Xavier McKinney’s first season with the Green Bay Packers was fantastic by all standards as he recorded the second most interceptions (eight, which is his career high) in 2024 on his way to winning the Pro Bowl, the first of his career.
Xavier McKinney, Green Bay Packers
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney (29) before action against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
He also had 88 combined tackles (60 solo) and 11 pass deflections last season. The numbers show he is among the best safety in the league but he is not just eying to become the best per season.
McKinney, listed by PFF as the Packers Top 3 players, is entering the 2025 season with the goal of either keeping the intensity he had in his maiden season with the Packers or leveling everything up.
“I like to say I have my foot on their necks, and really it’s just going to be the same. I’m not going to let off the gas for nothing or nobody,” he told reporters after the first OTA practice on Wednesday.
Xavier McKinney, Green Bay Packers
Feb 1, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Green Bay Packers free safety Xavier McKinney (29) and running back Josh Jacobs (8) during NFC Practice for the Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
“That same intensity, that same energy, it’s going to be the same.”
Xavier McKinney wants to become HOF
Such mentality he suggested will be his main weapon in achieving a grander goal – make himself as one of the future greats of the league.
“I know what I want to accomplish by the end of my career,” he said.
“And I know that in order to hit that goal, these years are gonna matter. So I that that seriously. I don’t take it lightly. For me it’s just keep grinding, keep my head down and keep locking in on the smart details.”
When asked to clarify what his target at the end of his career is:
NFL gold jacket
Aug 2, 2024; Canton, OH, USA; The 2024 Enshrinees of the Pro Football Hall of Fame at the gold jacket dinner at Canton Memorial Civic Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
“Gold jacket,” he answered.
“That’s what I’m aiming for. It’s my goal since I was a kid.”
For more great Wisconsin sports content
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for the latest and trending news about Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Marquette, and the rest of Wisconsin Sports. Stay updated by reading more of our Wisconsin Sports articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!