Kenny Clark Leaves Behind a Strong Legacy in Green Bay
By GilMartin
The Green Bay Packers pulled off a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, acquiring Micah Parsons, one of the best pass rushers in the game, in exchange for two first round draft choices and defensive tackle Kenny Clark. While the trade boosts the Packers Super Bowl chances and has excited the Packers fan base, Clark leaves behind a strong legacy in Green Bay and will be missed as he heads to Dallas to play for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys.
The Packers selected Clark in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. The UCLA alum was the final player on the Packers roster drafted by the late Ted Thompson.
Clark became a starter in his second season with the Packers. He started out as the nose tackle in the team’s 3-4 defense. At various times in his career, he did move to a more traditional defensive tackle role. He played well in both positions.
Clark became one of the few present-day NFL defensive tackles who could both stop the run and put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He earned Pro Bowl honors three times, after the 2019, 2021 and 2023 seasons. In 2023, Clark recorded a career-high 7.5 sacks.
Unfortunately, Clark struggled in 2024 after suffering a broken toe in the season opener in Brazil. His sack total went down to just one. The broken toe took away his explosiveness off the snap of the ball, one of the strengths of his game. He played through the injury and still appeared all 17 games for the Packers, but his level of play wasn’t the same.
As a nine-year veteran, Clark provided the Packers with leadership. He was also involved in the community off the field and was twice the Packers nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award which honors NFL players who do positive things on and off the field.
The inclusion of Clark in this blockbuster trade made sense. Clark will turn 30 in October. Moreover, Clark’s cap hit will rise substantially next season. It was unlikely the Packers would keep Clark under his current deal, which would have carried a cap hit of more than $31.3 million. They would either have to restructure his contract or part ways with him next offseason even before he was included in this trade. Moving on from Clark helped free up cap space for the Packers to afford Parsons.
The Packers front office and coaching staff fully appreciated what Clark brought to the team over the course of his nine years with the team. GM Brian Gutekunst had this to say about Clark a year ago when he signed him to a rare third contract with the Packers. “He is a model player that you kind of want to build a program around,” Gutekunst explained. “Kenny’s just a pro’s pro. He takes care of his body, puts the right things first, and the main thing’s the main thing for Kenny. He loves football. To play as long as he has at the level that he has, you’ve got to love it. He certainly loves football, and he’s an unselfish team guy. He’s all about winning. He is the exact example of the kind of guys we want in that locker room.”
Head coach Matt LaFleur also appreciated Clark’s contributions. “Kenny is the model of consistency in everything he does,” LaFleur said. “His approach — obviously, he was here participating all offseason and then just the work he puts in. He has guys out with him in California and helping those young guys along. And you can always count on him each and every Sunday. I’m just really happy, ecstatic that we got that done. … I think the guys are fired up for him, as well.”
His departure will leave the Packers with a hole at defensive tackle. The team will need to find replacements for Clark who can help stop the run. The team lacks experienced players with his size and ability.
But now Clark is an ex-Packer. The move made sense. The final act of his Packers career will be his inclusion in a deal that got the team an elite pass rusher in his prime. The Packers hope Parsons is the final piece of the puzzle to make them a Super Bowl winner. As for Clark, his legacy in Green Bay is secure. Although he never won the Super Bowl with the team, he has been a great Packer. He will undoubtedly be inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame once he’s eligible.
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Comments (46)
HawkPacker
August 30, 2025 at 09:56 am
'They would either have to restructure his contract or part ways with him next offseason even before he was included in this trade. Moving on from Clark helped free up cap space for the Packers to afford Parsons.'
First off, this is a good trade for Clark as he should now be able to play for the Cowboys next year as well as Jerry now has the cap room to retain him. In GB, with the Parsons' trade he would have been traded or let go as they could not afford him.
Secondly, Clark was very good in GB. However, in my mind, he was no superstar. Some posters have said that he was close to being as good as Donald was for the Rams. IMHO, he was not even close. Will we miss him? I am sure we will but that may depend on the play of Parsons and if we can get good DT play this season.
Starrbrite
August 30, 2025 at 01:53 pm
Right Hawk, a Donald comparison is ridiculous. Clark was good, steady, dependable, but as you said, not a superstar—he was not Gilbert Brown. We’ll miss his - sure.
It was a good move at the right time.
jannesbjornson
August 31, 2025 at 12:15 pm
Kenny plugged the middle. He made the Probowl three times. Parsons made ALL-PRO three times and was the
Defensive Rookie of the Year. He has the Game Changer DNA.
KenEllis
August 30, 2025 at 10:07 am
Good read.
Kenny Clark was a GOOD player for the Packers and appears from all indications seems to have been a GREAT human being and teammate during his time in Green Bay. He will undoubtedly be a Packer Hall of Famer.
However, he was never a GREAT player, turns 30 in a few weeks, is coming off his worst season, and has a bloated contract. Also, Dallas really, really wanted him. (I hope he takes as much of Jerry's $$ as he can over the next couple of years).
Gute and the Packers appear to be chasing GREATNESS and if Kenny Clark had to be included in the trade for Micah Parsons, so be it.
Snap the ball
August 30, 2025 at 10:36 am
Kenny will be missed. Took the double teams 55-65 percent of the time .
Didn’t miss games no issues off the field. Good locker room guy.
He will have a real good year in Dallas like Aaron Jones last year.
Probably will get back to fun for him.
Something new…
LambeauPlain
August 30, 2025 at 10:37 am
Kenny was one of my favorite Packers. A leader by work ethic and example. He rarely spoke up but when he did, the team listened. Highly respected by coaches, teammates and fans.
Last season played through painful bunions and bone spurs on his toe and he never used it as an excuse. He's a lot like Jenks...just puts on the armor and plays through aches and pains that sideline a lot of guys.
Kenny was a very good DL for the constant 3-4 Defense, often a 2-4, he played in until last year. DL rarely get the splash plays in the 3-4/2-4 to get that "great label". For most of his career his job was to gobble up blockers to let the ILBs and Edge backers make the plays. Even then he found ways to get to the passer or get a stop.
I wonder what Kenny's career "stats" would have been had he mostly played in a 4-3. But he didn't complain...he just went into battle. And earned the notice of his piers for 3 Pro Bowls.
Best of success Kenny Clark until you meet the Packers.
Tundraboy
August 30, 2025 at 10:18 pm
Loved Kenny. Just never gave him enough help to achieve "great status". Learned that having a wrestling background made for strong linemen. Wish him the best, but had to give up someone solid to get better.
Snap the ball
August 30, 2025 at 10:38 am
I just got a Kenny Clark sweatshirt last year for Christmas. A collectors item now.
I was hoping to get it signed at the Chutte maybe in a few years after retirement.
Snap the ball
August 30, 2025 at 11:09 am
Thanks
Thumbs down for a Christmas gift.
Nice
BradHTX
August 30, 2025 at 04:37 pm
Don’t take it personally. Just trolls who downvote everything.
Honestly, I don’t understand why Aaron, Corey and Al keep that feature. Just change to a “rec” like APC or Reddit. We’re Packers fans here and should be nice to each other. And we don’t need Vikings/Bears/Lions fans throwing anonymous shade.
Snap the ball
August 30, 2025 at 10:42 am
Kenny will take Aaron Bank to school. If not doubled. I hope Kenny lays off a bit that game.
Yes in his younger years him in a 4-3. Would have been huge. They drafted him for the 3-4
He will play free in Dallas. Jerry will say. Go have fun play hard have some ice cream after the game with me. My treat…
Snap the ball
August 30, 2025 at 10:45 am
Once we win the Super Bowl this year do we give Kenny a ring.
Kinda like trading away Aaron Kampman the tear we won the Super Bowl. But I still they they gave him a ring for all the service.
