As the Green Bay Packers prepare to take on the Detroit Lions in a key NFC North showdown on Thursday, one of the players whose performance is set to have a key bearing on the game’s outcome is the Packers’ giant number 52, linebacker Rashan Gary.
A massive wall of speed and muscle, Gary is almost two metres tall and weighs in at 126kg. He’s been a huge force in Green Bay’s defence this season, and should he get it right, his ability to disrupt Lions’ quarterback Jared Goff will be critical to the Packers’ hopes of winning.
Let's take a closer look at the man said to be driving Green Bay’s defensive resurgence.
1. From Michigan to the NFL
A star from a young age, Gary came to prominence when still at high school when he was named USA Today Defensive Player of the Year and a High School All-American. He entered the NFL as the 12th overall pick in the 2019 draft, following a stellar college career at the University of Michigan. Known for his physicality, his decision to forgo his senior season paid off, landing him in Green Bay.
2. A steady rise
Gary’s NFL career began as a developmental project. Playing behind veterans Za'Darius and Preston Smith, he learned the nuances of pass-rushing, gradually increasing his production. By 2021, he had emerged as a key contributor, notching 17.5 sacks across 26 games between 2021 and mid-season-2022, cementing his reputation as one of the league's most disruptive edge rushers.
3. Setbacks and Comebacks
In 2022, Gary suffered a torn ACL during a game against the same Detroit side he’s due to face on Thursday. It’s a disastrous injury for any sportsman and it sidelined him for the remainder of the season. This injury came during one of his best campaigns, where he was on pace for a career-high in sacks. Determined to return stronger, he underwent intense rehabilitation and started the 2023 season with a series of explosive performances that earned him a four-year, $107 million contract extension.
4. Defensive leader
At 6'5" and approximately 126kg, Gary’s skillset combines size, speed, and relentlessness in pursuit of his targets. This makes him a nightmare for offensive linesmen. His leadership extends beyond the field as well as he founded the Rashan Gary Sports agency, which aims to mentor emerging athletes.
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