This season, Keisean Nixon has some competition from a Green Bay Packers rookie for the punt return position. Nixon took over return duties for Amari Rodgers last season after the wide receiver was released from the Packers following too many muffs and fumbles.
Nixon shined as a returner, averaging 28.8 yards a kick return and one touchdown. He averaged 12.7 yards per punt return for the Packers in 2022.
Keisean Nixon might not be the Green Bay Packers’ punt returner
However, the Packers always want to upgrade their special teams under special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia. According to a report by Matt Schneidman with the Athletic, rookie wide receiver Jayden Reed looks to be winning the early race to win the starting job at punt returner. Even though Reed is taking over Nixon’s job from last season, Nixon said he’s helping the rookie returner learn new moves:
Reed will likely be the Packers’ punt returner, too, and first-team All-Pro kick returner Keisean Nixon, who also guards Reed at the nickel, has been impressed early on.
“I spend a lot of time with him, especially with going against him in the slot,” Nixon said. “I told him as soon as he got here, before I even talked to him, I told him I’d be on his ass every day. He’s got to get me better and I’m going to get him better. With the return stuff, I’ll teach him little techniques and stuff like that, stuff that I learned on the fly last year. He’ll be a good player.”
Reed has been impressing players and the media early on during training camp. The Packers need Reed to step up his game early in his NFL career. They’re clearly hoping he can hold on to the ball better than Rodgers did, and Reed should since he returned punts in college.
While Nixon is likely giving up punt return duties this season, he’s still projected as the Packers starting kick returner. That’s his best strength on the Packers’ special teams.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many games did Keisean Nixon play?
Keisean Nixon played a total of 10 games for the Las Vegas Raiders during the 2020 NFL season. He recorded 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery in those games.
How long has Keisean Nixon been in the NFL?
Keisean Nixon has been in the NFL since 2019. He joined the league as an undrafted free agent and signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. Since then, he has played as a cornerback for the team. Keisean's skill and determination have made him a valuable asset to the Raiders roster.
