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Keisean Nixon named AP first-team All-Pro for second straight year

Packers kick returner is fourth to be honored in back-to-back years

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GREEN BAY – For the second consecutive year, Packers kick returner Keisean Nixon has been named first-team All-Pro, as determined by a vote of 50 media members of the Associated Press.

The fifth-year veteran is the fourth kick returner to receive the AP honor in back-to-back years, joining Cordarrelle Patterson (2019-20), Devin Hester (2006-07) and Mel Gray (1990-91).

Nixon received 36 of the 50 first-place votes. His 136 total points bested Marvin Mims' 38. To select the team, voters chose a first team and a second team. First-team votes are worth three points, second-team votes are worth one.

"It always starts with the return unit but for me, my accomplishment, it showed my work," Nixon said. "Last year was the first time me every doing it. And (I made) All Pro. First full year, I thought I was going to get the same opps as last year and it was nowhere near it. But I still managed to have a good year. It was a blessing man. I'm happy."

In finishing with a league-leading 782 yards on kickoff returns, Nixon became just the second player in team history to lead the NFL in kickoff return yards in back-to-back seasons (Al Carmichael, 1956-57).

The 26-year-old is also just the third player in team history to post 700-plus yards on kickoff returns in back-to-back seasons (2022-23), joining Steve Odom (1974-75) and Randall Cobb (2011-12).

Nixon's 26.1-yards per return was the highest among qualifying returners, while his 26 returns for 20-plus yards were nine more than any other returner. Nixon's two 40-plus-yard returns tied for the league lead.

"That's awesome," said Head Coach Matt LaFleur when asked about Nixon's All-Pro selection. "What an honor for everybody because he can't do that alone. There's a lot of guys blocking for him, doing what they do, so it's a credit to that whole unit. And certainly, he's an incredible talent and we're lucky to have him. I know he was pretty fired up about it and gave credit to his teammates."

Nixon also received one vote for punt returner. The only other Packers player to receive an All-Pro vote was Elgton Jenkins at left guard.

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