Packers Rookie Released After Bar Incident Night Before First Preseason Game

In Green Bay, preseason is a test of both talent and character—an audition where undrafted rookies fight to turn a summer chance into an NFL dream. But for one promising running back, that dream came crashing down before it truly began.

News broke late Wednesday of an incident involving a Packers rookie at a local bar, just hours before the team’s opening preseason game. The energy in the locker room shifted quickly as players and coaches braced for the fallout.

Attention soon focused on Jalen White, a running back from Georgia Southern who joined the Packers after a standout college career. With speed, vision, and a nose for the end zone, White had hoped to impress in a crowded Green Bay backfield.

“In Green Bay, we don’t hand out opportunities—they’re earned through discipline and respect for the game. Preseason is sacred here. If you choose the nightlife over the playbook, you’re not made for the Packers,” Head Coach Matt LaFleur stated, underlining the organization’s unwavering standards.

White’s resume was impressive: 59 games, over 3,000 rushing yards, 36 touchdowns, and numerous All-Sun Belt honors between 2022 and 2024. His production and work ethic marked him as a legitimate contender for a roster spot.

But discipline off the field is as vital as performance on it in Green Bay. The decision to release White was swift, sending a clear message about the culture the Packers demand from every player who walks through their doors.

With the preseason underway, Green Bay now turns its focus to those still in camp—players who understand the weight of the opportunity before them. For Jalen White, the lesson comes painfully early: in the NFL, your choices matter as much as your stats.

Across the league, the Packers’ response echoes loudly: talent is just the beginning—accountability and maturity are non-negotiable.