Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark had arguably the worst of his nine NFL seasons in 2024.

And afterwards, many questioned if Clark’s terrific career was nearing the end.

Maybe not.

Turns out Clark played virtually the entire season with a right foot injury that slowed him throughout and needed to be surgically repaired in January.

“It was tough,” Clark said. “It was a tough year for me.”

Clark suffered the injury during the Packers’ Week 1 loss to Philadelphia in São Paulo, Brazil. Afterwards, Clark was critical of the field conditions at Arena Corinthians, where the game was held.

“It was trash, man,” Clark said. “I’ve played in snow. I’ve played in rain. I ain’t never played on a surface like that. There was like clay coming out of the ground. You got holes in the ground. It was a tough surface to play on.”

Playing the rest of the season with a foot injury was also brutal for Clark.

Clark described the injury as “like a bunion, bone spurs.” And it dramatically affected his production.

Clark’s 37 tackles were his fewest since his rookie season in 2016, when he started just two games. His one sack and five quarterback hits were also his fewest since 2016.

“You’re taking every step and the toe is busting,” Clark said. “It’s something you’ve got to deal with, but it is what it is. That’s done. I got the surgery done, and yeah, we’re moving forward.”

If the Packers can get Clark back on track, their inconsistent defensive line could take a step up in 2025.

Clark had a career-high 7.5 sacks in 2023, which ranked third on the team. Clark also led the Packers with nine tackles for loss that season.

Clark added 16 quarterback hits, had two forced fumbles, three passes defensed and didn’t miss a game in 2023. Green Bay’s pass defense was 0.51 yards per play better when Clark on the field in 2023, and its run defense was 0.18 yards per play better with Clark playing.

Clark earned his third trip to the Pro Bowl that season, joining Henry Jordan (1960-61, 1963, 1966) as the only Packers defensive tackles to make three-plus Pro Bowls.

Green Bay then signed Clark to a three-year, $64 million contract in July, 2024.

“He is a model player that you kind of want to build a program around,” Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said of Clark. “Obviously he’s a great player, has been as consistent as you could ever imagine. We’re just really excited to kind of be able to extend him and let him lead that group for the foreseeable future.”

After a subpar 2024, though, many wondered if Clark had hit the wall.

Now, Clark and the Packers are hoping better health leads to a big 2025.

“Yeah, I’m excited. I’m so excited to play ball,” Clark said. “Like I said, it’s going to be a huge year, I’m excited about it.”