The Latest
Dorit Kemsley’s ex PK reveals truth behind ‘very flirty’ exchange with another ‘Housewife’
Dorit Kemsley’s estranged husband, Paul “PK” Kemsley, is setting the record straight. The ex of the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star emphatically denies the Sun’s recent report that claims he was spotted “all over” another “Housewife” during a “flirty” outing at The ...
Browns GM Speaks Out More About Passing on Travis Hunter
From the time the Browns clinched the No. 2 overall pick in January to the moment the team was on the clock in April, analysts widely expected Cleveland to draft Heisman trophy winner Travis Hunter with its top selection. Instead, general manager Andrew Berry pulled ...
Latest buzz all but confirms Jalyx Hunt is poised for a monster second season
There has been one common theme of this offseason: the media is very high on Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Jalyx Hunt. The Eagles selected Hunt in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. While he wasn't an instant contributor, he made ...
Packers’ $77 Million Free Agent Explains Key Factor Behind Signing With Team
For the second offseason in a row, the Green Bay Packers were active players in free agency. They signed former Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs to strengthen their secondary. Along with making former San Francisco 49ers guard Aaron Banks ...
The 49ers had the NFL's 2nd-Worst Offseason Per CBS Sports
For years, putting an elite roster together was easy for the 49ers. And that's because their quarterback, Brock Purdy, was getting paid less than $1 million per season. Now, he's getting paid $53 million per season on average, and so the ...
Highlights
Interested
