The Packers have had plenty of All-Pro players in their storied history. Most recently, Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, and De’Vondre Campbell made the All-Pro team in 2022. Unfortunately, Adams is no longer with the team, and Rodgers and Campbell have taken steps back from their incredible 2022 seasons. None of the 2022 Packers All-Pros will make the team this year.
Usually, in down years for teams, they don’t normally have All-Pro talent on the roster. That may not be true. One Packers player worked himself to the top of his position and could be given an All-Pro nod. Who is this player, you may ask? Keisean Nixon.
Keisean Nixon as an All-Pro?
Yes, Keisean Nixon is the only player poised to be given an All-Pro nod this season. No, it is not for his play on the defensive side of the ball. In a surprise turn of events, Nixon could join the All-Pro team as a kick returner. This seems quite unbelievable when you look at the special teams’ woes the Packers have had the last few years. If Nixon were to make the All-Pro team as a kick-returner, it would be the first time in the Packers’ history they’d have an All-Pro kick-returner.
Is it possible for Nixon to get this award? Yes, and the stats back it up.
Keisean Nixon’s Stats
It’s a wonder how long it took Nixon to take over return duties after Amari Rodgers constantly put the Packers at odds with his fumbles and poor decision-making. Nixon is top 5 in every statistical category for kick returns. He is tied for the most kick return attempts at 25. This is an especially incredible stat as Nixon didn’t start taking over kick-return duties until week 8. Yes, in 6 weeks, Nixon compiled 24 kick returns (his first kick return came in week 6).
Nixon is also second in the league in kick return yards with 617 yards. He trails only Kene Kwangwu of the Vikings, who has 620 yards. Nixon also returned the ball 20+ yards 14 times, good for second in the league. Not only that, but he’s also second in the league for 40+ yard kick returns with 2. He is also the only player in the league with multiple returns of 50+. To round out his impressive stats, he is fifth in yards per return of qualifying kick returners with 24.7.
His Battle for All Pro
Nixon may become the first Packers All-Pro kick return man ever. The one player he needs to overcome is Kene Kwangwu of the Vikings. It is certainly true that Kwangwu is the favorite right now, as he is first in total kick return yards, yards/ return, and tied for first with TDs. This means that Nixon does have some ground to make up.
If the season were to end today, Nixon would most likely end up as a second-team All-Pro selection. Hopefully, Nixon can return a kick for a TD and continue his dominance in the return game. If he does this he could undoubtedly make a heavy push to overtake Kwangwu for that first-team All-Pro selection.
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