Packers News: Xavier McKinney Has Improved Role in Just His 2nd Season in Lambeau According to Matt LaFleur

“He’s like a coach on the field.” — Matt LaFleur

Xavier McKinney is among the younger players in the Green Bay Packers squad age-wise. He is also among the newer player in the team, joining them just last season.

Despite it, he already emerged as one of their true leaders in the squad. This is why head coach Matt LaFleur is seeing him as an extension on the field for the coming season.

“He is an extension of the coaching staff out there,” he said according a report by Weston Hodkiewicz of Packers.com.

“He understands the why of what we’re doing. He’s evolved as a communicator and continues to take steps as a leader, not only on defense but our entire football team.”

The 26-year-old safety had a triumphant debut season with the Packers from New York Giants. He was named to the First-team All-Pro (2024) and Pro Bowl (2024) in his maiden season, recording 88 combined tackles, 60 of them solo.

He also had 11 pass deflections and a career-high eight interceptions.

Xavier McKinney is ready to elevate

The bigger role is not just something that is coming from LaFleur. McKinney himself is up for the challenge as he looks for something bigger than himself.

One part he is trying to focus on is getting his teammates more involved.

“I just get a joy seeing guys, the younger guys, going there and make plays,” he told reporters on Sunday.

“And also, I don’t like seeing guys going there and not knowing what to do, not make plays. Just trying to make everybody better.”