Xavier McKinney is having a year to remember with the Green Bay Packers.
The 25-year-old safety made a big-money move to Lambeau Field in the offseason, having departed the New York Giants.
He signed a four-year, $67 million contract after agreeing terms with the Packers on day one of the free agency – and already looks worth every dollar of that deal.
McKinney has played a major role in transforming Green Bay’s defense, with seven interceptions in 11 games so far in 2024.
He leads the league on picks, tied with Kerby Joseph of the Detroit Lions, and even made history of his own earlier this year.
McKinney marked his Packers debut with an interception against the Philadelphia Eagles, and picked off the opposition quarterback in each of his next four games.
That impressive streak made him the first player since 1970 with an interception in his first five games with a team.
It also tied McKinney with Irv Comp for a franchise record, who had a pick in five straight games way back in 1943.
His efforts on defense have helped to ensure Green Bay keep pace in one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions.
With a record of 8-3, they sit third in the NFC North behind the Lions (10-1) and Minnesota Vikings (9-2), but have a very strong chance of making the postseason regardless.
The Packers have certainly captured the attention of the NFL with their efforts on the field, and much of their success this year has been built on strong foundations that have developed behind the scenes.
Speaking to talkSPORT, McKinney discussed the locker room culture and ‘trust’ that he has felt from Green Bay since day one.
“It’s been great, ever since I’ve gotten here it’s been nothing but love, nothing but support,” he said.
“They’ve welcomed me with open arms, the organisation, the fans, the players. They’ve made my job very easy to just come in here and be myself and play my game.”
“I think that’s been the biggest thing. They always allow me to go out there, trust what I see and play on my instincts. It’s been a great year for us as a team and we’re going to continue to keep building and growing together.
“It’s not only going to be special this year, it’s going to be special for a long time.”
McKinney has been described as a perfect fit for defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s scheme.
But it’s once again the day-to-day relationships that the safety believes is driving their success.
“He’s been super transparent, we’ve got a great relationship with each other. I know everything that he wants to do, day in and day out,” McKinney continued.
“We meet all the time, whenever he has a little tip, he always comes to me and we have those conversations. He allows me to have an input on what we do as a defense.
“The greatest thing about him is that he does that with all of us, he allows everybody to have an input and a say.
“We all have that trust within each other and it helps everybody go out there and play fast, play physical and play for one another.”
Efforts behind the scenes have led to Green Bay’s defensive backs becoming a tight-knit group, and they even have a special Thursday night tradition to keep their relationships growing.
“We get together pretty much every week. We watch Thursday Night Football games and just rotate houses,” McKinney said.
“We try to have a day throughout the week where we can hang out, and we’re not just talking about football. We’re getting to know each other and trying to build that bond so when we go out on the field everything just clicks smooth.”
Despite only entering the league in the 2020 draft, McKinney has already established himself as a leader, both during his time with the Giants and now in Green Bay.
It’s a role he relishes, and a mindset that no doubt propels him forward each week.
“Even when I was with New York, I felt that way and I was viewed as that,” he admitted.
“Once I got here, I already knew what it was. I had conversations with the coaches, with the upper management. I knew I’d have a big role and be one of the leaders on this team.
“I don’t take that for granted, I try to do my best and lead by example. I definitely don’t take that lightly and I try to keep improving as I get older, as the days go by.”
McKinney will get his chance to show those leadership qualities on the field – and perhaps secure another interception – as the Packers take on the Miami Dolphins in a prime time game on Thanksgiving Day.
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