Matt LaFleur of the Packers responds to Keisean Nikon’s return stance

It brought some fans back Green Bay Packers star Keisean Nixon said he doesn’t want to fight back more and be a full-time defender. After that The Packers lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild card round of the NFL playoffs, head coach Matt LaFleur spoke about Nixon’s comments.

Nixon was known for being an electric punt returner, even being a first-team All-Pro in 2022 and 2023 for doing so, but with the new punt rule, it made the player want to leave the role. However, this was obviously news to LaFleur, and talked about holding a meeting to talk to Nixon about the role according to Matt Schneiderman.

“That was interesting … We have a meeting today to talk about this,” LaFleur said. “I’m not sure why he said what he said.”

LaFleur would have a “smile on his face” and then talk about how much he loved Nixon and their working relationship. While some will wonder what the Packers need to fix in the offseason, Nixon himself said Monday that he has “over” as a kick returner according to The Athletic.

“I’m kind of over it,” Nixon said. “I don’t want to do that anymore.” There will be talks with the coaching staff and things like that, but I think it’s over for me.

Packers’ Keisean Nikon looks to be “CB1”

There was no question that Nixon’s punt return duties were drastically reduced this season as he returned 18 kicks compared to 30 the year before, and even 35 in 2022. With the rule change, it looked like the game plan was until opposing teams were should have kicked touchbacks at Nixon in order to prevented a big comeback, even if the offense got the ball at the 30-yard line.

How people will look for someone to give to blame for the Packers’ early playoff exitNixon sees himself especially on the defensive side of the ball as he was a cornerback and eventually on the outside. Nixon would speak highly of his first season alongside defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.

“I think my first year with (defensive coordinator) Jeff (Haffley) was outstanding,” Nixon said. “I think he changed the way my career was going, he moved me to the outside corner and I played great all year. I like Huff a lot. I can’t wait to come back next year and get Year 2 under my belt in his system that only plays cornerback. I’m just excited about it.

“I want to be CB1,” Nixon continued. “CB1 doesn’t do kickbacks. It is just what it is.”

It remains to be seen what the plan will be for Nixon in Green Bay, but the team will look to rebound next season after a disappointing finish in the playoffs and third place in the NFC North at 11-6.