TarynsEyes
August 30, 2025 at 10:46 am
He said he was happy to be in Dallas, a place that made him feel wanted, because GB didn't.
Coldworld
August 30, 2025 at 10:55 am
He did not say he didn’t feel wanted here, just that the Dallas folk made him feel like he was wanted there. He should be. He was wanted here, but Dallas needed a NT and we blatantly wanted Parsons very badly, while Kenny was probably a year away from being a cap casualty.
Starrbrite
August 30, 2025 at 01:56 pm
Yep
CJBauckham
August 30, 2025 at 11:51 am
C'mon, Taryn
Packers0808
August 30, 2025 at 12:37 pm
Good grief look under a rock for a good life, because what ever it is right sure the hell ain't working for you!
Guynorge
August 30, 2025 at 10:49 am
I Would trade a #2 to get him back.
Coldworld
August 30, 2025 at 10:50 am
We will miss Kenny. He’s been a stalwart. I was looking forward to seeing him back where I think he’s most natural. However, the end was coming here as a result of cap balloning going back to the year we kept Rodgers. Moreover, Dallas does have a need so he should fit in: I hope it works out for him. We had to give up something in terms of cap and an NT might well have swung the deal. I hope we have the horses to replace him well enough to reap the rewards of the trade without him.
Snap the ball
August 30, 2025 at 10:54 am
Hence the monster year for him.
Funny thing last game he played was vs Eagles. First game he plays this year vs Eagles.
He can take that center or guard all day for the eagles .
Eagles o line holds a lot. It’s the NFL thou.
Eagles owner pays a bit more to the officials
That don’t know what a fumble recovery or hit to the helmet is…
Snap the ball
August 30, 2025 at 11:02 am
He played great against the Chiefs at home and 49ers in the playoff game. Keep us in those Big games stopping the run.
Actually last year vs Eagles also. Just no offense…any bit of offense we win that game. It didn’t show up.
Sometimes when you don’t hear your name a lot on defense line your doing other things like taking on double teams etc.
I bet he’s back Pro Bowl level and his foot is good just be a real good year for him.
Snap the ball
August 30, 2025 at 04:15 pm
He played good
You must be watching something other than Packers
Kenny played well those games
Snap the ball
August 30, 2025 at 11:11 am
I must be doing something right thumbs down on every thing I say
Packers0808
August 30, 2025 at 12:39 pm
Nope they are telling sit on those thumbs and revolve. Risible how you think you are cute with your stupidity.
Snap the ball
August 30, 2025 at 04:18 pm
Ok
Watch
Kenny take Banks to school.
He did when he played with the 49ers.
Snap the ball
August 30, 2025 at 04:27 pm
I don’t see any stupidity. Just the facts I have laid out.., The NFL facts.
Starrbrite
August 30, 2025 at 01:58 pm
I agree with you on this one snap.
Snap the ball
August 30, 2025 at 11:14 am
Kenny held the middle of that field for years.
I think Kenny was Great
Didn’t have the numbers like sum.
But held the fort down for years.
Will see how many tackles we go thru over next years vs him
In time you will see that…
I will go to his Packer Hall of Fame. And who knows what else he still may get.
splitpea1
August 30, 2025 at 11:15 am
Win-win for both teams with the player exchange. Dallas was in big need of a NT, so they got a proven one for the time being. The Packers needed to the lose the contract. Clark was a fine and very durable player (!) for us over the years, but he has a lot of miles on him at this point, so the move made sense.
We'll be counting on Parsons to elevate the defense to a new level. The good thing about this trade/high-voltage jolt is that it put every coach and player in the organization on notice that more is expected and we're serious about bringing the Trophy home. Hopefully that mentality has already been seeping in and we'll be able to see the desired results in the early part of the season.
We'll also be counting on new arrivals Stackhouse and Brinson to get the job done pretty much right away. Wyatt definitely has to step it up, and we'll see how much more effective Wooden is now that he's bulked up.
