EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Kyler Fackrell's football career has always been marked by versatility.
As a senior at Mesa High School in Arizona, he caught five touchdown passes, threw for four and totaled 68 tackles and two interceptions at safety while leading the Jackrabbits to their first 5A state championship appearance in 17 years.
Fackrell then spent two years away from football, the first working as a house painter while pondering whether to go on a Mormon mission, the second as a redshirt at Utah State.
"I feel like I was just trying to figure things out," Fackrell said in a phone conversation today. "I was super active in high school. I honestly think it might have been good a little bit to let my body rest and kind of grow."
Since resuming his career in 2012, Fackrell has remained a flexible, multipurpose player – at one position. The coaches at Utah State moved him to outside linebacker, where he had never previously played. Fackrell started all 41 collegiate games in which he appeared and registered 253 tackles, 12.0 sacks and four interceptions.
"I loved playing the position, even though I was new to it," he said. "There was a lot of learning, but it was a great opportunity, for sure."
The Green Bay Packers selected Fackrell in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, one round and 43 picks ahead of another linebacker, Stanford's Blake Martinez. The adaptable Fackrell can thwart an offense harassing quarterbacks (10.5 sacks in 2018) or covering tight ends and running backs ("he is one of the best zone coverage linebackers in the NFL," Martinez said.)
Now Fackrell will bring his varied skills to the Giants, who last week signed him – and Martinez – to bolster their linebacker group. The two players spent the previous four years with the Green Bay Packers. With the Giants, they will be reunited with defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who coached the Packers' inside linebackers and was the run game coordinator in 2018.
"I'm super excited," Fackrell said. "I've heard nothing but great things about the Giants organization, and obviously, I know Pat Graham pretty well. He's a great coach, he's a great dude. I know my wife really loved his wife. We're really excited to get out there."
View photos of linebacker Kyler Fackrell.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is tackled by Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell makes a tackle on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins in action during a NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018 in Minneapolis. The Vikings won 24-17. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) passes the ball as he is pressured by Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) tackles Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during an NFL game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, in Seattle. (Tom Hauck via AP)
Green Bay Packers' Kyler Fackrell sacks Miami Dolphins' Brock Osweiler during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) warms up before a game against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFL NFC Championship football game, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. The 49ers defeated the Packers 37-20. (Greg Trott via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell during NFL football training camp, Thursday, July 28, 2016, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs in pursuit during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. The Packers defeated the Lions 23-20. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) in action on defense during an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Seahawks 28-23. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs in pursuit during the NFL NFC Championship football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. The 49ers defeated the Vikings 27-10. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold, bottom, falls as Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell moves in for the sack during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs on the field during the NFL NFC Championship football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. The 49ers beat the Packers 37-20. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) in action on defense during an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Seahawks 28-23. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs on the field during the NFL NFC Championship football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. The 49ers beat the Packers 37-20. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs in pursuit during an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020 in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Seahawks 28-23. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs in pursuit during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. The Packers defeated the Lions 23-20. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the first half of the NFL NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs in pursuit during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Monday, Dec. 23, 2019 in Minneapolis. The Packers defeated the Vikings 23-10. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Tyler Fackrell (51) closes to the ball during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday Dec.1 2019 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Packers defeated the Giants 31-13. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) rushes the passer during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday Dec.1 2019 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Packers defeated the Giants 31-13. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is tackled by Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) looks on during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Kansas City, Mo. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) passes the ball as he is pressured by Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) in action on defense during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Raiders 42-24. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) rushes during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019, in Green Bay, Wis. The Eagles defeated the Packers, 34-27. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs in pursuit during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Lions 23-22. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) rushes the edge during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, in Carson, Calif. The Chargers defeated the Packers, 26-11. (Ryan Kang via AP)
This is a 2019 photo of Kyler Fackrell of the Green Bay Packers NFL football team. This image reflects the Green Bay Packers active roster as of Monday, June 10, 2019 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung (76) blocks Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 in Carson, Calif. Los Angeles won 26-11. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Green Bay Packers' Kyler Fackrell is seen during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during an NFL Week 11 game on Thursday, Nov.15, 2018, in Seattle. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 27-24. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) scrambles as Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) moves in for the sack during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) gestures after a play against the New York Jets during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during an NFL Week 11 game on Thursday, Nov.15, 2018, in Seattle. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 27-24. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) watches from the sideline before an NFL Week 11 game against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday, Nov.15, 2018, in Seattle. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 27-24. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson gets the ball away as he is tackled by Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs in pursuit during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Monday, Oct. 15, 2018 in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won 33-30. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) in action during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday, Oct. 15, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the 49ers, 33-30. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) and cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) react during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018 in Los Angles. (Jacob Gonzalez via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell defends on defense in action against the Kansas City Chiefs during a NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won, 33-21. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) pass rushes during an NFL Week 8 game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Rams defeated the Packers 29-27. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) chases the action during the 2018 NFL preseason week 3 football game against the Oakland Raiders on Friday, Aug. 24, 2018 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won the game 13-6. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell walks to the sidelines against the Kansas City Chiefs during a NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won, 33-21. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Green Bay Packers' Kyler Fackrell sacks Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is tackled by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) after running for a first down, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Green Bay Packers' Kyler Fackrell rides a bike to NFL football training camp Thursday, July 26, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) rushes against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is tackled by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) after a short run during the first half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is tackled by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) after running for a first down, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Baltimore Ravens running back Danny Woodhead is brought down during a run by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell during an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is tackled by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) after running for a first down, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) jogs onto the field during an NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions Sunday, September 25, 2016, in Green Bay, WI. (Tom Hauck via AP)
