Packers miss Kenny Clark as pillar of quiet authority, universal respect, says head coach Matt LaFleur

The Packers didn’t just lose his contributions on the field, said head coach Matt LaFleur ahead of the Packers-Cowboys Week 4 clash on Sunday Night Football. In the locker room, Clark was a venerated presence who anchored the team from within as well as out on the gridiron.

Packers lost leader, long-tenured cog of front four

Drafted 27th out of UCLA in 2016, Clark established himself as a starter by his sophomore season. Between 2017 and 2024, he started all 124 games he played. Two summers ago, the Packers gave him a three-year, $64 million extension. In many ways, his longevity and professionalism made him the face of the Packers defense.

“Well, I think there’s a reason he got a third contract, because not many guys do,” LaFleur said. “Obviously you got to play to a certain level, which he certainly has, but you also have to be a certain type of guy. I think Kenny is a pro’s pro. I’ve got so much respect for him, as much as anybody I’ve been around in this game, in terms of just his approach, his team-first mentality, his willingness to help others and bring guys along.”

In addition to leading in the locker room, Clark menaced opposing offenses, doing the dirty work that allowed others to shine. Despite his reputation as a run stopper, Clark can get after the quarterback too. In that eight-year period from ’17 to ’24 , he recorded 35 sacks and 72 QB hits – impressive numbers for an interior lineman. All in all he registered 50 tackles for loss.

When Clark had something to say, his grit and on-field track record backed it up.

“You know, he wasn’t always the most vocal, but when he talked everybody listened,” said LaFleur. “And they listened for a reason, because everyone respected what he did.”

The primary focus on Sunday, of course, will be on Parsons’ return to Dallas. When the trade was made, the Cowboys lost not only their best player but also any hope of a capable pass defense. Through three weeks, they rank dead last in passing yards allowed per game. The quarterbacks they have faced: Jalen Hurts, Russell Wilson, and Caleb Williams. Clark at least gives them a boost against the ground game, where Dallas sits 17th.

That isn’t enough to put oddsmakers’ confidence in the Cowboys, as the Packers have ticked up to 6.5-point road favorites as of Wednesday afternoon.