Not every career in the National Football League follows a straightforward path. A certain Green Bay Packers star found that out the hard way last year.

Although the Packers surprised many with their 9-8 win, the season did not go quite according to plan for the anchor of the secondary, cornerback Jaire Alexander.

It was a turbulent year for Alexander. He struggled with shoulder problems, was suspended from an important game and was unable to perform at his best. As a result, Alexander received less recognition at the start of the new season than he might have liked.

After finishing 24th last season, Alexander dropped 74 spots on ESPN’s annual Top 100 list, quietly ranking 98th.

“Alexander seems ready for a turnaround considering how last season went with injuries and a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team,” ESPN’s Rob Demovsky said. “By most accounts, he’s been a model of consistency this year and it sounds like he’s adjusted to new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s system.”

Alexander, a two-time Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro, was one of the league’s best cornerbacks this decade, but his career derailed for the first time in 2024. He missed 10 games, including one because his own team suspended him, and failed to intercept a pass.

At just 27 years old, there’s no question that Alexander still has many good years ahead of him. And with the Packers expected to contend for the postseason for several more years, he has the chance to be part of a special era in franchise history.

If Alexander can return to his early 2020s form, he will undoubtedly rise up lists like this one again in 2025. But after setbacks like last season, Alexander is one of the Packers’ players with the most to prove entering a new season.

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