Quay Walker reveals emotions around getting drafted by Packers
Quay Walker was one of two Georgia Bulldogs the Green Bay Packers selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft to bolster an emerging defense that finished No. 13 in the NFL in 2022.
Walker — who was the first former UGA star to hear from the Pack front office on the first day of the draft — was selected No. 22 overall and in his introductory press conference, shared that he couldn’t contain his emotions when he learned he’d be joining the iconic NFL franchise.
“As soon as I saw the call from Green Bay Wisconsin or however you want to put it, at that point I knew what it was and I got really really emotional and started crying from that point on,” Quay Walker said about the moment he knew where he would begin his NFL career became a reality.
Walker led the Bulldogs defense with eight total tackles against Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship game, while Wyatt compiled a career-high 39 tackles and 2.5 sacks during his senior season. Both played pivotal roles throughout the season that led to the Bulldogs winning their first national title in four decades.
Packers GM on making history by drafting Georgia Bulldogs
Devonte Wyatt didn’t have to wait long after Walker got the call from Packers’ GM Brian Gunekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur. Wyatt was selected by the Packers’ with the No. 28 overall pick in this year’s draft and a clear defensive linkage from Green Bay to Athens is becoming a trend.
The 2022 first round duo of Walker and Wyatt come just one year after the organization took Eric Stokes in the first round too giving Green Bay three first round Dawgs in two years. In doing so, the Packers become the first team in the common draft era (since 1967) to use three consecutive first round picks on players from the same school.
“Obviously they’ve had a lot of success down there in Athens,” Gutekunst added. “These guys were two really prototypical fits not only as players but as people that we wanted to bring in the building. We’re really excited about that.”
He’s not the only one excited about the move. Both Walker and Wyatt expressed their excitement on being able to reunite in the NFL. Walker heard the news during his interview with Green Bay media and was at a loss for words.
“Oh man, that’s crazy. It’s a reunion,” Walker said in his immediate reaction. “I can’t really even say anything right now. I’d cry again but I’ve already cried so much I can’t cry anymore. Dang that’s crazy. D Wyatt man. That’s crazy. We’ve got three Georgia boys. I love that.”
“Our relationship is like real deal brothers,” Wyatt added. “Once he saw me got picked, he was the first person to call me. We were both just so excited. We’re just ready to go to Green Bay and help the team and become great players for the Packers.”