GREEN BAY – Zach Tom was undoubtedly one of the best stories on the Packers' roster last season.
True to form, however, the Packers' understated right tackle would be the last person to take a victory lap.
Tom had a season for the ages in 2024 considering how the year started – a torn pectoral muscle suffered early in the offseason program that sidelined him through the start of training camp.
Yet, Tom worked his way back and proceeded to start all 18 games (including playoffs), playing a career-high 1,070 offensive snaps during Green Bay's 11-win regular season.
Getting back on the field is one thing, but the 6-foot-4, 304-pound tackle performed at an elite level for a Packers offensive line that allowed the second-fewest sacks (22) in the NFL.
"Credit to the training staff, strength staff, everybody. And credit to me, not to toot my own horn but, (shoot)," said Tom before humbly cutting himself off.
"It wasn't perfect, but you're just playing football. You're trying to, at least. I try not to think about injuries because everybody's going through something."
Tom may not seek the limelight, but the league certainly took notice of his play. The third-year veteran was one of just four right tackles to receive votes in the AP All-Pro balloting.
The other three – Detroit's Penei Sewell, Philadelphia's Lane Johnson and Minnesota's Brian O'Neill – have played a combined 335 regular-season games over 23 NFL seasons.
Tom has been on an upward trajectory since he arrived in Green Bay as a fourth-round pick in 2022 while starting 39 of his 43 regular-season appearances. Over the past two seasons, he's locked down Green Bay's starting post at right tackle.
"I think it's a credit to everybody that has helped me out through my career – parents, my coaches, myself, everybody who's been a part of my career," Tom said. "I'm just trying to do what I do, do it consistently and whatever recognition comes from that, I'll take it."
Right tackle is where Head Coach Matt LaFleur anticipates Tom will stay in Year 4, though his across-the-line versatility remains a huge asset. He made three spot starts at left tackle and one at left guard as a rookie in 2022.
LaFleur has noticed a difference in his do-it-all offensive lineman during the team's two weeks of organized team activities and it's no real secret why.
"I think Zach's in a lot better space physically than he was a year ago," LaFleur said. "It's tough when you're rehabbing to get stronger and faster and in better shape. It's another thing to be out there and you're practicing and doing all the drill work, and you can really focus in the weight room at making those gains."
Tom would be lying if he said the pec was "100%" last year but credits the training staff for helping him make the short turnaround and not miss any games.
He didn't change anything with his playing style in the wake of the injury but admits there may have been times his technique "might have suffered" due to his restricted preparation.
This summer is a different story. Tom not only has regained his full strength but also his confidence while lifting with that arm. That combination has him geared up for a critical season.
Entering a contract year, Tom still chose to fully participate in Green Bay's offseason program to put himself in the best possible position for Year 4 while leaving the contract talks up to his representatives.
"I don't really think it'll do me any good to sit out," Tom said. "I'm trying not to worry about the contract situation. I'm just trying to do what's best for the team. And being here with the guys, I think that's worth a lot more."
Because this year is about more than just a contract to Tom, who wants to establish himself as one of the premier players at his position. Pro Football Focus believes Tom is already there after he finished as PFF's top-graded right tackle last season.
While it can be difficult to garner outside recognition and validation at his position, Tom says he cares more about what his coaches, teammates and the personnel department think about his growth and performance.
In that regard, Tom feels he's right where he's supposed to be. As long as he plays to that level, everything will work out the way it's supposed to.
"Not far at all," said Tom when asked how close he is to becoming one of the league's top right tackles. "I just gotta hone-in on my technique, being consistent in that, because I think when I'm at my best, I'm the best in the league. But I just gotta be able to do that more consistently than I think I have."
