Kenny Clark spent nine years in Green Bay, grew up as a player in that locker room, and built bonds that won’t be forgotten. But this week, when the Dallas Cowboys line up across from the Green Bay Packers, he isn’t looking for nostalgia. He’s looking for a win.
“Of course, when you’ve been somewhere for nine years, it’s hard not to have those emotions,” Clark said. “But it’s another game. I’m gonna be amped up, I’m gonna be ready, and I’m gonna do everything I got to do to help my team win. At the end of the day, we’re trying to get 1-0 this week.”
The former Packers first-round pick from 2016 said there’s a familiarity that comes with facing the team he knows so well. He understands how Green Bay’s linemen like to block, they know his tendencies too, and that chess match will be part of Sunday’s contest.
“I’ve been going against those guys for a long time, and you’ll know how they like to block and all that kind of stuff,” Clark said. “As far as scheme and all that kind of stuff. That’s a little tougher, but as far as just me vs. the guys. Knowing how they gonna block me, you know. Knowing the sets, and they know what I’m gonna do I know what they’re gonna do.”
When the Packers traded him, along with two first-round picks, for All-Pro Micah Parsons, Clark admitted that he was stunned.
“That’s probably the most shocked I’ve ever been in my life,” he recalled. “I heard the rumors, but I never thought it would be me. It is what it is.”
He remembered exactly where he was when the call came, in his basement after grabbing ice cream with his daughter, just hours after fist-bumping Packers GM Brian Gutekunst at practice.
Now, in Dallas, Clark is carving out his own role. He’s leaned on leadership, communication, and presence up front to steady a defense that has faced its share of adversity early in the season.
“It’s been great. Everybody’s been welcoming,” he said. “I’ve just been trying to build my leadership role, communicate, and help our defense as best I can.”
While this week brings added attention, Clark shrugged off the idea that it’s personal. He isn’t chasing hugs in warmups, he isn’t worried about the Parsons headlines, and he isn’t lingering on the past.
“I ain’t seeking out a hug or none of that kind of stuff,” Clark said. “It’s all love, and they know it’s all love. After the game, or before, whatever it is, you know, we can do that. But I ain’t seeking out nothing. I’m just trying to win the game.”
Dallas will aim to avoid a 1-3 start when they host the Packers Sunday night, who are 6-0 all-time at AT&T stadium.
