Not every career follows a linear path in the National Football League. A certain Green Bay Packers star learned that firsthand last year.
Though the Packers surprised many by earning a playoff berth at 9-8, the season didn't go as planned for the anchor of the secondary, cornerback Jaire Alexander.
It was a topsy-turvy year for Alexander, who dealt with a lingering shoulder issue, got himself suspended from an important game, and struggled to perform at his peak. Accordingly, Alexander earned less recognition than he might have liked heading into the new season.
After earning the number-24 spot a season ago, ESPN dropped Alexander 74 spots in their yearly Top 100 players list , sneaking him onto the ledger at number 98.
"Alexander seems poised for a turnaround given how last season went with injuries and a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team," ESPN's Rob Demovsky said. "By most accounts, he's been the model of consistency this year and sounds as if he has bought into new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley's system."
A two-time Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro, Alexander has been one of the best corners in the league this decade. But 2024 was the first time his career veered off course. He missed 10 games, including one because his own team suspended him, and failed to intercept a pass.
Still just 27, there is no question that Alexander still has lots of good years left. And with the Packers expected to contend for the postseason for several years to come, he has the chance to be part of a special era in franchise history.
If Alexander returns to the form he had in the early 2020s, he will undoubtedly shoot back up lists like this one in 2025. But following a bump in the road like last season, Alexander is among the players with the most to prove on the Packers heading into a new campaign.
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