Green Bay Packers Kalen King: A Roller Coaster NFL Journey

Green Bay Packers cornerback Kalen King is fighting to turn a once-disappointing start to his NFL career into a success story. Drafted in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft, King arrived in Green Bay with a chip on his shoulder. Misfortune and injury plagued his first year, but a stellar training camp and preseason have thrust him into the conversation for a spot on the Packers’ final 53-man roster. His transformation, resilience, and emerging role in Jeff Hafley’s defense tell a story of grit and determination.

Green Bay Packers Kalen King: From Penn State Star to NFL Underdog

At Penn State, Kalen King built a reputation as an All-American cornerback, garnering attention as a potential first-round pick heading into the 2023 season. However, his draft stock plummet ed, and King didn’t hear his name called until the Green Bay Packers selected him as the third-to-last pick of the 2024 draft.

King entered the league with something to prove but struggled to find his footing. Failing to make the Packers’ 53-man roster, he spent the entire 2024 season on the practice squad. While the setback could have crushed his confidence, King instead used it as fuel for his comeback.

The Key to King’s Turnaround

Determined not to repeat history, King made significant changes this offseason. He stayed in Green Bay to rehab a wrist injury, train with fellow players like Marcus Jones, and work collaboratively with nutritionists and performance staff. The second-year player revamped his approa ch to preparation, from physical conditioning to better sleep and a more intentional mindset toward meetings and walkthroughs.

This commitment to growth has paid dividends. King now exudes confidence, and his focus on improving the fundamentals of his game is evident in training camp. “Really just trusting myself. Knowing my job, knowing my alignment, knowing my keys, knowing my communication,” King explained when asked about his progress. “And really just trusting what Coach Hafley and Coach [Derrick Ansley] have been preaching.”

King’s development has also been aided by Derrick Ansley, the Packers’ defensive passing game coordinator. Ansley has praised King for his growing football instincts and adaptability, particularly in the slot—a new position for him. “He has a good feel of where he needs to be in the run game and also wher e he needs to be in the pass game,” Ansley said. “That kind of instinct—you can practice it, but some guys naturally have it.”

Preseason Highlights That Have Turned Heads

King’s progress has translated into impactful performances on the field. Last preseason, King struggled, allowing eight completions on 10 targets across 70 coverage snaps. This year, however, he has flipped the script, allowing zero completions on two targets across 42 snaps.

A standout moment came during a red-zone drill in the Packers’ preseason matchup with the New York Jets. King broke up a critical pass, one of the few highlights in an otherwise tough loss for Green Bay. Against the Indianapolis Colts, King was so effective in coverage that he wasn’t even meaningfully tested—a testament to his growth and ability to lock down his assignments.

His improvement is timely, as injuries to key players like Nate Hobbs and Xavier McKinney have opened opportunities. King has taken first-team reps alongside veterans Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine, lining up primarily in the slot. These opportunities signal growing trust from the coaching staff and indicate that King could make the final roster cut.

The Challenges Ahead and the Final Push

King’s quest isn’t over yet. With one preseason game remaining against the Seattle Seahawks, he will face perhaps his toughest challenge. The stakes couldn’t be higher. A strong showing in Thursday’s joint practice or Saturday’s game could cement his place on the team.

“It gets me going, for sure, when I make a play,” King said. “I’m pretty passionate on the field, so wh en I make plays, I like to express that and show energy.”

Performing well against Seattle’s loaded passing attack will go a long way in convincing general manager Brian Gutekunst and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley that King deserves a roster spot. The team faces tough decisions ahead of the final roster cutdown on Tuesday, but King’s upward trajectory has him firmly in contention.

King’s Role in Jeff Hafley’s Defense

Assuming King makes the roster, he will bring versatility and depth to Green Bay’s secondary. Under Jeff Hafley’s defensive schemes, the slot cornerback plays a crucial role in run support and pass coverage—both areas where King has shown significant improvement during c amp.

“He looks more springy in his step,” Ansley noted. That explosiveness, paired with King’s renewed confidence, makes him a strong candidate for rotational snaps and special teams action early in the season.

If King can continue proving himself, he could emerge as a reliable playmaker alongside the Packers’ established defensive backs. His ability to adapt to different roles—outside corner, slot, and special teams—provides Hafley with tactical flexibility and insurance against injuries within the secondary.

A Story of Redemption

Kalen King’s story epitomizes resilience and perseverance. From falling to the seventh round and struggling through his rookie season to emerging as a legitimate contender for a roster spot, King has embraced every challenge along the way. His impressive turnaround serves as a reminder that draft position and early struggles don’t define a career—it’s how you respond that matters.

For the Green Bay Packers, keeping King on the roster would be more than a feel-good story; it would add a hungry, determined player to their secondary at a critical time. And for King, making the 53-man roster won’t just validate his hard work—it will mark the beginning of what could be a long and impactful NFL career.

With one final hurdle remaining, Kalen King’s destiny lies firmly within his grasp, and his journey is one Packers fans will want to watch closely as the season unfolds.