He Once Studied Rashan Gary on Tape—Now Barryn Sorrell Gets to Learn Directly from His Idol

For years, Barryn Sorrell sat in film rooms watching clips of one man: Rashan Gary. The explosive pass rusher from the Green Bay Packers was everything Sorrell aspired to be—technically sound, relentlessly aggressive, and respected across the league. Sorrell wasn’t just a fan; he was a student of Gary’s game. Now, in a twist of fate that only football can deliver, Sorrell finds himself in the same locker room, learning from the man he once studied from afar.

Drafted in the fourth round by the Packers in 2025, Sorrell arrived in Green Bay already carrying the mindset of a professional. But his admiration for Gary added a personal layer to the opportunity. “I watched a lot of tape on Rashan Gary,” Sorrell told Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. “Now I get to learn from him directly—that’s unreal.”

Coming out of the University of Texas, Sorrell wasn’t considered a prototypical EDGE rusher. At 6’3” and 256 pounds, he didn’t have the ideal frame scouts typically crave. But what he lacked in measurements, he more than made up for in production, leadership, and passion. He clocked a 4.68-second 40-yard dash, showcased strong hands, and consistently applied pressure off the edge. What stood out most, however, was his preparation—something he credits, in part, to modeling his game after players like Gary.

Green Bay recognized more than just talent in Sorrell—they saw character. At Texas, he was praised by head coach Steve Sarkisian as a leader who “did everything we asked of him” and always held himself accountable. He also served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, showing maturity beyond the field.

Now, that same drive is being tested at the professional level. Instead of analyzing Gary from a distance, Sorrell is asking questions, absorbing wisdom, and taking mental notes right next to the Pro Bowler during drills and film sessions. “Watching tape is one thing,” Sorrell said, “but seeing his mindset in real time? That’s a whole different education.”

Rashan Gary, known for his own journey of growth within the Packers’ defense, has embraced the mentorship role. Teammates say he’s already been generous in sharing techniques and insights with the rookie. For Sorrell, it’s a surreal full-circle moment—but one he’s earned through years of quiet preparation and perseverance.

The future is unwritten for Barryn Sorrell, but one thing is clear: he’s not just trying to follow in his idol’s footsteps—he’s walking beside him now. And if his hunger to learn matches his passion to compete, Packers fans might just be witnessing the rise of the team’s next great defensive leader.