The Green Bay Packers Quarter Century Team on Defense

The old expression in football is that defense wins championships. The NFL released it’s Quarter Century Team earlier this week which included the best players in the league from 2000-2024. Surprisingly, there was only one player affiliated with the Green Bay Packers on the league’s Quarter Century Team and that was Julius Peppers, who spent just three seasons with the Packers. But here is the Packers Quarter Century Team on defense, as selected by the editors of The Packers Post. The players contributions when they played for the Packers are the only things considered for this team. Also, anything these players did before 2000 is not taken into consideration. Feel free to comment as to who you thought belongs on this team.

The Packers Quarter Century Team on Defense: Defensive Ends: Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Aaron Kampman

Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila started his career as a fifth-round pick in 2000 but finished it nine seasons later as the team’s second all-time sacks leader (sacks have only been an official statistic since 1982). KGB put together four straight seasons of double-digit sacks from 2001 to 2004 and earned Pro Bowl honors in 2003. In nine seasons with the Packers, Gbaja-Biamila recorded 74.5 sacks and recovered seven fumbles.

Aaron Kampman went to back-to-back Pro Bowls in 2006 and 2007. He played eight seasons with the Packers and recorded 54 career sacks. Kampman played seven seasons at defensive end and one at outside linebacker. The former Iowa star finished his career by playing two seasons with Jacksonville.

Defensive Tackles: BJ Raji, Kenny Clark

B.J. Raji was the Packers first selection in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Raji only played six seasons with the Packers, but he made a big impact. The 6’2”, 334-pound nose tackle clogged up the middle of the line of scrimmage but was also very nimble for a big man. His most famous moment came in the 2010 NFC Championship Game against the Bears when he intercepted Caleb Hanie and returned it for a touchdown. Raji went to the Pro Bowl after the 2011 season.

Kenny Clark has already played nine seasons with the Packers since being selected in the first round out of UCLA. Clark started out as a nose tackle but has also played three technique. He’s earned three trips to the Pro Bowl and recorded a career-high 7.5 sacks in 2023. Clark has been one of the few defensive tackles in the modern NFL who can both stop the run and pressure the passer.

The Packers Quarter Century Team on Defense, OLBs: Clay Matthews, Za’Darius Smith

Clay Matthews joined the Packers in 2009 and had an immediate impact. He earned Pro Bowl honors in six of his first seven seasons with the team and had four seasons of double-digit sacks. Matthews was a big play machine and scored three defensive touchdowns in his time in Green Bay. His biggest play came in Super Bowl XLV when he forced a key fumble in the fourth quarter that helped clinch the win for the Packers. Matthews was also a leader and a fan favorite.

Za’Darius Smith was only with the Packers for three seasons and his tenure with the team ended badly, but he made a huge impact in his first two seasons. Smith recorded 26 sacks combined and went to the Pro Bowl both years. The former Kentucky star could take over a game like he did in the division clinching win over Minnesota on Monday night in 2019 when he had 3.5 sacks and five tackles for loss.

ILBs: Nick Barnett, AJ Hawk

Nick Barnett played eight seasons with the Packers from 2003 through 2010. He provided the team with consistent play against the run and the pass and made his share of game changing plays as well. Barnett topped 100 tackles in a season six times in his eight seasons with the Pack and returned an interception 95 yards for a touchdown in 2005.

A.J. Hawk started his career on the outside but moved to inside linebacker in his third season with the Packers. Hawk spent nine years with the Packers and earned Pro Bowl honors in 2010 while helping the Packers win Super Bowl XLV. Five times Hawk topped 100 tackles and he intercepted nine passes during his time in Green Bay.

The Packers Quarter Century Team on Defense, Cornerbacks: Charles Woodson, Jaire Alexander

Hall of Famer Charles Woodson wasn’t thrilled signing with the Packers, but he revitalized his career and played his best football during his seven seasons in Green Bay. The former Michigan star went to four straight Pro Bowls and twice led the NFL in interceptions. Woodson intercepted 38 passes with the Packers and returned an incredible nine of them for touchdowns. He also provided leadership for the Pack and helped them win Super Bowl XLV.

Jaire Alexander was just released by the Packers but spent seven seasons with the team and, when healthy, was one of the league’s better cover corners. Unfortunately, Alexander struggled to stay healthy, and it led to his release. He made two Pro Bowls and intercepted 12 passes during his tenure in Green Bay.

Safeties: Nick Collins, Darren Sharper

Nick Collins may have made the Pro Football Hall of Fame if his career wasn’t cut short by injuries. Collins became a starter immediately after being drafted in the second round in 2005. He played six full seasons and two games in 2011 before his career ended. Collins made three straight Pro Bowls from 2008-2010 and had three pick sixes to lead the league in that category in 2008. His most memorable play came in Super Bowl XLV when he intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown to give the Packers an early 14-0 lead. Collins was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 2016.

Darren Sharper played eight seasons with the Packers with five of them coming after 2000 and made two Pro Bowls. The William & Mary alum led the NFL in interceptions in 2000 with nine. He also returned three interceptions for touchdowns after 2000 and five overall during his stay with the Pack. Unfortunately, Sharper had major issues off the field after his career ended, and he is presently serving a lengthy prison sentence.

The Packers Quarter Century Team on Defense, Specialists: Mason Crosby, Tim Masthay, Keisean Nixon

Mason Crosby served as the Packers kicker from 2007 until 2022. He developed into a clutch kicker and became the Packers all-time leading scorer by a wide margin with 1,918 points. He was the Packers kicker in Super Bowl XLV.

Tim Masthay spent six seasons with the Packers from 2010 through 2015. He averaged 44.2 yards per punt, which is even more impressive when you’re kicking in the difficult weather conditions in Green Bay.

Keisean Nixon earned All Pro honors as a kick returner in 2022 and 2023. Nixon developed into a fearless kick returner who was capable of breaking off a long gain at any time.