Seeking Career Reset, Rochell’s ‘Here to Play Football’

“When I went to Seattle [after being released by the Rams at the end of training camp], they had a whole different type of scheme,” Rochell said. “So, getting over there, I was just trying to get acclimated fast, and that’s when I ended up going to Carolina, where my old coaches were.

“My old coaches from the Rams were in Carolina and they run the same system, so I got right in and blended in. I was hoping to get up playing at some point over there and then I got the call here yesterday. They run the same scheme, so it’s working in my favor of staying in the same type of defense. I’m thankful for that.”

Rochell played a lot on defense as a rookie in 2021 and a lot on special teams in 2022. However, he failed to make the Rams’ roster this summer, then toiled on practice squads in Seattle and Carolina.

Green Bay is an opportunity for a fresh start.

“I definitely look at it as a reset, mentally and physically, to come in and realign myself with the game of football and show the attributes that I can do on and off the field,” he said.

“Whatever role they assign to me or whatever situation they need me to be in, I’ll be ready to go, from defense to special teams. Even if they need me on offense. Whatever it takes for us to get some wins.”

Rochell might not know many of his coaches or teammates – Stokes an exception after training together in Atlanta before the 2021 draft and the past couple offseason – but he knows the upcoming schedule.

On Sunday, the Packers will host the Minnesota Vikings. Then, it’s a home game against the Rams, the team that took a chance on him in 2021 but gave up on him two years later.

“Yeah, two weeks. Excited,” he said with a wide smile.

“That’s always fun, especially going against the guys that you grinded with. I did camp with the Rams and did everything with them for this upcoming season. Going back to go against those guys and see all my old coaches and teammates, it’s going to be great just to compete.”