In Jeff Hafley’s first year as the Packers’ defensive coordinator, the unit emerged as one of the league’s top defenses.
But one of their most important players on the defensive line, Kenny Clark, struggled to stay at peak performance due to a lingering foot injury.
Kenny Clark Played Through Pain
Despite Clark’s health issues, Green Bay’s defense still ranked sixth in total defense (315.6 yards allowed per game), seventh against the run (99.4 yards per game), and tied for eighth in sacks with 45.
Clark recently revealed he battled a foot injury throughout the season, which he initially sustained during the season opener in Brazil against the Eagles—a game that also saw quarterback Jordan Love suffer a serious injury.
“It was a tough year for me,” Clark told reporters. “I had surgery on my foot in January… I hurt it in the Brazil game.”
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A Healthy Clark Could Elevate the Packers in 2025
The fact that the Packers achieved so much defensively without a fully healthy Clark is impressive.
Now heading into his 10th NFL season—all with Green Bay—Clark remains a vital part of the defensive front.
Two years ago, he posted career highs in sacks (7.5), QB hits (16), and tied his personal best in tackles for loss (9), helping lead the Packers to the brink of the NFC Championship Game.
While last season’s team won 11 games, they fell short in the playoffs.
If Clark returns to full health, he has the potential to be one of the most dominant interior defensive linemen in the league. His impact up front can be game-changing, making his recovery and durability essential as he enters a pivotal year in his career.