Quarterbacks, receivers and even left tackles hoard all the NFL headlines. But look for one Green Bay Packers player to enter those conversations starting Friday night in Brazil.
“He is a model player that you want to build a program around,” said general manager Brian Gutekunst July 22, announcing a three-year, $64 million contract extension for starting defensive tackle Kenny Clark.
Clark was such a model player that his presence helped convince new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley to give up a college head-coaching role and move to Green Bay. Hafley brought with him a 4-3 defense and the Packers expect Clark to wreak havoc with the shift from last season’s 3-4 scheme.
On Tuesday’s NFL Spotlight podcast with Ari Meirov, Clark said his lack of sacks is a product of his selflessness, doing the dirty work to let defensive teammates shine. Entering his ninth NFL season, Clark is only 28 and coming off a career-best 7½ sacks.
“I’ve played nose tackle all my life,” Clark told Meirov. “That position is just a thankless position. You’re not going to get all the credit but you’ll be a disruptor if you’re not getting knocked back on double-teams, and when you do get seal blocks, you’re controlling the play. All that stuff starts to add up.”
Clark expects his sacks to start adding up, thanks in part to Hafley moving him more along the defensive line. He also expects Jalen Hurts and the Eagles to continue to use their signature Tush Push, despite the retirement of Jason Kelce, when Green Bay opens its season in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Friday against Philadelphia (8:15 p.m. ET, Peacock). Clark, who’s seen the Eagles three times since 2019, reminded Meirov’s listeners of one important fact.
“We were the first ones to stop it,” Clark said.
“They used Kelce a lot on pulls. He was able to get out in space and really capture those linebackers. You knew he was controlling everything up front as a leader for them. It’s definitely going to be an adjustment.”