Playing college football for the UCLA Bruins, defensive tackle Kenny Clark was named a third-team All-American as a junior in 2015, when he also earned his second all-conference selection in the Pac-12.
He was selected by the Packers in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft, with the 27th overall pick.
On being Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee?
It’s awesome. It’s an honor to receive that award and be a nominee. It’s a testament to all the work that we’ve been putting in, me and my family. It’s awesome. I love giving back to my community, so to see that was real cool.
What kind of impact did you want to have when you got to Green Bay?
A huge impact. I always gave back. I’ve been giving back since I was a kid. So, it was just huge for me to do that out here, whether it’s food drives, toy drives, anything like that, and especially back at home in San Bernardino.
Are young guys doing the same?
Yeah, we got a lot of guys that do a lot of great work during the season and offseason. All these guys are young, you know what I’m saying? They’re building into themselves. So, it’s cool. It’s real cool. We all push each other to do more stuff for the community. We got to keep on growing that and keep building that up.
Favorite community memory?
I would probably say it was a couple years ago. We had a late bye week, and I was able to go down and be at my toy drive and actually be there in San Bernardino. Just the smiles on everybody’s faces and stuff like that; it’s always cool seeing that. The kids, they get bikes and all types of toys and all that kind of stuff, and just to see them be so excited about that stuff, it just warmed my heart.
Who instilled that in you?
I would say my mom. Since I was a kid, she always took that extra step forward and gave back. Mom is the rock of our family, and she is always willing to give back.
Pro Bowl is a goal. Is this a goal or something that just happens?
Honestly, yeah, it’s just something that kind of happens. I do stuff out of the kindness in my heart. For it to be recognized is cool. Yeah, I mean it’s not something that I planned on, but definitely happy that I got the award.
Peaking at right time?
Honestly, just getting healthy and continuing to stack more days. So, just got to keep doing that, man; just keep building. Yeah, just keep on building.
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