Green Bay signs electrifying UCF running back Jaden Nixon, whose breakaway speed and touchdown-scoring prowess could impact special teams immediately.
Alongside UCF defensive end Nyjalik Kelly, one-year Knights running back Jaden Nixon was also signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent.
Nixon joined UCF after three seasons with Oklahoma State and one year with Western Michigan, recording 71 carries for 554 yards and seven touchdowns.
He was also a dangerous player on special teams, using breakaway speed to get out into open space.
In the second game of the season, against NC A&T, Nixon burst onto the scene for the Knights.
Despite a delay of over an hour, redshirt senior Jaden Nixon was undeterred by the inclement weather and rain, taking the initial kick-off to the house for a blazing 96-yard touchdown return.
Nixon did not stop there, scoring two additional touchdowns with his legs and totaling 156 yards rushing on only four touches (39 yards per carry). His longest carry of the night was an 87-yard foot race, helping the Knights rout the Aggies 68-7.
The new Packer became the first Knight since UCF AlumKnight and current Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes to return the opening kick for a touchdown, while also becoming the first in program history to have a kickoff return touchdown and rushing touchdown in the same game.
Thanks to this performance, Nixon was named co-Big 12 Offensive Player of the week alongside Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson, marking the first time a UCF Knight has claimed these weekly honors since week 3 of the 2024 season (RJ Harvey vs TCU).
Nixon was also named as a Week 2 Honorable Mention for the Earl Campbell Award's weekly recognition. The Earl Campbell Award is rewarded to the best offensive player in the nation at the end of the season.
He had a similar outburst later in the season against West Virginia, totaling 116 yards and two touchdowns on just seven carries.
Nixon displayed his big-play ability throughout the season, recording his second run of 80 yards or more against the Mountaineers.
Late in the third quarter, Nixon took a simple read option to the house for six, blazing past defenders for an 83-yard score.
With Green Bay, Nixon will fill an RB depth position behind former First-Team All-Pro tailback Josh Jacobs, but may provide instant impact on special teams.
One area of improvement for Nixon is in the passing game, as he recorded just 17 catches for 88 yards, failing to reach the endzone through the air.
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