Xavier McKinney is an American professional football safety currently playing for the Green Bay Packers in the NFL. Born on August 8, 1998, in Roswell, Georgia, he attended Roswell High School, where he recorded 82 tackles and seven interceptions as a senior. McKinney’s impressive high school performance earned him a four-star recruit status, leading him to commit to the University of Alabama.
During his college career at Alabama (2017–2019), McKinney started as a sophomore and junior, amassing 73 tackles, two interceptions, and three sacks in his sophomore year. He declared for the 2020 NFL Draft after his junior year.
The New York Giants selected McKinney in the second round (36th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft, making him the first safety chosen that year. He played for the Giants from 2020 to 2023, earning a starting role and recording significant statistics, including a career-high eight interceptions in the 2023 season.
In March 2024, McKinney signed a four-year, $67 million contract with the Green Bay Packers, which included a $23 million signing bonus. He made an immediate impact, recording interceptions in each of his first five games with the team, a feat not achieved since 1970.
He finished the 2024 season with eight interceptions, ranking second in the league, and earned first-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection.
Off the field, McKinney is known for his disciplined approach to practice and games, attributing his success to the supportive environment within the Packers organization. He embraces his role as a leader and is motivated to achieve further personal milestones, including Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections.