Green Bay Packers three-time Pro-Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark is the longest-tenured player on the roster, which means he is a beloved member on the field and in the community.
But after a disappointing 2024 season, it is time for the former UCLA Bruin to bounce back in a big way this season.
Kenny Clark Needs to Find Production Again
Two seasons ago, Clark put together the best season of his career from a pass-rush perspective because he was always around the ball.
He set career marks in sacks (7.5) and tied a career-high in both forced fumbles (2) and pass deflections (3).
But in 2024, the 29-year-old had perhaps the worst season of his nine-year career, as he recorded just 37 total tackles, one sack, and no forced fumbles.
At least, those were the worst numbers that he has had since his rookie year when he started just two games back in 2016.
However, health and experience are both on the side of No. 97, who has not missed a game in three seasons and is about to enter his 10th career season at that aforementioned age of just 29.
The Packers’ Super Bowl Hopes May Partially Hinge On Kenny Clark’s Role
As the anchor of the defensive line for years, a lot of what the Packers have done on that side of the ball revolves around the former first-round pick.
While the production wasn’t there last season, the quickness and burst certainly were, as he could make splash plays in run defense from time to time.
On a current three-year contract that is worth $64 million, which Clark signed last summer, he will be expected to be one of the pillars of defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s defense once again.
Packers fans should also look for him to help guide rookies like Warren Brinson along as the late-round pick out of Georgia looks to find his footing in the NFL.
#Packers might have drafted Kenny Clark’s biggest fan in Warren Brinson. Just check his reaction to getting a text from Clark after the draft.
“My heart dropped. I was like, ‘No, this guy is a legend.’”
Brinson still hasn’t texted everyone back, but he’s connected with Clark. pic.twitter.com/CidsgkpdFq
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) May 2, 2025
If he can find a way to make his presence felt in big ways this season, the Packers, who finished last season ranked sixth in total defense, could be a lot better.
This might be the case, especially with the emergence of young players like linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, safety Evan Williams, and the possible return of Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander.