Source: Packers Sign All-Pro Returner Keisean Nixon
GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers have re-signed All-Pro kickoff returner and key reserve cornerback Keisean Nixon, according to a source.
It’s a one-year deal worth up to $6 million. The length of the contract makes it a prove-it deal for Nixon, who changed the season as a kick returner – a role he hadn’t played to any real extent since junior college.
Nixon led the NFL with a 28.8-yard average on kickoff returns. Among players with at least 20 runbacks, he led the NFL by 2.5 yards over Minnesota’s Kene Nwangwu and 4.7 yards over the third-place returner, Cleveland’s Jerome Ford. He also averaged 12.7 yards per punt return. Had he had enough returns to qualify among the leaders, he would have ranked second.
The Associated Press has had an All-Pro kick returner since 1976. Nixon is the only Packers player to win a spot in that role. He became the first Packers player to be an All-Pro on special teams since kicker Chris Jacke in 1993.
Nixon was a player the Packers had coveted. Just not for his return skill.
“Really proud of the way he … responded to the opportunities given to him, not only in the teams stuff but in defense, as well,” general manager Brian Gutekunst said during his season-ending news conference. “When we identified him in the middle of last season as a nickel-corner-type player – we knew we were losing Chandon (Sullivan) at the end of the year and we were going to have to fill that spot – we were really excited about him as that and knew he was a good teams player, good gunner, good cover guy.
“Obviously, none of us knew what kind of returner was going to come out of that, and that was a pleasant surprise. When the opportunity came, was just really proud of how he attacked it.”
Nixon originally signed with the Packers on a one-year, minimum-salary deal. Nobody could have known how Nixon would change a perennially downtrodden special teams.
“In all my 18 years, I’ve never once until tonight seen an opposing team’s kicker kick away from one of our returners. On purpose. That’s fun. That’s pretty incredible,” quarterback Aaron Rodgers said after a late-season victory over the Rams.
Nixon led the NFL in 50-yard kickoff returns even while not getting his first opportunity until Week 6, when the team finally gave up on Amari Rodgers. Coach Matt LaFleur continually gave Nixon the green light to make something happen.
“That’s just huge,” running back Aaron Jones said. “You’re not having to fight going half of the field. However many plays it takes you to cross the 50, mistakes can happen. You may not even get across the 50. For him to put us in a position – two first downs and you’re already in field goal position. That’s huge vs. going from the 25, two first downs, you’re not in field goal position yet. It’s huge what he’s been doing for us. I’m glad he’s back there returning.”
With Nixon jump-starting the return game, Green Bay went from 32nd (last place) in Rick Gosselin’s annual special teams rankings to 22nd. The belief that he could take his next opportunity the distance helped fuel the blocking unit.
“I always spark guys, know what I’m saying?” Nixon said after his touchdown vs. Minnesota changed that must-win game. “They pump me up before the returns and I always just got to reward them. I know they’re going to block for me. They know I’m back there. Just got to reward my guys.”
Before that return, with the Vikings having grabbed a quick lead, the crowd roared when he was introduced as being deep for the kick.
“Word on the street is they had the best returner,” he said of Nwangwu. “So, hopefully we settled that today.”
Nixon also played well in limited duties on defense, including in Week 3 at Tampa Bay, when Jaire Alexander dropped out after the opening series.
“Keisean loves football,” special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia said in January. “He’s very social. I think he enjoys his players, his teammates. I think he works at being a good teammate, and he’s a versatile guy as far as playing around the field.
“He’s done a lot of different things for us. Obviously, now he’s become a return guy. He’s been a really good coverage guy in the past, and I think he gets better and better with his work with OG [Jerry Gray] and what he’s doing on defense. He’s an ascending player with a great energy and a great passion and love for football.”
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