What Kenny Clark Has Kept Hidden for Years: The Untold Truth About Three Major Injuries

For nearly a decade, Kenny Clark has been a cornerstone of the Green Bay Packers’ defensive line—relentless, powerful, and consistent. But beneath the Pro Bowl appearances and a recent $64 million contract extension lies a story few fans know: the quiet suffering behind his performance. Clark, known for his stoic demeanor and team-first mindset, has endured three major injuries that, until now, have remained largely unspoken.

Clark’s first significant setback came in 2018, a season that started with high expectations. Halfway through the campaign, he suffered a painful elbow injury—one that would sideline him for three games. While the team confirmed his absence, little was said about the severity. Clark himself never elaborated. But behind the scenes, the injury limited his snap count to 721 and diminished his usual explosiveness off the line. Despite that, he still managed six sacks and earned Pro Bowl alternate honors, a testament to his ability to perform through pain.

Then came 2020. In Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, Clark went down with a groin injury that visibly disrupted his movement. He missed the following game and was on limited practice reps for weeks. Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed Clark was “not 100 percent,” yet few grasped just how deeply the injury lingered. The numbers told a story: career-low totals in both tackles (42) and sacks (2). While Clark quietly pushed through, the groin issue likely robbed him of the burst that made him such a feared run-stopper.

Perhaps the most overlooked injury came more recently in 2023. During a Week 9 clash with the Rams, Clark suffered a shoulder injury that forced him out of the game. Though he returned just one week later, his limited practice participation and noticeable drop in impact—going from 7.5 sacks in 2023 to just 1.0 in 2024—suggest something wasn’t right. In fact, his snap count in 2024 dropped to just 63%, the lowest since his rookie season.

Clark never made excuses. He didn’t go public with long statements or emotional interviews. He simply suited up, played through pain, and did what the team needed. But as he nears 30, the years of hidden injuries may finally be catching up. His 2024 stats—37 tackles, 1.0 sack, and two fumble recoveries—reflect a player still contributing, but no longer dominating like he once did.

Still, the respect Clark commands in the locker room remains unquestioned. Teammates know what he’s played through. Coaches recognize his sacrifice. And fans, now hearing the truth, can finally understand why some seasons didn’t shine like the rest.

Kenny Clark may never fully reveal the toll the NFL has taken on his body—but the scars are there, even if they don’t show up on the stat sheet.