PhantomII
August 30, 2025 at 01:33 pm
Clark never got a real performer next to him on the DL...unless it was Z.Smith...AR never got a #2 WR in all the post season runs in recent years....Both of those scenarios became big problems against better playoff teams. This trade definitely makes the pass rush exponentially better...Interior DL is a bigger question mark this season.....We still need a #1 WR hole unless someone fills it...(I'm hoping it's on it's way)...... (UPGRADES) @ DL / CB / trade for a young #1 WR if Golden is not it by end of the season, will need to happen to take us into multiple SB appearances with all the studs we have are in our window.
Snap the ball
August 30, 2025 at 04:23 pm
We will find out soon. What we have up the middle.
Too bad we didn’t draft TJ Watt.
With Kenny in a 4-3.
Since'61
August 30, 2025 at 02:19 pm
Kenny Clark has been.a great Packer. It would have been great if we could have acquired Parsons and kept Clark but that' doesn't work in the real world. Thanks Kenny for all the great plays and for your solid effort on the field in every game even playing through injuries. You will be missed by this Packers fan. Best of luck to you. Thanks, Since '61
Snap the ball
August 30, 2025 at 04:19 pm
I give you a thumbs up.
Since'61
August 31, 2025 at 01:17 pm
I gave you one as well. Thanks, Since '61
Snap the ball
August 30, 2025 at 04:29 pm
Actually I will be the First to congratulate Kenny on a Pro Bowl Season this year. I can feel it and see it in his body language and interviews.
Congratulations Kenny
SwedeBayPacker
August 30, 2025 at 05:28 pm
"The Packers hope Parsons is the final piece of the puzzle to make them a Super Bowl winner."
How about winning a playoff game before talking about the super bowl....
EricTorkelson
September 01, 2025 at 06:58 am
GB 48 Cowboys 32 Jan 14th 2024 ...
stockholder
August 30, 2025 at 06:54 pm
Anybody that assumed Clark couldn't
be his All-Pro self, is not a Clark fan.
If Clark had a great year.
(more than likely per reputation)
Would he have accepted a cut in pay?
IMO- Gute would be going through
a Jones and Alexander situation again.
By trading Him.
Gute can't come under fire.
Saved the negative PR.
And gotten the cap space he dearly loves.
No matter how this plays out.
It was a good plan for everyone involved.
Starrbrite
August 30, 2025 at 10:25 pm
Huh??
jannesbjornson
August 31, 2025 at 12:30 pm
He never made ALL-PRO. He was a Pro Bowl Award winner 3x. He had a great year in 2023 with 7.5 sacks, but the foot held him down in 2024. Will he have a resurgence, or continued issues with his take off due to injuries?
Packerlifer
August 31, 2025 at 01:06 pm
Injury is always the chance and the great unknown. We could say the same thing with regard to Parsons. But if fear of the possibility of injury makes you freeze up you'll never go anywhere or do anything except stay at home in your bed; until you look up and see a loose ceiling tile over your head.
jannesbjornson
August 31, 2025 at 01:16 pm
No fear, just age related frequency of potential injury.
porupack
August 31, 2025 at 07:48 pm
Try to make your comments readable, at least....and then if possible, understandable.
Ritzy
August 30, 2025 at 08:43 pm
Hope all the best for Kenny down in Dallas. He was a pillar on our DL for many years. Good men are certainly hard to find. Here's to a new Super Bowl era with Parsons.
WD
August 31, 2025 at 11:31 am
Granted the line would have been better had we somehow been able to retain Clark. But who else would we have given? Gary? You can't always have your cake and eat it too. Bottom line: a GREAT deal for the Pack!
calabasa
September 01, 2025 at 12:11 pm
Now that his last drafted player has left the team, a shoutout to TT. Sure he was infuriatingly conservative in FA, but hell we had a lot of success, including XLV, due to him. RIP.