Za’Darius Smith not one of Packers’ seven captains for 2021

On Thursday, the Green Bay Packers announced their seven team captains for the 2021 season. Three players on offense, three on defense, and one on special teams.

Somewhat surprisingly, star edge rusher Za’Darius Smith wasn’t picked as one of the team captains this year. He had been a captain the previous two seasons, even in 2019 before he had played a regular-season snap for the Packers.

On offense, Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, and Marcedes Lewis have been announced as team captains. On defense, Kenny Clark, Adrian Amos, and Jaire Alexander are the picks. Mason Crosby is the captain of the special teams.

Of course, Smith not being named a team captain isn’t a big deal. It’s doesn’t change anything when it comes to his play on the field or his leadership in the locker room.

According to Packers.com, head coach Matt LaFleur said 27 players received at least one vote to be a captain this year, with 10 players receiving at least 10 votes. This highlights just how many leaders there are on this team, and that’s a great sign.

It’s also hard to argue with the choices.

Rodgers and Crosby have both been captains in the two seasons under LaFleur. Adams is the leader of the wide receiver room and the best at his position in the league. Veteran tight end Lewis is known for his great leadership in the locker room.

Clark and Amos are veteran players on defense, while Alexander is now entering his fourth season and has established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in football.

Picking these seven players as captains makes a lot of sense, and they are all great choices.

This Packers team is not only loaded with talent, but they have found a good balance between veteran players and young talent. Leaders, and also players early in their careers looking to develop their game and prove themselves.

All the ingredients are there for a championship run in 2021.