David Bakhtiari will no longer be a Cheesehead! After an impressive 11-season run as the Packers’ go-to left tackle, the two are parting ways as we head into 2024. Bakhtiari took to X to share a heartfelt goodbye with his fans. In his post, he didn’t spell out whether he’s hanging up his cleats for good or if the Packers are letting him go, but word has it that the team is releasing him.
Not too long ago, Bakhtiari had a chat with his team. He said that he wanted to get back in the game even after going through his fifth knee surgery. Unfortunately for him, it looks like the team is keen on releasing him ahead of free agency. However, the tackle received praise from Pat McAfee.
Pat McAfee gives props to David Bakhtiari
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During the live telecast of The Pat McAfee Show, he received intel that Bakhtiyari was leaving the Packers. He immediately pulled up his farewell tweet and skimmed over it. The former NFL player admired Bakhtiyari in his own unique way, “I think he comes from a heralded group of dogs. Just like generational dogs.”
David Bakhtiari announced that he is being released by the Green Bay Packers #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/vDSouA5Yop
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 11, 2024
It’s possible that he was referring to the fact that the Bakhtiari have been engaged in “actual warfare”. There’s even talk that the Bakhtiaris might trace their roots back to the Uxian tribe. They famously fought against none other than Alexander the Great in Khuzestan, around 330 BC.
As he parts ways with the Packers, he’s increasing their cap as well. Heading into this season, Bakhtiari’s cap hit was a whopping $40 million. But, by deciding to part ways with him, the Packers can slash that figure in half. Adding to that, McAfee also gave Bakhtiari props for another major contribution to the NFL.
Bakhtiari: A champion of natural turf
McAfee brought up his fight against artificial turf. “Bakhtiari is attempting to change the turf around the NFL for the good of all players which we obviously appreciate.” Bakhtiari isn’t exactly a fan of artificial turf in the NFL. However, he’s clear that it wouldn’t stop him from playing on it. Kicking off his 11th season with a win against the Chicago Bears on their grass field felt just right for the 31-year-old.
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Congrats @nfl. How many more players have to get hurt on ARTIFICIAL TURF??! You care more about soccer players than us. You plan to remove all artificial turf for the World Cup coming up. So clearly it’s feasible.
I’m sick of this..Do better!— David Bakhtiari (@DavidBakhtiari) September 12, 2023
But then, Aaron Rodgers, Bakhtiari’s former teammate, had a rough start with the New York Jets. He tore his Achilles on the turf during his very first game. This incident got Bakhtiari talking about his dislike for turf. Bakhtiari couldn’t hide his frustration about Rodgers and other players having to play on such surfaces. He bluntly called out the league on X, saying, “How many more players have to get hurt on ARTIFICIAL TURF??! … I’m sick of this..Do better!”
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As we keep a watch on his next move, could he actually end up in New York as McAfee mused?