Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Kenny Clark has a healthy family, a healthy girlfriend and a strong desire to play football again.
So, no, Clark never considered opting out of the 2020 season.
“Nah,” Clark said when asked Monday. “I just miss football, man. Everybody has different situations. My situation, my family is healthy, my girlfriend is healthy and I’m healthy, so I’m going to go out there and play. Everybody has different stuff going on in there life, so I understand if they opt out.”
GM Brian Gutekunst said no other Packers player, besides receiver Devin Funchess, has brought up opting out of the season. Funchess, who signed with the Packers in March, officially opted out this week due to family health concerns.
Clark, one of the NFL’s top interior defenders despite being snubbed from “The Top 100 Players in 2020” list, won’t be joining him.
The Packers couldn’t afford to lose him.
Last season, Clark tallied six sacks, nine tackles for losses and 63 total pressures, second only to Aaron Donald among interior defensive linemen. He was the Packers’ second-highest graded defensive player at Pro Football Focus, trailing only Za’Darius Smith.
Clark also sidestepped questions about his contract, which expires after this season, stating his focus is on playing this season. He’s leaving all contract talk to his representation and the Packers’ brass.
“The contract thing, I’m just going to let it fill out however it’s going to fill out,” Clark said. “I’m just worried about practicing and playing these games and being the best me out there. I’m letting my agent and all the guys upstairs handle all that stuff, and we’ll see where we go from there.”
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