Future Hall of Famer Joe Thomas believes the Green Bay Packers landed a “real steal” in free agency by signing former Cleveland Browns linebacker Christian Kirksey.
Thomas, a teammate of Kirksey’s in Cleveland for three years, spoke with Peter Bukowski of the “Locked On Packers” podcast about Kirksey and what he’ll bring to Green Bay, both on the field and off it.
Thomas said he had a “great bond” with Kirksey, who he described as a “great teammate” and “fantastic player.”
“The respect that I have for Kirko goes beyond just what he is as a player. And I think he’s a fantastic player,” Thomas said. “He’s not your biggest linebacker, but he’s one of the biggest hitters I’ve ever been around. He’s so bright. He’s so smart. He was always the quarterback of that defense. He’s played for Mike Pettine in that defense before, so he’s got incredible familiarity, and I think that was a big reason why they were excited to sign him because they know he’s going to be a great fit.”
The Packers signed Kirksey to a two-year deal on Monday. He’ll help replace departing linebacker Blake Martinez, a four-year starter who signed a new deal in New York. A six-year NFL veteran, Kirksey has played in 73 career games and will provide the middle of the Packers defense with a tough, experienced inside linebacker who knows the Pettine defense.
Kirksey will also be a blessing for a locker room in Green Bay that transformed itself in one offseason, starting with the hiring of coach Matt LaFleur and later evolving with veteran free-agent additions such as Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith and Adrian Amos.
Kirksey, a captain at both Iowa and with the Browns and a Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, gives the Packers another respected leader, especially in the linebacker room and in the community.
“He was a leader in that locker room. He was a guy that young guys could turn to. He mentored young players, even guys at his own position that were drafted to replace him, and you don’t see that very often,” Thomas said. “He is a wonderful human being. He was fantastic in the community, the way he gave back.”
Thomas recalled Kirksey’s leadership during tough times in Cleveland as clear evidence of his leadership ability. When others might’ve been ready to quit, Kirksey persevered.
“Going through those tough seasons, one win in two years, he was still the guy that was putting in max effort. He was putting in extra time after practice getting guys ready. He was motivated guys on the practice field during times when it would have been really easy to just mail it in,” Thomas said. “He was still going above and beyond. The energy he brought to practices and games was infectious. And it kept that team together in a situation when most teams would have fractured. The Packers should feel extremely lucky.”
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