The Green Bay Packers are one of the most unique teams in all of professional sports. The fan-owned franchise has a special connection to its community and to the state of Wisconsin in general. Indeed, it is hard to think about the state as a whole without thinking of the Packers.
For this reason, it is especially heartwarming when local and homegrown football players find their way onto the Packers’ roster. Most of the time, these players come via the Wisconsin Badgers football team and the NFL Draft.
However, on Thursday, Green Bay signed a home state player who took an unconventional way to the NFL.
The Green Bay Packers Sign Madison, Wisconsin Native Keonte Schad
According to the team’s website, the Packers signed defensive lineman Keonte Schad, a native of Madison, Wisconsin on Thursday. Schad took part in the team’s joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday as well.
“The Green Bay Packers signed DL Keonte Schad. General Manager Brian Gutekunst announced the transaction on Thursday.”
Schad played his high school football at Madison East High School. After two seasons at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, Iowa, Schad transferred to Minnesota. After two seasons with the Gophers, Schad finished his college career at Oregon State in 2021.
New Green Bay Packers Defensive Lineman Keonte Schad Played in the UFL and USFL
Schad went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft and, despite being signed as an undrafted free agent by the Arizona Cardinals, has yet to make an NFL roster.
He also had a workout with the Seattle Seahawks but was not signed.
In 2023, Schad was drafted in the XFL Draft by the Orlando Guardians, who were coached by former Super Bowl Champion Ty Warren. “Playing for [Ty Warren] was a special time for me. He gave us so much knowledge and the tools to go out and be great, Schad said of his time in Orlando (via EAMGSports).
After switching teams and leagues to the New Orleans Breakers of the USFL, Schad finished the year with 7.5 sacks in 10 games. His sack total was the second highest in the league last year.
New Green Bay Packers Defensive Lineman Keonte Schad Wants to Make a Difference Off the Field
Of course, Schad wants to see his dream of playing in the NFL seen. However, he also wants to make a difference in his community and home state of Wisconsin.
The Madison product still calls the state home, where he does workouts with former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive guard James Daniels.
Per EAMGSports, Schad tries to give back to whatever community that he plays in: “It means the most when you notice the impact you’re making. When the kids express how much fun they’re having, or just thanking you for spending time with them, is where you get that sense of joy.”
Even while in college at Minnesota, Schad did volunteer work for the Ronald McDonald House and other organizations.
