Inbox: This young man is ready to get to work

It’s great anytime you can learn what makes these players tick

May 21, 2025 at 08:30 AM

Wes Hodkiewicz

packers.com senior writer

Dennis from Boise, ID

Wes, the story on Barryn Sorrell – outstanding. Nothing else to say. Thank you. Can't wait to see him in a Packer uniform.

Thank you, Dennis, and thanks to everyone who reached out with kind words about the story. I wish I could reply to all of them. A big thanks to Lauren Anderson for her work on the graphic, Nicole Timm and Carson Denley on the layout and Mike for his editing of the story and tweaking the Inbox schedule to accommodate my writing. It was a fun project.

Mark from Burnt Hill, NB, Canada

Sorry, not a question. Thank you, Wes, for the wonderful read on Barryn Sorrell. What a great story and I hope you're as proud as you can be, because that was written exquisitely.

The credit goes to Barryn, his mom and Professor Brandl, who were all very giving with their time. It's great anytime you can peel back the layers and learn more about what makes these players tick. There's so much to love about Sorrell and his outlook on life. I'm blown away by his maturity, discipline and the overall consistency for a 22-year-old man. That's a credit to Sorrell and his upbringing. Like Brian Gutekunst said after the draft – Sorrell's as genuine and authentic as prospects get. He's far from content, either. If you read the piece, you can easily tell this young man is ready to get to work.

Kim from Hudson, WI

I loved Wes's piece on Barryn Sorrell. I was watching the draft that day and was moved to goosebumps and almost tears as he made his way to the stage. Thanks for sharing more about this young man who seems to have a great outlook on life. I can't wait to see him play!

The NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell deserve a shout out, too. Givens was effusive in her praise of the league for how it treated Sorrell and his entire family during draft week. It was also a tremendous gesture on Goodell's part to go back into the green room on Friday night and let Sorrell know he'd gladly come back on Saturday to announce his selection.

Marteen from Reno, NV

What an outstanding article on Barryn, Wes! This man is a gem and Green Bay knew it. With his drive, passion, and character, he will be a force to be reckoned with, and a leader within the team in no time. I have always said, things happen for a reason and for him the stars aligned, and he was meant to be a Green Bay Packer. I think I'll be ordering No. 99 from the Pro Shop. Again Wes, your article was a showcase of your talent and bringing his story to life. Thank you!

Ha, you won't be the only one. This anecdote didn't make it in the story, but Sorrell told Brandl during their email conversation he'd send him a Packers jersey once things settle down.

Brian from San Francisco, CA

Is Barryn Sorrell going to become the next Aaron Jones for the team? He seems like a young man very easy to root for. Hope he can produce and have the career that AJ did for the Packers.

We can only hope, though I may go my entire time covering the NFL without coming across someone like Jones ever again. He's a superstar in name only and as down-to-earth as human beings get in any walk of life, let alone pro sports.

Michael from Bristol, WI

Wes, what a fantastic article you penned on Barryn Sorrell. How can you not root for this kid?! If he's half as good of a player as he is a human being, we're in for a real treat. It's clear from your story that you really like this young man. That makes me wonder – how difficult is it for you to separate your admiration for a player from the tough realities of the NFL as a business? Also, how often do you stay in touch with former Packers players after they've moved on?

It's a tough business. Jayrone Elliott would be entering his 12th season with the Packers if I was responsible for the 53-man roster. I keep up with several former Packers players (including Jayrone) but also like meeting new players, too. We've only had a few interactions with the rookie class, but it seems like a great group so far.

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Ben Liebenberg/NFL

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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (22) poses for a portrait during the NFLPA Rookie Premiere on Saturday, May 17, 2025 in Thousand Oaks, Calif. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)