Rashan Gary discusses Packers Reunion and Mike Pettine

Rashan Gary is preparing for a return to familiar territory when the Dallas Cowboys travel to face the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night. Dallas acquired the veteran pass rusher from Green Bay in March, sending the Packers a 2027 fourth-round pick.

Gary spent the first several seasons of his NFL career with the Packers, who selected him 12th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. Although returning to the organization and fanbase that helped shape his career will be meaningful, Gary understands that the Cowboys need a strong performance as they attempt to improve on their 2-3 start.

Rashan Gary looks forward to facing former team 

Gary’s return to Green Bay gives him an opportunity to play in front of a fanbase that followed his development from a first-round draft pick into an established NFL defensive player.

The pass rusher expressed appreciation for the opportunity to return to Lambeau Field but emphasized that his priority remains helping Dallas earn a victory.

“It’s a great honor, a great privilege that we have another Sunday to be able to strap up and play this game,” Gary said when asked about returning to Green Bay. “It’s all I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid. Good to go back to Green Bay, but it’s just another opponent, another team that’s in the way of where we’re trying to go.”

Gary also reflected on the connection he still has with the Packers’ supporters.

“Being able to go back to a fanbase that started with me, watched me grow, watched me excel, do good things there, it’s going to be good.”

The Cowboys will need Gary to turn that focus into production on the field. Dallas has struggled defensively through its first five games, and its upcoming matchup against Green Bay presents another opportunity to show progress.

Rashan Gary welcomes reunion with Mike Pettine 

Gary will also reunite with Mike Pettine, who recently joined Dallas as a senior defensive assistant. Pettine served as Green Bay’s defensive coordinator from 2018 through 2020 and was part of the Packers’ coaching staff when they drafted Gary in 2019.

The familiarity between the two could be valuable as Dallas works to improve its defensive performance. Gary praised Pettine’s understanding of defensive fronts, offensive tendencies and the ways coaches can put playmakers in position to succeed.

“Smart guy,” Gary said of Pettine. “A guy that’s a front seven master. Understands how offenses want to attack certain schemes. Understands playmakers and what makes the playmakers make the defense work, things like that, putting guys in position. It’s going to be a great addition.”

Pettine’s arrival gives the Cowboys another experienced defensive mind as they look for answers following a difficult start. His previous experience with Gary could also help establish a strong working relationship as the coaching staff evaluates how to get more out of the defensive front.

However, the Cowboys will need to translate that familiarity and experience into improved results against their upcoming opponents.

 Cowboys face important test against Packers 

Dallas enters Sunday’s game needing its defense to perform more consistently. The Cowboys have struggled to contain opposing rushing attacks and have yet to record an interception through five games, leaving little room for error as they prepare to face Green Bay.

Gary’s ability to generate pressure will be an important part of the defensive plan. If Dallas can disrupt the quarterback and force the Packers into obvious passing situations, the defense could have more opportunities to make impactful plays.

The Cowboys will also need to improve their performance against the run and tackle more effectively. Those issues have contributed to their early-season struggles, and another difficult outing would make it harder for Dallas to regain momentum.

Gary’s return to Green Bay adds a personal element to the matchup, but his comments make clear that his focus is on the Cowboys’ larger goals.