2023 was a year to forget for Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander. After being Second Team All-Pro and a Pro Bowl selection in 2022, the Packers’ star cornerback had one of his worst professional seasons last year. Of course, he was dogged by injuries for most of the season (he was limited to seven games), but there were other things going on that hurt his season.
As fans may remember, Alexander went viral on social media several times last year for his unusual interviews. While many fans attributed these to his unique personality, others speculated that the star cornerback was unhappy. When Alexander earned himself a suspension from the team for his coin toss antics against the Carolina Panthers, many speculated that Green Bay and Alexander would part ways after the season.
Of course, neither Alexander nor the Packers coaches or front office said that there was any interest from any party for there to be a parting of ways. Still, speculation continued.
However, one major change made during the offseason seems to have awoken the Alexander of 2022, the one who earned one of the richest contracts for a cornerback in NFL history.
The Green Bay Packers Fired Defensive Coordinator Joe Barry and Hired Boston College Head Coach Jeff Hafley
To the joy of many Packers fans, head coach Matt LaFleur made the decision to fire defensive coordinator Joe Barry after three disappointing seasons. For months, rumors of division in the locker room between Barry and some of the players leaked out to the fanbase. This only decreased the level of Barry’s popularity among fans.
After Barry was let go, LaFleur made the decision to hire Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley as his new defensive coordinator. Hafley, a former defensive backs coach who has worked with the likes of Richard Sherman, is bringing a much more aggressive style of defense to Green Bay.
And from the sound of things, Alexander is buying in completely to the new defensive coaching staff.
Green Bay Packers Defensive Coaches Have High Praise for Jaire Alexander
Packers position coaches addressed the media last week for the first time this offseason. According to Paul Bretl ofESPN La Crosse, new passing game coordinator Derek Ansley (who was the defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Chargers last year), had high praise for Alexander:
“Ican’treallyspeak on what happened last year, and in the past,”said passing game coordinator Derek Ansley,“but whenI’vegotten here andHaf’sgotten here,we’veseen nothing but his best.He’sbeen in here two or three weeks before we started Phase 1, working with the strength coaches, getting ahead. Phenomenal attitude.
“He’sbeen here every day for Phase 2.He’sleading that group the right way.He’sbreaking down the groups. A lot of energy every morning.He’sbeen the same guy, sohe’sbeen a joy to work with that way.We’reproud of that.Wedon’ttake that for granted andweexpect a lotout ofhim becausehe’sgota lot to give.”
Last year, Alexander skipped town when the voluntary phase of offseason workouts began in order to prepare for the season on his own.
Obviously, things are different this year.
Green Bay Packers Fans React to the Jaire Alexander News
To say that fans were happy to hear about Alexander’s newfound attitude would be an understatement. They took to social media to say as much, and to point out just how much Barry may have affected things:
You may believe you hated Joe Barry more than anyone in the world, but the truth is, NO ONE hated Joe Barry more than Jaire Alexander lmao https://t.co/NqxlPY2bYr
— TITLΣTΩШΠ RΣIGΠ 🏆🧀 (@TitletownReign) May 11, 2024
Jaire back to being an unquestioned top 5 CB in the game 💪
Get that swagger all the way back on the field 🔥 https://t.co/YtR4fcJcDr— Daniel O’Connell (@Beard_82) May 11, 2024
Jaire HATED Joe Berry lol. Glad our captain is back with a fire lit under him. Let’s go 23 https://t.co/wHnjtDxR0Y pic.twitter.com/YicEsUBNNP
— Richie Buckets (@RichieBucketsUK) May 11, 2024
Jaire despised Barry and his dedication this offseason proves it https://t.co/Ofs2BaWvKn
— DJ (@PackersFanatic5) May 12, 2024
Yeah Barry was the problem https://t.co/WejJ8oZA2Y
— 💙💛⚾️ Brooke (fan account) 🏒 (@_Brooke22) May 11, 2024
If Alexander is able to stay healthy and is has bought into the new defense, this could be a very good year for him and that side of the ball as a whole.
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