It’s certainly a coincidence that the Green Bay Packers signed an All-American running back just a day after All-Pro Keisean Nixon said he no longer wanted to start league games with a “dynamic” kickoff .
An intriguing addition to the roster this offseason is speedy receiver Tulu Griffin, who led the nation in kickoff return average in 2022, scored return touchdowns in 2021 and 2022, and finished his collegiate career at Mississippi State with 1,640 return yards . Griffin, who signed a futures contract with the Packers, has a 4.4 40-yard dash and is a animated player with the ball in his hands despite his miniature size (5-10, 181).
Griffin has been named an All-American kickoff returner by several publications heading into the 2022 season.
While most of the players signed to futures contracts are long-term players, it’s possible Griffin will have a chance to replace Nixon returning to the field in Green Bay.
Nixon was an All-Pro after leading the league in kickoff returns and kickoff yards in both 2022 and 2023. He made just 18 tackles during the 2024 season and had just one return of more than 40 yards.
Not only is Nixon frustrated with the modern kickoff rules, but heading into the 2025 season, his attention appears to be turning to his development as a perimeter defender after moving from a spot to the outside linebacker and successfully finishing the 2024 season.
Coach Matt LaFleur said he would talk to Nixon after his comments during locker cleaning day, so it’s possible Nixon will be confident he’ll remain on the bench for Rich Bisacci’s special teams in 2025. But if Nixon is truly going to be the starter at cornerback, there is another option when Griffin emerges, it would make sense to take him back.
Griffin averaged an FBS-best 32.3 yards per kickoff return in 2023 and averaged over 30.0 yards per kickoff return during each of his first three seasons at Mississippi State. On 54 career returns, Griffin has averaged 30.2 yards, with touchdown returns of 100 yards (2021) and 92 (2022).
It’s unlikely the Packers will keep a kickoff-only returner on the 53-man roster, given how infrequently the play happens even with the modern kickoff rules. Griffin would have to show ability as a receiving weapon or gadget in LaFleur’s offense to have a chance. During his final college season, Griffin caught 50 passes, averaged 2.25 yards per route, had six catches for more than 20 yards and forced 11 missed tackles.
Griffin was not selected in the 2024 draft. He signed with the Las Vegas Raiders after the draft and later spent time on the Cleveland Browns practice squad after being released by the Raiders at the end of training camp. In two preseason games, Griffin had three throws for 90 yards, averaging 30.0 per return.
