Before catching a touchdown pass and turning heads with his celebration on Sunday Night Football in Week 2, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard put his soccer skills on full display.
The 26-year-old’s pregame warmup routine apparently includes juggling a soccer ball, which was captured by NBC’s camera crew before the Packers played the Chicago Bears on Sunday evening.
He’s pretty good, too:
Little pregame soccer, @AllenLazard ⚽️#GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/tzxTs5WRPI
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) September 18, 2022
“I warm up with the soccer ball every day, practice, game,” Lazard said in a recent interview with Kassidy Hill of Packers News. “So it’s been my thing and just kind of be able to clear my mind and be able to focus in on what’s at hand.”
Lazard said he enjoys juggling because it helps improve his balance and control, two key traits both for soccer and American football.
Lazard caught two passes for 13 yards and one touchdown in Green Bay’s 27-10 win over Chicago at Lambeau Field on Sunday.
Here’s a look back at some of Lazard’s previous soccer exploits before NFL games.