Kenny Clark
GREEN BAY PACKERS
| Postion | College | Years in the NFL |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive Tackle | UCLA | 9 |
EXCELLENCE ON THE FIELD
Kenny Clark was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of UCLA and has been a staple on Green Bay's defensive line since. From 2017-23, his 34 sacks ranked second on the team and his seven forced fumbles led the Packers. He's compiled 40 tackles (24 solo), six tackles for a loss, 10 QB hits, and five sacks in his 10 career postseason appearances, proving no moment is too big for him. After earning a Pro Bowl nod last season, Clark became the second Packers defensive tackle to make 3+ Pro Bowls (2019, 2021, 2023). Now in his ninth season with the team, the 6'3, 314-pound defensive force who punishes opposing offenses on the field, is a quiet, humble leader. Clark's teammates have consistently elected him as a team captain, a testament to his character and the respect he has earned in the Packers' locker room. He helps set the standard and serves as an example to his young teammates with the way he practices, plays, and uses his platform to make a difference.
POSITIVE CHARACTER & A LIFESTYLE OF GIVING BACK
As soon as he entered the league in 2016, Clark began to use his platform to make a difference for kids, families and those in need across Wisconsin and his native Southern California. Not many players are nominated for this award while still on their rookie contracts; however, Clark was the Packers 2018 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee, showcasing his enthusiasm and commitment to making an impact as soon as he was in a position to do so. Clark has not slowed down, consistently giving back to those less fortunate and finding new ways to make a difference while he has become a leader for the Packers. Perhaps the biggest full circle moment for Clark is his work with Angel Tree. Never forgetting his roots, Clark gives back to the organization that meant so much to him and his family when he was young. Once a boy receiving gifts from Angel Tree on behalf of his incarcerated father, Clark now raises money for and amplifies the mission of their organization, serving as a positive example for the kids the organization helps and ensuring they feel the support they need as they grow up. A leader in the community and locker room, throughout his career, Clark has demonstrated what it means to be a humble yet powerful force, both on and off the field.
DEDICATION & COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY EFFORTS
THIS YEAR
Within the last year, Clark has been active in both Green Bay and his native Southern California, demonstrating his passion for both communities. In addition to assembling food packages for families in need at a Green Bay food bank this past Thanksgiving, he hosted a Thanksgiving giveaway in Riverside, California, that provided 250 families with a full Thanksgiving dinner. He also participated in his second Packers Tailgate Tour, spending a week of his offseason traveling by bus with several teammates and former Packers players throughout the state of Wisconsin to connect with fans, thank them for their support, and raise money for local nonprofits. This year's tour stopped in southern and western Wisconsin in cities and small towns alike. Through the 2024 tour, Clark cheered on hundreds of Special Olympics athletes at their Spring Games, gave inspiring advice to high school students, spent time with fans in a senior living center, visited with military members, and awarded grants to benefit those in need. Clark said that attending his second tour gave him more of an opportunity to experience how special it is to have a statewide fanbase. "You just feel the energy all around Wisconsin. Just driving around the whole state, you can tell just the whole fan base is so excited about what's going to happen," he said. "We love to feel that as players because we're excited about the season, but to see the fans are just as excited is cool to see and hear." Clark's foundation, The Clark Family Dreams Do Come True Foundation, focuses on empowering youth with resources and mentorship to succeed no matter their upbringing. This summer, the foundation hosted its 8th annual Kenny Clark Dreams Do Come True Football Camp in California, providing hundreds of kids with the opportunity to learn and play the game with NFL players and coaches at no cost.
IN YEARS PAST
Throughout his NFL career, Clark has donated celebrity dinners to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Green Bay and spent time with the Make-A-Wish children that visit Packers practices and games. He has hosted several toy drives in Southern California so underprivileged kids are able to open a gift during the holidays. In 2018, thousands of dollars' worth of collected toys were stolen from Clark's storage shed before distribution. Showing his determination to give back, Clark replaced the toys and more, ensuring hundreds of kids experienced the magic of Christmas. Building upon these toy drives, he hosted a coat and toy giveaway during the COVID-19 pandemic to help more than 200 kids and families in San Bernardino facing hardships due to the pandemic. Perhaps closest to Clark's heart is the work he does to support children with incarcerated parents. When Clark was just nine years old, his father was sentenced to a minimum of 55 years in prison. Knowing first-hand the pain of having an absent parent due to incarceration, Clark works to provide hope and encouragement to kids in similar situations. He served as the ambassador for the U.S. Dream Academy, an NFL Inspire Change education grant partner that provides mentorship to children of incarcerated parents. He has raised awareness and money for Angel Tree, a Prison Fellowship program that provides Christmas gifts to children on behalf of their incarcerated parents. Clark has also actively participated in Packers community-oriented events since arriving in Green Bay, including signing autographs to raise money for The Salvation Army, helping to build and install a playground in Milwaukee, and visiting with kids at the Children's Hospital in Milwaukee. He's been a part of several events in conjunction with the Brown County Pals Program, a mentorship program that pairs children involved with Brown County Child Protective Services with positive role models. Clark has helped the kids fill their carts with gifts to celebrate the holiday season and participated in a Play 60 Night to encourage youth from challenging upbringings to find an outlet through sports.
