Since the departure of Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Kenny Clark has heard all of the negativity around his team during the offseason.
Clark said as much during a recent appearance on The Zach Gelb Show on CBS Sports Radio, but the two-time Pro Bowler also went as far as to say he prefers being disrespected.
Kenny Clark says the @packers are 100 percent getting disrespected but loves it and has effusive praise for Jordan Love. #GoPackGo
Full Zach Gelb Show on @CBSSportsRadio chat with @KCBoutThatLife here: https://t.co/AhYBek0vvl @jordan3love pic.twitter.com/uwuNeN1ZRk
— Zach Gelb (@ZachGelb) July 15, 2023
“I like it that way,” Clark said. “This has been one of the first offseasons where we really haven’t been getting the credit, getting the love. Everybody says Aaron determines whether we win or lose, so we love it. We’re going to embrace it. When it comes to Week 1 and the season gets here, we’ll see how everything stacks up. We’re excited about it.”
Obviously, things will be different without Rodgers. However, some are expecting the worse for the Packers in 2023.
Rodgers essentially had Green Bay in the Super Bowl conversation for the last decade-plus. Naturally, that confidence has dissipated with the four-time MVP leaving for the New York Jets and an inexperienced quarterback stepping in.
No one really knows what to expect from Jordan Love as he enters Year 4 with only one NFL start under his belt. But Clark says the uncertainty factor hasn’t impacted the support for Love inside the locker room. He has seen the way Love carries himself and is excited about what the future holds.
“He’s just been steady, coming into work,” said Clark. “He’s going to be a great player. I’m excited about everything he brings to our team.”
And from a leadership standpoint, Love has that box checked too, according to Clark.
“He’s definitely a leader. He comes in every single day and works his ass off. I think that’s what the guys respect about him and that’s what everyone loves about him. He’s got that quiet swag, that quiet confidence, and everybody feeds off that.”
Coincidentally, quiet confidence is probably how most teammates feel about Love until he proves himself during the regular season. That moment can’t come soon enough for Clark.
“I can’t wait to get out there with Jordan.”
