Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Green Bay Packers helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images, Keisean Nixon
"I'm being punished," Green Bay Packers Pro Bowler makes startling comments amid 2026 training camp battle 1
After the 2025 NFL season ended, Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon was named to the Pro Bowl roster as a replacement. His 17 pass deflections ranked near the top of league, which made him a logical choice. That is, in the eyes of box score watchers and casual fans.
Anyone who watched Green Bay last year, and especially Packers fans, will tell anyone who listened that Nixon was not as good as that number suggested. The organization seems to have agreed.
Green Bay did not have a pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft after trading it and next year’s opening round selection (and Kenny Clark) to the Dallas Cowboys for Micah Parsons. However, they used their second round pick on cornerback Brandon Cisse, and have him competing with Nixon and incumbent Carrington Valentine for a starting job this upcoming season.
Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon believes he is being punished
Green Bay Packers, Packers cornerbacks, Keisean NixonGreen Bay Packers, Packers cornerbacks, Keisean Nixon
Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) intercepts a late fourth quarter pass intended for Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) in the end zone to end the game on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Bears 28-21. Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Over the weekend, Nixon was asked by Packers media members about having to compete for a starting job after being the team’s CB1 in 2025. He did not hold back with his answer.
“I guess I’m being punished right now, I guess, I don’t know,” Nixon said via ESPN. “I don’t really worry about what I’m running in camp, ones or twos. I just keep my process and just compete — for real.
“I don’t view myself in no competition. I’ve come here to compete for myself. What they do and who they choose, that’s out of my control. I can only control what I can control. Nah, I came from the bottom.
“So I’m here. Year eight. Since I’ve been here, I ain’t been off the field. And anything they’ve asked me to do, I played at a high level. Whether it was, getting accolades or anything, however it came, I showed up. So, I always show up.”
On the one hand, it is positive to see Nixon is confident that he can be (and is) a starter on Green Bay’s defense. On the other hand, his comments ignore some pretty startling numbers, which support his critics.
Last season, Nixon gave up a 64.4% completion percentage and six touchdowns when targeted. What is more, opposing quarterbacks had a 105.1 passer rating when throwing his way.
Simply put: those are not good enough for a top-two cornerback on any NFL team.
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