Xavier McKinney finally got recognized in the pro ranks after getting named to the Pro Bowl in the 2024-2025 season, his first since joining the National Football League in 2020.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
He’s only been in the league for five years but given how he dedicated himself to his craft since grade school days, one can say that is a long-time coming for him.
In a special feature article written by The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman for New York Times, the 26-year-old player lets people in on his routine and his long history of denying himself of simple pleasures just so he could become a great player.
The article featured many people around him including his mother Eboni, his coaches in Alabama and the Packers who testified about his obsession with being disciplined.
One of the more interesting bit in the article is the time when he was already a Packer.
Mckinney joined the team in March 2024 and he has been a great contributor for them. The team found relative success this season and that is something that is worth celebrating.
He refuses to do it though even if his teammate find time to enjoy themselves.
Why Xavier McKinney does not celebrate team wins?
It’s not like McKinney is not friends with his teammates.
One reason behind is that he is a self-proclaimed introvert. Another is that he is laser-focused on the goal to win the Super Bowl.
In the interview with Schneidman, the football safety said he is just trying to be one step ahead of everyone, reason why he’d rather choose to watch game films or stay in the room.
“I’ll enjoy it when I can win the Super Bowl,” he said.
“Once you win, it’s in the past. Obviously, you figure out what you could’ve done better and you look at that, but for me, win or loss, it’s onto the next. I think that’s just the mindset that you have to have in this league because it’s a competitive league. Every team is going to be different. Every week is going to be different. I just try to make sure that I’m always one step ahead and try to get a day ahead.”
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