Kenny Clark's initial reaction to Packers trading him to Cowboys: 'I was shocked'

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Micah Parsons‘ name dominated the headlines of Thursday’s blockbuster deal between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers, but the trade involved another notable name headed south: Kenny Clark.

Given a day to process the news of the life-changing trade, Clark found himself feeling invigorated Friday.

“I was shocked, but once (Cowboys owner) Jerry (Jones) and all those guys called me, Schotty (coach Brian Schottenheimer) and everybody, I just felt wanted,” Clark said, via the Cowboys’ official site. “It’s a blessing, I’m appreciative of it.”

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Clark had spent his entire nine-year career in Green Bay and quickly needed to adjust to a new reality upon learning of his new football home, a process that will continue even as Week 1 approaches. He’ll do so by focusing on what he knows best: Playing pro football at a high level.

“No nonsense, you’re going to get a dawg, somebody that’s just all about football,” Clark said. “I’m here to ball. I’m here to be my best self. I feel like when I’m my best self, there’s nobody messing with me. That’s what I bring to the table, I’m here to play my ass off.”

Both Dallas and Clark would mutually benefit from such a season-long performance. After signing a three-year, $64 million extension with Green Bay last summer, Clark registered just one sack in 2024, his lowest output since his rookie season of 2016. Clark needs a bounce-back showing in 2025, and as he did in 2024, Clark will once again have to adapt to a new defensive scheme, moving from defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s unit in Green Bay to Matt Eberflus’ system in Dallas.

If he can fit into his new job quickly, the Cowboys will be ecstatic to have him. Prior to Thursday’s trade, Dallas’ defensive tackle situation was a glaring weak spot. In the preseason, 2023 first-rounder Mazi Smith failed to inspire confidence he’d produce at a respectable level entering the regular season.

Clark’s arrival — and willingness to fill multiple roles — stands to solve that problem.

“I pride myself on being an all-around defensive tackle, but I’m primarily a nose tackle. That’s my bread and butter,” Clark said. “I can slide out to three in pass rushing situations or whatever the case may be, but wherever they put me, I’m going to make plays.”

Acclimating in a week is a tall task, but if anyone can handle the challenge, it’s a seasoned veteran embarking on his 10th NFL campaign. In the wake of such a massive trade, the Cowboys’ image might depend upon it.

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