For years, the Green Bay Packers had a well-below average special teams unit, especially in the kick return game. That changed, though, in 2022 when Green Bay added cornerback Keisean Nixon to the team. Despite not starting out the season as the Packers’ kick returner (that was Amari Rodgers), Nixon took over the role and led the league in kickoff returns (35) and kickoff returns yards (1,009).
Of course, he was named First Team All-Pro as a kick returner. The following year, he earned that honor again after again leading the lead in returns (30) and yards (782).
He did not earn any postseason accolades last season as the NFL changed its kickoff rules/format, which resulted in fewer returns and more touchbacks. Nixon ended the 2024 season with 18 returns for 528 yards.
Green Bay Packers All-Pro Keisean Nixon Said He Did Not Want to Return Kicks Anymore
As fans remember [bitterly] all too well, Green Bay was trounced in the NFC Wild Card round by the Philadelphia Eagles. They were put behind the eight ball early on because Nixon fumbled the opening kickoff. The Eagles recovered deep in Packers territory and were able to score a touchdown.
While Green Bay kept the score respectable (losing 22-10), the contest was not as close at the final score would indicate. Multiple Packers players went down with injury, and Philadelphia dominated the trenches.
The following day, Nixon was interviewed by reporters while he cleaned out his locker at Lambeau Field. During this media session, he told them that he did not want to return kicks anymore. Instead, he had his sights set on earning the top cornerback role, a job many thought was going to be available following Jaire Alexander’s falling out with the team.
However, now it seems that Alexander and the Packers are working on running it back in 2025. And while that has no bearing in and of itself on Nixon returning kicks, he is walking back that statement.
Keisean Nixon Will Do Whatever the Green Bay Packers Ask Him to Do
While there were (and maybe still are) many fans upset with Nixon for fumbling the opening kickoff, the fact remains that, as mentioned, he brought the return game back to life in Green Bay.
And now that he had time to get over the playoff loss, Nixon is taking back his comments about no longer returning kicks. “I was kind of frustrated when the season was over, but it’s (valuable) always – especially when it comes to me being who I am when doing it,” Nixon said. “So of course, I’m open to it. I’m always going to do what the team needs.”
As has been the case for the last three years, Packers OTAs have seen multiple players get reps at both kick and punt returns. It is all part of their effort to put the best combination of players on the field.
But given how successful Nixon has been, the other contenders for the role will be hard-pressed to overtake him.
