Xavier McKinney was an interception machine for the Green Bay Packers in his first season with the team. After spending his first four years in the NFL wearing a New York Giants uniform, McKinney took his talents to Titletown, signing a four-year contract with Green Bay in 2024.
In the same year, he proved to be a menace downfield for Green Bay opponents, as he came away with eight interceptions in 17 games, while adding 88 combined tackles, two tackles for loss, a fumble recovery, a sack and a quarterback hit.
Packers DC loves what he saw in McKinney in Week 1 win vs. Lions
McKinney (29) and cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) pursue Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Green Bay won the game, 27-13.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
As one of the key members of Green Bay’s defense, many expected McKinney to play a huge role in the team’s 2025 NFL season opener last Sundayagainst the Detroit Lionsat Lambeau Field. He did not record an interception, but in the eyes of Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, McKinney put up a tremendous effort and quality performance on the field.
ViaMatt Schneidman of The Athletic:
Jeff Hafley says nobody is talking about Xavier McKinney because he didn’t have an INT on Sunday, but…
“That’s one of the best games I’ve seen him play” because of his disguises, communication and defending the run.
McKinney’s effort may have also been overshadowed, understandably, by thedebut of Micah Parsons in Green Bay. The world was still buzzing last Sunday about the shocking trade that sent Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys to Green Bay when the Packers played the Lions,who lost to McKinney and company, 27-13.
In the same contest, the former Alabama Crimson Tide star defensive back posted six total tackles, as Green Bay held the Lions to only 246 total yards.
McKinney (29) during the game against the Lions at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
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