In a surprising turn of events, Jonathan Ford, a seventh-round pick in 2022, finds himself in a pivotal role for the Green Bay Packers. After spending two-and-a-half seasons on the practice squad without seeing any game action, Ford is now set to contribute as the team faces significant defensive challenges.
Located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the Packers are dealing with a battered defensive line following a recent game against the Baltimore Ravens, where they struggled considerably. Notably, Devonte Wyatt, a first-round pick and the standout player on the defensive unit, is currently on injured reserve. The situation worsened with Jordon Riley, who took Wyatt”s place on the roster, also heading to injured reserve.
Ford, who was unable to secure a spot on the active roster during his initial tenure with the team, now has an opportunity to prove his worth. “He”s been preaching opportunity since I met him,” Ford said, referring to his conversations with defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington. “He told me you got a big shot this week. Opportunity to go out there and show that you can help us in the playoffs, and that”s all I want to do is just go and help this team as much as I can.”
The Packers are coming off an exceptionally poor performance in run defense, marking one of the worst in franchise history. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 338 pounds, Ford is now tasked with stepping up to fill the gaps left by his injured teammates. “I just want to contribute. That”s it,” he remarked following his first practice with the team after rejoining. “That game is done. We can”t live in the past, whatever happened last game. So, for me, I just want to come in and help the guys and give my best effort and be confident and show I can play, and that”s it.”
Previously, Ford had some game experience with the Bears, playing in four games last season and eight this year before being released. The Packers claimed him off waivers shortly after. Coach Matt LaFleur expressed enthusiasm about Ford”s return, stating, “He”s a massive human, and I”m looking forward to seeing how much he”s progressed over the course of a year from when he was last year.”
Ford himself believes he has made significant strides. “Just with my attention to detail,” he explained. “I came here as a young player. This is where I started. So, when they got me, I was still a puppy. I”m not a 10-year vet, but I”ve grown over the years as far as my technique, my attention to detail, just the way I play the game overall. I just think that as a player I just grew.”
Having accumulated 173 snaps of regular-season experience with the Bears, Ford feels more confident stepping into this new role. “It”s definitely boosted it,” he noted about his confidence. “You can be in the league for however long, but if you”re just practicing and kind of developing, you really don”t know what you got until you get out there when you go against the ones you do good-on-good.”
The Packers are expected to need that newfound confidence soon, particularly in their upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings. Following their struggles against the Ravens, they will face powerful rushing attacks from teams like the Bears or the Eagles in the playoffs. Recognizing the need for more size on the defensive line, general manager Brian Gutekunst made the decision to bring Ford back, aiming to fortify their defensive capabilities.
Ford learned of his return while preparing for a nap, which quickly turned into an exciting moment when he received the call from his agent. “I literally was about to take a nap, and as soon as I put my phone down, he called me and he was like claimed you and I thought it was a joke,” he recalled. “But it was real, so I ended up just packing a little small bag and I got on the road as soon as I could.”
Having familiarity with the team and its scheme makes this transition smoother for Ford. The experience of going from one playoff team to another has been a blessing for him. “It feels great because we just saw this team a few weeks ago,” he said, expressing joy at reuniting with former teammates. “I hugged them and I thought that was going to be the last time I saw them, and then, boom, I”m back in the locker room.”
However, Ford noted that the locker room had undergone significant changes during his absence. “I didn”t even know how to get around when I got back here,” he said with a smile. “I came back and I asked to use the bathroom and I”m like, “Where the bathroom?” I”m happy to be back though. It”s a great organization. The fact that they consider me to bring me back here is special, and I feel great about it and I”m willing to contribute anything I have to do to this team.”
