Green Bay Packers Xavier McKinney Talks Playing His Former Team In Week 11
This Sunday’s game carries extra weight for Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney. For the first time since joining the Packers, the first-team All-Pro will face the New York Giants, the team that drafted him and where he spent the first four years of his career. While the matchup is significant, McKinney is keeping his focus on the bigger picture: securing a much-needed win for his team.
Green Bay Packers Xavier McKinney Taking A Business Approach
When asked about any extra emotions heading into the game, McKinney downplayed the “revenge game” narrative. He made it clear that his primary goal is to perform at a high level, regardless of the opponent. “Nah, not really. I don’t get into all that,” he said. “I just try to go out there and play a good game, regardless of who I’m playing.”
However, he did acknowledge the special circumstances, admitting he’ll be “juiced up” to play against familiar faces. It’s a chance for him to show the organization that let him walk in free agency what they’re missing, even if his main focus remains on helping the Packers break their two-game losing streak.
A Crucial Moment for the Packers
McKinney’s return to New York comes at a critical time for Green Bay. After back-to-back losses, the team finds itself in what McKinney described as a “sticky situation.” The urgency is palpable, and he labeled the upcoming contest a “must-win” for a Packers team looking to stay in the thick of the NFC playoff race.
Despite the recent struggles, McKinney remains a vocal leader and a believer in his team’s potential. He emphasized that the defense, which has played well in recent weeks, is not pointing fingers at the struggling offense. Instead, he sees these tough moments as opportunities for the team to come together. “We do that so when we do have hard moments that we face and the adversities that we face, we’re able to come closer,” he stated, highlighting the locker room’s strong relationships.
Reflecting on His Time in New York
McKinney’s four seasons with the Giants were formative, filled with ups and downs that shaped him into the player he is today. “It taught me a lot,” he reflected. “It taught me patience, it taught me resiliency. Just a lot of different lessons that I learned… helped me build into the player I am today.”
While he is grateful for his time in New York, his loyalty now lies with Green Bay. This Sunday, he’ll look to use the lessons he learned as a Giant to help lead the Packers to a pivotal victory. For McKinney, it’s a game that blends the personal with the professional, as he aims to make a statement while getting his team back on track.
