The Green Bay Packers’ defense is among the younger and more captivating in the NFL, featuring homegrown talent across all three tiers, and according to defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, a solid leadership presence is developing.
A year after joining the Packers and achieving a career-best eight interceptions en route to his first All-Pro selection, safety Xavier McKinney is emerging as a leader. His performance in 2024 not only elevated his personal profile but also gave Green Bay a dependable presence in the back end of its defense — someone capable of making game-changing plays and setting the tone for the unit.
“He’s established a setting in our room where competition is clearly intense,” Hafley recently informed reporters about McKinney. “That’s a wonderful aspect, as there are numerous talented players in our group, and they’re eager to support each other.”
Hafley emphasized that McKinney’s approach goes beyond simply producing on the field. His willingness to engage with teammates — whether they are fellow starters, backups, or rookies — has built a culture of accountability. “He will address anyone in the room about how to perceive particular aspects and where your focus should be and what your thought process ought to be,” Hafley said. “So when he demonstrates that from the top, the others begin to understand, OK, it’s acceptable to engage with this individual even though we’re in fierce competition for our positions.”
McKinney’s role has been especially valuable given the Packers’ ongoing efforts to mold a cohesive, disciplined defense around a young core. In recent seasons, Green Bay has invested heavily in its secondary through both the draft and free agency. Pairing McKinney’s experience and playmaking instincts with emerging cornerbacks and safeties has created a competitive but supportive atmosphere.
“Inside that meeting room, we’re supporting each other,” Hafley added. “He has also created a setting where each individual present understands that if they secure a place in that gathering, they will eventually be asked to contribute, and they will need to deliver for the benefit of the defense and the team.”
McKinney’s arrival from the New York Giants last offseason was initially viewed as a move to add proven talent, but his influence has gone beyond the stat sheet. Known for his range, ball skills, and ability to read quarterbacks, he has also shown a knack for elevating those around him. Younger players have spoken about how his film-study habits, vocal communication, and willingness to correct mistakes in real time have accelerated their development.
For the Packers, this shift toward peer-to-peer leadership is crucial. While Hafley and head coach Matt LaFleur can set expectations, players often respond most strongly to the tone set by respected teammates. McKinney’s example — balancing fierce competitiveness with mutual encouragement — has been a template for others to follow.
The timing of this leadership emergence could not be better. With the NFC North shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in the league, Green Bay’s defense will face some of the NFL’s top quarterbacks and offensive schemes. McKinney’s ability to rally the secondary, ensure assignments are understood, and keep teammates locked in could prove decisive in tight matchups.
McKinney’s combination of playmaking skills and readiness to guide teammates might be the spark that transforms a young defense from hopeful to formidable. His growth into a leadership role also reflects the Packers’ broader philosophy of fostering development from within — identifying players with both talent and the right mindset to influence the locker room.
Should the Packers’ secondary emulate his example, the impact might resonate through to January. For a team with Super Bowl dreams, such a cultural transformation could be equally as important as the interceptions they make. If McKinney’s leadership continues to strengthen, Green Bay’s defense may not only keep pace with the league’s best offenses but also set the tone for a deep postseason run.
