Don Callis, a former cornerback from Troy University, officially joined the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday, reporting to training camp with the team.
Callis, who transferred from NCAA Division II East Central, spent one season with Troy’s secondary, where he demonstrated notable skills and potential. Although he participated in the Packers’ rookie minicamp in May, he did not receive a contract offer at that time.
However, his perseverance paid off as he now embarks on his professional football career with Green Bay.
In a corresponding roster move, the Packers released Zyon Gilbert, a former standout at Montgomery’s Jeff Davis (now J.A.G.) High School. Gilbert, an undrafted rookie from Florida International University (FIU), had an impressive high school career, earning second team All-State honors in 2015 and first team All-State honors in 2016. His journey to the NFL began in 2022 when he joined the league as a rookie.
During his rookie season, Gilbert played in three games with the New York Giants, including one start.
He made a solid impact, recording 14 tackles and one sack. However, his promising season was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve by the Giants on August 31, 2023, after sustaining a hamstring injury during the preseason.
The transition from Gilbert to Callis marks a significant change for the Packers’ roster. While Gilbert’s release is a setback in his career, it opens the door for Callis to prove himself at the professional level. The Packers are likely looking to harness Callis’ potential and integrate his skills into their defensive strategies as they prepare for the upcoming season.
As Callis steps into this new chapter with the Packers, his journey serves as a testament to determination and resilience. Both players’ stories highlight the competitive and ever-changing nature of the NFL, where opportunities can arise unexpectedly, and perseverance is key to success.
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