Why Packers Fans Are Calling Lukas Van Ness a ‘Total Class Act’ Off the Field

Lukas Van Ness may be making headlines for his dominant play on the field, but it’s his actions off the field that are earning him an entirely different kind of respect in Green Bay. While the 6-foot-5 defensive standout is quickly becoming a key piece of the Packers’ defense, fans and local reporters alike are increasingly celebrating Van Ness for something far more personal—his character.

In a league where attention often goes to flashy personalities and viral moments, Van Ness has taken a more grounded path. According to a PackersNews.com profile published May 2, 2025, the Illinois native is known for staying rooted in his values: family, humility, and service. That profile, along with several fan-posted moments on X, has sparked a wave of praise, with one phrase popping up repeatedly—“total class act.”

So, what exactly makes Van Ness such a fan favorite off the field?

For starters, his close relationship with his family has been a consistent theme throughout his young NFL career. Raised in a tight-knit home, Lukas credits much of his success to the influence of his father, a former college football player who coached him throughout his childhood. Even now, as a professional athlete, Van Ness maintains that father-son bond, often referring back to lessons learned in youth football.

But perhaps what’s resonating most with fans is Van Ness’s commitment to giving back. While many players spend their offseasons vacationing or managing their brand, Van Ness can regularly be found at local youth football camps across Illinois and Wisconsin. He volunteers his time coaching kids, offering advice, and sometimes just tossing the ball around and listening.

“He’s always at these kids’ events—total class act,” one Packers fan posted on X after spotting him at a small community clinic in Green Bay. Other fans have echoed the sentiment, sharing stories of Van Ness taking time to talk with young athletes and their families, sign autographs, or just offer words of encouragement—without media or cameras around.

Unlike many of his NFL peers, Van Ness doesn’t seek the spotlight. He isn’t active on social media and doesn’t promote a brand or lifestyle. Instead, he focuses on his craft, his health, and his values. He’s known among teammates for his discipline in the gym, his quiet leadership in the locker room, and his respect for the game.

While his 2024 season stats—8.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss—prove his growing dominance on the field, it’s his humble, authentic approach to life that’s winning over Packers Nation. Head coach Matt LaFleur recently praised Van Ness for “playing with heart and leading by example,” noting that his presence sets the tone for younger players.

In every way that matters—on and off the field—Lukas Van Ness is living up to the hype and redefining what it means to be a modern NFL star. For Packers fans, he’s more than just a rising talent.

He’s the kind of player you’re proud to root for. A total class act.