At the start of the 2013 NFL season, just 22 fullbacks were actually listed out of 32 depth charts. Granted, the running backs are a dying breed, but not in Green Bay. Everyone needs a bulldozer in the backfield. And Green Bay’s fullback is practically famous; John Kuhn, a.k.a. Kuuuuuhn!
He is still an unrestricted free agent which begs the question, “What’s taking so long?” So what if he’s 31 years old, he’s not getting any younger. Considering how little fullbacks play in today’s “run n gun” offenses, Kuhn went against the odds and won, becoming an All Pro back and fan favorite.
In seven years with the Pack, Kuhn has rushed for 488 yards, averaging 3.0 yards per carry with 12 touchdowns. He also caught 71 balls for 478 yards and eight touchdowns. Exactly, he’s not your average fullback.
Kuhn even made the NFL Top 100 players in 2012 ranking at #92.
Not many fullbacks receive standing ovations. The Lambeau faithful actually chants “Kuuuuuhn” every play he makes. He is virtually irreplaceable. Time and time again, he makes key blocks, he’s A-Rod’s personal protector, he’s open for check-downs, he’s a short yardage specialist, he leads the way for Rookie of the Year running back Eddie Lacy, and is the special teams captain. He does whatever it takes.
Who can forget the season saving block on Julius Peppers. It was do-or-die, 4th and 8 in Chicago, Week 17, for the NFC North title. Peppers came free off the edge. Kuhn saw him and just got enough of a chip to give A-Rod time. That awareness and strength allowed Rodgers to bomb downfield for a game winning touchdown which entered the Packers into the Playoffs. I guarantee, if Kuhn wasn’t in that backfield, we would have a very different conversation today.
On that play alone, Kuhn deserves to be signed…yesterday! In fact, give him a raise.
It’s rare for core players in this league who get to finish their career at home, where they made a name for themselves, where they’ve won and feel like family. Kuhn is one of those players. Green Bay should give him that chance.