Saturday, September 7, 2024
By Tori Wittenbrock
Associate Sports Editor
GREEN BAY – Training Camp is back in full swing for the Packers as the 2024 season quickly approaches.
After taking the youngest NFL team to the Divisional Round of the postseason, the Packers return this season with even more experience and promise than last season.
“It’s good to have everyone back. We’ve got a lot of work to do. We’ve got a great group of guys and a great locker room but we have a lot of work to do to get to where we want to be,” said Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst.
“We’ve got a lot of talent, but it will be up to them. They need to put in the work and the sacrifices that they need to sacrifice.”
Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur said that his expectations are high for the team this season and he is excited to see the team back in action as players continue to make their return to the field.
“Whether you’re a young player or a veteran, when you get to camp, you want everybody out there. Certainly, there are some players that can’t be out there for one reason or another, but you just have to be able to adjust and adapt. That’s the nature of the beast. We are confident that they will all be out there sooner or later,” said LaFleur.
Going into Day One, LaFleur said that he can sense the anticipation of the team and knows that each player is doing their part to put in the work and prepare for the season.
“I think the overall vibe of the team is great. We had a great team meeting yesterday. There is a lot of energy in the building right now. I just think any time you talk about the character of the football team and why that’s so important, you can feel it from our guys,” said LaFleur.
“We’ve all got a lot to work on.”
LaFleur also said that transitioning back into the mindset and preparedness for season is a long process that takes time and motivation to reach a point that will lead them to success on the field.
LaFleur said, “We always follow the objectives of football camp. Getting back into football shape and forging our identity and getting ready for week one and beyond. That’s a big part of it. I think the connection on the team is paramount. That’s why we have all these guys in the same place together. Give them a little bit more time with one another.”
According to LaFleur expectations are higher than ever for each player from an individual standpoint.
“I think that everything we do matters. How much work we put in, how deliberate we are about our practices, how intentional and mindful we are and how we go about our day. The habits that we create are going to forge the identity that we want to feel,” said LaFleur.
“I think they are energized. I think they are ready to go. I think the guys are all ready to get back at it. Ultimately, we’ve got to go out there and put in the work. We have to be deliberate about how we go about our business and approach every take and make sure we are constantly out there competing.”
The Packers coaching staff acknowledged the breadth of talent on their team and how veterans and rookies alike are continuously working to prove their role on the team.
Going into his ninth season with the Packers, veteran Kenny Clark earning a contract extension this season solidifies the Packers defense with a strong leader.
“Kenny is the model of consistency with everything he does in his approach,” said LaFleur.
“Just the work he puts in. You can always count on him each and every Sunday. I am really happy and ecstatic that we got that done.”
In addition, LaFleur said that first round Draft pick and 2024 rookie Jordan Morgan is working his way into his own role on the team amid his first season in the NFL — wherever that may be.
“Only time will tell. I would like to find a home for him (Morgan) but I think that over time we have seen the value in cross-training these guys. You’ve got to move guys around to get the top five out there, but he is certainly capable of doing whatever we ask him to do,” said LaFleur.
As Camp progresses and the Packers inch closer to taking the field at Lambeau, LaFleur said the team has to keep in mind that it is a process and there are necessary steps they have to take to get back to their peak performance as a group.
“To me it really starts when you get the pads on. There are some rules of engagement along the way. At the end of the day we need to get better and work together in every phase and keep people healthy. It’s about being a great teammate first and foremost and pushing each other to get better,”said LaFleur.
“I think there is a clear vision for what we can be and what we want to do. Obviously, there are going to be things that turn up along the way and you are going to have to be able to adjust. That’s the beauty of having some guys with some experience now is that when you need to pivot, you can count on them to be able to do so.”
The bottom line, according to LaFleur, is putting in the work and holding yourself accountable are the most important things he is looking for from his team in the coming weeks.
“Nothing is going to be given to you in this League. It all comes with putting in the work and taking it day by day. You’ve just got to continue to stay together and stay connected.”
