Beloved Ex-Packers Star Gets ‘Dream’ Green Bay Matchup in Week 10
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Former Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander #23 was with the Baltimore Ravens before being traded to the Eagles.
It won’t quite be akin to going up against Packers legend Aaron Rodgers in Week 8, but for players on the current Green Bay roster, there’s more likely to be a connection with ex-Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander than there was to Rodgers, Jordan Love‘s predecessor and current Steelers QB. So there might be more meaning and more back-slapping for the current group when the packers roll into Philadelphia to play the Eagles on Monday night.
That’s because, up until this spring, Alexander had been a career Packer, a seven-year starter who earned two Pro Bowl selections and whose quirky antics made him (mostly) a fan favorite. But Alexander was sitting on a major upcoming payment from the Packers, and had a balky knee that had contributed to him being healthy for only 14 games in 2023 and 2024 combined.
The Packers made the tough decision to waive Alexander in June, and took some criticism for making the move without a solid backup plan in place. However, Alexander’s performance has justified the Packers’ actions, as he played sparingly in Baltimore after he was signed by the Ravens, and was since dumped to the Eagles in a trade last week.
Jaire Alexander: ‘Dream Come True’
That means, though, that should Alexander make his debut for the Eagles this week–that’s no sure thing–it will come against the Packers.
Alexander was asked about facing the Packers in his first Philly game. “I was like, ‘Wow, this is amazing, dream come true,'” he said. “It’s going to be nostalgic. You know, it’s going to be fun seeing the guys that I grew up with.
“The challenge is obvious. They’re a good offense. They’re really good on third down. Those guys are a talented group.”
Packers Saved $17 Million With Cut
It’s been slow going this season for Alexander, who has played just two games, for a total of 61 snaps, after opening the season with the Ravens. Again, that helped to justify the decision to cut him by the Packers, which saved $17 million in cap space–flexibility that was used to facilitate the trade for Micah Parsons.
Alexander talked about why he did not play in Baltimore.
“I think they just had some guys they wanted to play, some younger guys,” Alexander said. “But I am excited about this opportunity here.
Packers’ Nixon Keeps Contact With Jaire Alexander
As for the Packers, there will be plenty of players eager to see Alexander on the opposite sideline.
One of those is fellow defensive back Keisean Nixon.
“I talk to him all the time. I’ve never lost communication with him. That’s my brother,” Nixson said. “It’s the same for me. Different for everybody else, but it’s the same for me. I’m excited.
Nixon asked if there was any trash talk with Alexander, and though there hasn’t been much of that, Nixon said he’d get on Alexander for his new uniform number.
“No, I just check on his mental,” Nixon said. “We got a really good relationship, even when he was here and he left. I’m excited to see him. I think he’s wearing ‘18’ or something. I’m gonna give him s— about that. Other than that, he’ll be all right.”
JJ McCarthy Makes Bold Statement: Rejects Million-Dollar Gambling Deals, Says 'I Won’t Sell My Soul for Sponsorships'
Ann Arbor, MI — November 2025
In a jaw-dropping move that has left the sports world buzzing, Michigan Wolverines quarterback JJ McCarthy has turned down multiple six-figure sponsorship offers from some of the biggest gambling companies in the industry. His refusal to partner with the booming gambling sector has sent shockwaves through the sports world, challenging the ever-growing presence of betting giants in professional sports.
As gambling sponsorships explode across college football, McCarthy’s rejection is not just a personal decision—it’s a bold public statement that cuts against the grain of the modern sports marketing machine. In a world where athletes are cashing in on endorsements from casinos, betting apps, and sportsbooks, McCarthy has chosen to stand alone, prioritizing personal values over financial gain.
“I was offered a lot of money, more than most people would turn down,” McCarthy confessed in a recent explosive interview. “But I won’t sell my soul for sponsorships. I’m not going to put my name behind something I don’t believe in. This is about integrity. It’s bigger than just football—it’s about sending the right message to the next generation.”
The NCAA’s relationship with the gambling industry has become one of the most controversial topics in modern sports. With leagues like the NCAA embracing massive sponsorship deals from betting companies, many have raised concerns about the long-term impact on players, fans, and the integrity of the game. Yet, McCarthy’s brave stance is a rare, and perhaps groundbreaking, rejection of the money-fueled tide sweeping through the league.
“Gambling has become a juggernaut in this sport, and I get it. The money is huge,” McCarthy continued. “But for me, it’s about doing the right thing, even if it’s not the easy thing. These companies, they don’t care about the fans who get sucked into this addiction. They don’t care about the kids watching on TV who think it’s normal to bet on every play. I care about my fans, and I’m not going to be part of that.”
McCarthy’s decision has sparked a massive backlash, with some critics accusing him of “leaving money on the table” and “hurting his brand.” But in a time when athletes are often criticized for their lack of activism, McCarthy’s refusal to align himself with gambling companies has earned him widespread praise as a true leader with unwavering principles. His stance has ignited a conversation about the growing ethical dilemma athletes face as sports betting continues to take center stage in the industry.
“This is a career-defining moment for JJ McCarthy,” said a former college football executive. “In a sport where athletes are quick to sign lucrative endorsement deals with gambling companies, McCarthy is drawing a line in the sand. This move may cost him millions, but he’s making a statement that goes beyond football.”
McCarthy, who has quickly become one of the most marketable stars in college football, is setting a new standard for what it means to be a role model. His decision to decline these lucrative sponsorship offers is about more than just one player’s integrity; it’s about changing the narrative around the commercialization of professional sports and the gambling industry's encroachment on every corner of the game.
The timing of McCarthy’s decision is especially significant as the Wolverines prepare for a pivotal game that could determine their playoff hopes. With all eyes on him, McCarthy's refusal to endorse gambling companies is positioning him as one of the most compelling figures in college football, not just for his performance on the field, but for his unflinching stance off it.
“The NCAA is flooded with gambling ads—on the field, on social media, everywhere,” McCarthy added. “But I’m not going to be part of that. I’m here to play football, and I want to inspire the next generation to be better than that. My legacy isn’t about money or who I’m sponsored by. It’s about how I carried myself.”
As the gambling industry continues to carve out its place in college sports, JJ McCarthy’s rejection serves as a powerful reminder that some athletes are willing to make personal sacrifices for the sake of their values. His message is clear: no endorsement deal is worth compromising one’s integrity—and that’s a lesson worth remembering, both on and off the field.
