Packers: Kurt Benkert’s important role as third-string QB
The backup QB is one of the most important positions in all of sports. Their job is to be ready to keep the ship afloat in case the franchise QB goes down due to injury. However, it definitely seems as if the sports world has forgotten about the importance of the third-string QB. Luckily, the Green Bay Packers have a great one in Kurt Benkert. Fans need to understand that.
Benkert has bounced around in his football career. He played football at two different high schools in Florida. He played college football at East Carolina and Virginia. He went undrafted in 2018 and signed with the Atlanta Falcons. He spent most of his three seasons in Atlanta on the practice squad.
In 2021, he signed with the Green Bay Packers. He was later cut at the end of training camp but cleared waivers. Green Bay then signed him to the practice squad for the season. Now, most people who have never been around the game would think that this guy can’t play. They might not think he is worth keeping around. I am here to politely tell them that their opinion is not needed at this time.
What if I told you that Benkert has the single-game record for passing yards in Virginia Cavaliers history (455)? The man can absolutely rip it. What if I told you that Green Bay chose not to look for another backup when both Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love went down last season due to Covid-19? They believed in Benkert.
What if I told you that Benkert’s resilience after going undrafted and cut repeatedly would pay off? On December 7, Benkert was elevated to the active roster for a Sunday night game vs. the Chicago Bears. He took his first career snaps at the end of a 45-30 Packers victory with two kneel-downs.
Less than 1% of the population plays in the NFL. Benkert is a part of that rare group. What if I told you that Benkert loves to play video games off the field? It’s simply his passion. He has nearly 25,000 followers on Twitch and loves connecting with the younger generation. This is a guy that the Packers need if they are to be a successful team on and off of the field.
Yes, Aaron Rodgers is the greatest QB of all-time. Yes, Jordan Love is a really talented, young player. But Packers fans cannot forget about Kurt Benkert. He has worked hard to get to where he is. He is a really cool human being and fantastic teammate. He is hilarious and honest on social media. He is somebody that won’t get a lot of publicity because of where he is on the depth chart.
But make no mistake about it, Kurt Benkert deserves respect!