Packers' star defender caps magical first season in Green Bay with huge award
The Green Bay Packers hit a home run in free agency, and it has been crowned after a magic first season. Safety Xavier McKinney has officially been named a First-Team All-Pro, the first Packers defensive player to receive such an honor since linebacker De'Vondre Campbell did it in 2021 — cornerback Jaire Alexander was a […]
The Green Bay Packers hit a home run in free agency, and it has been crowned after a magic first season. Safety Xavier McKinney has officially been named a First-Team All-Pro, the first Packers defensive player to receive such an honor since linebacker De'Vondre Campbell did it in 2021 — cornerback Jaire Alexander was a second-team All-Pro in 2022.
It's the third award Xavier McKinney has received after his elite first regular season with the Packers. He had also been named a Pro Bowler, alongside running back Josh Jacobs and edge defender Rashan Gary, and an All-Pro in the NFLPA award.
The AP award, though, is the official one, considered by the NFL.
Back in the offseason, Xavier McKinney signed a four-year, $67 million contract with the Packers after leaving the New York Giants.
McKinney had eight interceptions this season, second in the league behind Detroit Lions' Kerby Joseph, who also made the First-Team All-Pro.
The safety was the only Packers' player to make an All-Pro team this year, including first- or second-team choices. However, guard Elgton Jenkins (10), right tackle Zach Tom (3), cornerback and kick returner Keisean Nixon (1 at CB, 7 at KR), and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (1) received votes.
McKinney finished the regular season with an 84.8 PFF grade, including a 90.0 coverage grade. He allowed a 56.4 passer rating when targeted, and had a sack, 12 stops, three pass breakups, 11 passes defended, a fumble recovery, and 88 total tackles. This is the first time McKinney makes an All-Pro team in the NFL.
Xavier McKinney receives ultimate recognition from his peers after elite first season with the Packers
Safety finished the regular season with eight interceptions
