Rashan Gary is a very good football player in the National Football League.
The Green Bay Packers’ edge rusher has quietly developed from a talented youngster that had potential, into a four-down, impact player on the team from Titletown’s defense.
After getting drafted in the first round by the Packers back in 2019, some fans were quick to point out that Gary could be a developmental pick who may never fully grow into his own.
He spent his first two seasons learning, developing and growing while rotating in to rush the passer behind Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith.
With Za’Darius sidelined with a back injury for most of the 2021 season (Gary’s third in the league), the former Michigan standout had a breakout year, registering 81 pressures (second-most in the NFL according to PFF) and recording 9.5 sacks.
The 2021 season was exactly what the front office and coaching staff were planning on back when they used one of the organization’s two first round picks on Gary in 2019.
Once a player that had question marks, Gary is now actually a fan favorite.
Just check Gary’s social media, where you’ll see he’s coined the phrase #PutCheeseOnEverything.
Outside of Gary’s natural talent, he’s one of the hardest-working players on the team – constantly showing up and showing the type of professional he is.
One of only four starters participating at the final open-to-media OTAs on Tuesday, Gary stood out amongst a squad of backups and young players. He had no financial incentive to do so.
Why was he there when so many other veterans weren’t?
“I’m just here trying to get better,” Gary said. “We’re getting closer to the season, so I’m here working with my outside linebacker coach and trying to bring the team together as we can.”
“Got a lot of young pieces here,” Gary continued. “I want to make sure that they know the importance of building a championship team. We don’t have time to correct things. We’ve got to hit it full speed. So, I’m happy to be here so I can push the young guys, but I’m just here to get better for myself and better for this team.”
If that doesn’t fire you up, then you’re not a Packers fan.
Rashan Gary carries the G. And I’m excited to see him stack success in 2022.
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Gunnar Davis is a lifelong Packers fan and a recent graduate of Simpson College, where he was a 3-year letterwinner on the offensive line and graduated with a degree in multimedia communications. You can follow him on Twitter at @Gunnar57Davis.
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