Tucker Kraft gives back at free youth football camp in Green Bay

GREEN BAY — More than 250 kids packed Green Bay East High School on Sunday morning as Packers tight end Tucker Kraft hosted a free football camp focused on fundamentals, teamwork and fun. 

In partnership with CareSource, Kraft hosted the youth football camp for first through eighth graders, giving kids from across the Green Bay area an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the game while spending time with one of their favorite Packers.

The camp featured 22 teams rotating through stations, learning everything from running routes and throwing the football to shedding blocks and proper stance techniques. Campers later competed in races before gathering around Kraft for an extended Q&A session, where he stayed well beyond the typical amount of time athletes spend answering questions.

For Kraft, making those connections with kids is what makes events like this meaningful.

"I've said it since the moment I was drafted here," Kraft said. "This is all I've known is Green Bay, Wisconsin, aside from my South Dakota roots. It's a very similar feeling to what I grew up with, so being able to contribute to something like this and be a part of a couple hundred kids days, it's moving for me."

Growing up in rural South Dakota, Kraft never had the opportunity to attend camps led by NFL players. That experience has fueled his desire to create those opportunities for the next generation.Throughout the morning, Kraft bounced from station to station, demonstrating drills, offering 

encouragement and joking with campers. Whether helping players perfect a three-point stance or celebrating successful catches, he made a point to stay engaged with the kids.

"We're working on fundamentals today, breaking down the three-point stance," Kraft said with a smile. "We've got some wobbly knees, but I think we can get some athletes out of this bunch of kids."

His enthusiasm was evident on the campers, many of whom wore his No. 85 Packers jersey while eagerly waiting for autographs and high-fives.

"It's surreal just how ultimately blessed I am," Kraft said. "The game of football has brought me many things in my life. Opportunities like this, to come out here with CareSource and work the camp, just have a good time, that's what it's all about."

Kraft also encouraged young athletes to focus less on screens and more on simply enjoying sports.

"I'm a big anti-tech guy," he said. "The most important thing is ultimately just to have fun and enjoy whatever you're doing. As long as you're doing that, you'll learn to love it."

The event wrapped up with races between each team's fastest campers before Kraft spent extra time answering questions from the crowd, a gesture that highlighted his commitment to making the day memorable for every child in attendance.

With the offseason winding down, Kraft said he's looking forward to rejoining his teammates as the Packers prepare for another season. Veterans are set to report for training camp next week, marking the next step toward the start of the 2026 NFL season.