Packers' Safety Wins NFC Defensive Player of the Month

Green Bay Packers star safety Evan Williams is having an incredible season and has earned recognition, being named NFC Defensive Player of the Month.

Williams had 41 total tackles, four passes defended, two interceptions, a fumble recovery, and a sack in October. He is making a strong impact in his first year under defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.

Williams has been a great safety for the Packers since they selected him in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he had 49 total tackles, a tackle for loss, three pass deflections, an interception, and a forced fumble. 

He was even better in the 2025 season, recording 100 total tackles, four tackles for loss, five pass deflections, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery. 

Williams has played at an All-Pro level so far in 2026, with 71 total tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, six pass deflections, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery. He is one of the main reasons Green Bay's defense is playing at an elite level, despite superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons still not appearing in a game as he recovers from a torn ACL.

The Packers have also been without star linebacker Edgerrin Cooper for most of the season after he tore his Achilles tendon in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Gannon has been able to maximize the defensive talent and help Williams become one of the best safeties in the league, forming an elite tandem alongside Xavier McKinney.

Parsons is also nearing a return, which will make the defense even better. The 27-year-old has returned to practice and could be back on the field by late November. In his first season as a Packer in 2025, he had 41 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, a pass deflection, and two forced fumbles.

Parsons was named an All-Pro and finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting despite missing the final three games of the season. He proved he was worth trading two first-round picks to the Dallas Cowboys for.

Once he is back on the field, Green Bay's defense could be fully unlocked and help them compete for the NFC North title and a spot in the playoffs. 

The Packers will look to Williams to continue playing at an All-Pro level, and he will play a pivotal role in their matchup on Sunday against the New England Patriots, who represented the AFC in the Super Bowl last season.