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Former Giants Safety Was Overlooked – But With the Packers, He’s Shining and Breaking Records Not Seen in a Century

Former Giants Safety Was Overlooked – But With the Packers, He’s Shining and Breaking Records Not Seen in a Century

When Xavier McKinney left the New York Giants, not many people batted an eye.
He was labeled “average,” “not quite a defensive leader,” and quietly left out of the team’s long-term plans.
But the Green Bay Packers saw something else.

Xavier McKinney

They didn’t sign McKinney to fill a gap — they signed him to build a new defensive core, a true field general. And McKinney, wearing green and gold, didn’t disappoint.

In just his first five games with the Packers, McKinney did something no player had done in over 80 years:

He recorded interceptions in five consecutive games — a streak unmatched since 1943.

“I don’t know what they’re building over there,” McKinney said, throwing shade at the Giants. “But here, I was given a real role. The Packers didn’t bring me in to patch things up — they brought me in to lead.”

No longer a shadow in New York’s secondary, Xavier McKinney has become a fully unlocked version of himself in Green Bay:

  • Leading the entire NFL in interceptions during the first half of the season,

  • Selected to his first All-Pro and Pro Bowl teams,

  • And more importantly — becoming the anchor of the Packers’ defensive scheme under Coach Matt LaFleur.

  • “I’ve never felt this confident since I entered the league. Here, I don’t need to prove anything to anyone — I just need to play my game. And the Packers gave me the space to do exactly that.”

    For McKinney, Green Bay wasn’t just a new team —
    It was redemption. A second chance. A place where silence became spotlight.

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    Roster Move: Right after the injury of DT Milton Williams, the Patriots immediately signed the former Chiefs star to the practice squad to strengthen the defensive depth ahead of the showdown with the Bengals
    Foxborough, Massachusetts – November 19, 2025 Immediately after the news that defensive tackle Milton Williams suffered a long-term injury and will be sidelined, the New England Patriots made an urgent roster move to reinforce their defensive line. The team officially announced the signing of former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Fabien Lovett Sr. to the practice squad. This decision comes just days before the Patriots begin their preparation week for a massive showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals, a team known for its powerful interior offensive attack. Lovett is a familiar name to scouts after his college career at Mississippi State and Florida State before joining the Chiefs in 2024. He brings an impressive frame, excellent run-stopping ability, and standout hand strength. Although he has not yet had many opportunities to play in the NFL, Patriots evaluators believe Lovett can become a perfect fit in head coach Mike Vrabel’s defensive system if properly developed. The addition of Lovett is viewed as a necessary step as the Patriots face a serious depth shortage on the interior defensive line, with Williams out and several other key players still not fully healthy. Adding depth at defensive tackle has been deemed absolutely critical ahead of facing the Bengals, who consistently attack the middle of the defense. Foxborough is therefore hopeful that Lovett will integrate quickly and become a reliable rotational option. In his first media availability, Fabien Lovett Sr. showed determination and gratitude for the opportunity the Patriots have given him: “I’m going to give everything I have every single day — every practice, every snap. I want to prove to Coach Vrabel that I deserve a spot in the Patriots ranks. This is an opportunity and I’m not going to waste it.” The straightforward statement left a strong impression on reporters at Gillette. Despite currently being only a practice-squad signing, Lovett is projected to have a fast track to the active roster if he performs well. The current situation is forcing the Patriots to stay flexible and ready to give chances to players with the right attitude. With clear determination and motivation, Lovett is expected to become a surprise contributor that helps the New England defense stand firm against the major challenge named the Cincinnati Bengals.