Packers Sign All-American Running Back, Release Kicker

The Packers released Parker White, meaning sixth-round pick Anders Carlson is the lone kicker on the roster.

Author:
Bill Huber
Publish date:
May 22, 2023 5:25 PM EDT

In this story:

GREEN BAY, Wis. – At least for now, the Green Bay Packers’ kicking competition is over before it started.

Before the team hit the field for the first day of organized team activities on Monday, they released Parker White, who hit a 60-yarder during a workout for the Packers. That leaves sixth-round draft pick Anders Carlson as the only kicker on the roster.

With the roster spot, they signed undrafted rookie running back Emanuel Wilson.

At Division II Fort Valley State, Wilson in 2022 was a second-team All-American and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year with 1,371 rushing yards (6.6 average) and 17 rushing touchdowns and 24 receptions for 239 yards and two more touchdowns.

Among Division II players, he ranked sixth in all-purpose yards per game, seventh in rushing yards per game, seventh in rushing yards and ninth in rushing touchdowns.

“He is a humble, God-fearing man that is being recognized as one of the top RB’s in the country,” Fort Valley coach Shawn Gibbs said after Wilson was selected for the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl all-star game.

“He has the talent to play in the NFL and more importantly he has the work ethic that it takes to make it as a NFL player. We are proud of him and we know that he is going to represent FVSU and all HBCU’s the right way. I can’t wait for him to show the world what we already know. E-Man is the real deal!”

The all-star game showed Wilson that special teams will be the ticket to a 53-man roster.

“Going there just made me realize that I’m not going to be able to be the star right now,” Wilson told HBCU Gameday. “Going into minicamp and everything like that. I’m really just … a freshman. Coming in, I’m going to have to work my butt off to actually get on special teams.”

Wilson measured 5-foot-10 1/2 and 226 pounds at pro day. He ran his 40 in an impressive 4.55 seconds. He went undrafted and spent a short time with the Denver Broncos.

In his NFL Draft Bible scouting report, Wilson was called a “pure downhill” runner who wore down opposing defenses and has the ability to fight his way onto a roster.

Wilson was given Hall of Famer Jim Taylor’s No. 31.