Green Bay Packers' Kyler Fackrell rides a bike to NFL football training camp Thursday, July 27, 2017, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Green Bay Packers' Kyler Fackrell (51) lines up against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs in pursuit during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Detroit. The Lions won 35-11. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) is tackled by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell, rear, during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Minneapolis. Peterson was injured on the play and was helped off the field. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs down field on special teams kick coverage during the 2016 NFL week 15 regular season football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016 in Chicago. The Packers won the game 30-27. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) closes in on Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Aaron Murray (7) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Green Bay Packers' Kyler Fackrell sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) rushes during the game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, Cleveland. The Packers defeated the Browns 27-21. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Green Bay Packers' Kyler Fackrell sacks Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell rides a bike to NFL football training camp, Thursday, July 28, 2016, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) pass rushes during an NFL game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016, in Green Bay, Wi. The Packers won the game, 34-27. (Greg Trott via AP)
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) tries to break a tackle by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell, right, during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) tries to break a tackle by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell, right, during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell during NFL football training camp, Thursday, July 28, 2016, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell (52) tackles UNLV running back Tim Cornett (35) in the third quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, in Logan, Utah. Utah State defeated UNLV 35-13. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell performs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell runs the 40-yard dash during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016 in Indianapolis. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Utah State Aggies linebacker Kyler Fackrell (9) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, in at Air Force Academy, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell works out during practice before the start of their NCAA college football game against Boise State Friday, Oct. 16, 2015, in Logan, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell works out during practice before the start of their NCAA college football game against Boise State Friday, Oct. 16, 2015, in Logan, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell performs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Washington quarterback Jeff Lindquist fumbles the ball as he is tackled by Utah State's Ricky Ali'ifua, left, and Kyler Fackrell, right, in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell during the first half of an NCAA college football game against New Mexico in Albuquerque, N.M., Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell arrives for practice before the start of their NCAA college football game against Boise State Friday, Oct. 16, 2015, in Logan, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell runs the 40-yard dash during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell, left, battles New Mexico offensive lineman Reno Henderson during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Albuquerque, N.M., Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015. New Mexico won 14-13. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell (9) works out during practice before the start of their NCAA college football game against Utah Friday, Sept. 11, 2015, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Washington quarterback Jeff Lindquist fumbles the ball as he is tackled by Utah State's Ricky Ali'ifua, left, and Kyler Fackrell, right, in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015, in Seattle. Washington won 31-17. Utah State's Jontrell Rocquemore recovered the fumble and ran it for a touchdown. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Fresno State's Derek Carr is chased by Utah State's Kyler Fackrell in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013. (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)
Fackrell isn't certain exactly how Graham will deploy him, but he is confident the coordinator will call on him to use his varied skills.
"As a 3-4 outside linebacker, I like to rush," Fackrell said. "That's what I prefer to do. But I definitely recognize the value in being able to drop from the outside linebacker position and having kind of that versatility. That's something that is a big deal for me, to be able to be in space and to try to make plays just as much as rushing the passer."
Fackrell had fewer opportunities to chase quarterbacks last season. Although he had a double-digit sack total two years ago, the Packers re-staffed at edge rusher in 2019. They signed free agents Preston Smith and Za'Darius Smith and used their first-round draft choice to secure outside backer Rashan Gary. The trio combined for 27.5 sacks, all but two by the Smiths.
Fackrell was the odd man out. According to Pro Football Reference, his defensive snaps dropped from 623 in 2018 to 415 last year. His tackle totals plummeted from 52 to 19 and he finished the season with just one sack. But Fackrell insists the numbers aren't indicative of his effectiveness.
"Obviously, it wasn't ideal," Fackrell said of the reduced playing time. "It was kind of difficult kind of just going in and out, not really being able to play a solid block and get a feel for the game and kind of get in a flow. But honestly, I learned a lot that year from those guys and from our coach. Even just kind of seeing the turnaround in the organization, that was definitely a great learning experience. Even though the stats were not like they were before, honestly, I know that I was a better player last year than I was the year before. I think that I got better. I kind of just was like, 'It is what it is.' It's kind of the nature of the business."
The Packers went 13-3 and advanced to the NFC Championship Game, where they lost to San Francisco. It was the second time in four years their season ended one game shy of the Super Bowl. But like his personal situation, Fackrell can bring to the Giants that useful experience.
"We really struggled the two previous years (winning 13 combined games), so getting a first-round bye with a 13-3 record and to the NFC Championship were all great experiences," Fackrell said. "It was frustrating the way the game went and the way they were able to run the ball on our defense. It's definitely motivation. I feel like it's a good learning experience as far as seeing what needs to be done. You can see what you have to have in working and practicing to be able to get to that level, and just the energy. I could feel a big difference in the energy and the camaraderie in the locker room this year compared to previous years. That's a big thing, the connection that the players have in the locker room. That's something that I think is going to be big and something that I think I can help contribute to the locker room with the Giants."
Fackrell is thrilled to be joined on his new team by Martinez. Both are Arizona natives who played at out-of-state colleges, got their NFL start in Green Bay and they will soon wear Giants blue together.
"I actually met Blake at the Senior Bowl," Fackrell said. "We were drafted the same year and we were roommates during training camp all four years we were there. Blake is a great dude. He's a great player. I'm excited to be able to play with him again. He's a great leader in the middle, kind of controlling and directing traffic and getting the calls to all the different parts of the defense. I was really excited that we were able to kind of move on to the same place."
This is a blessed and thrilling time for Fackrell. He and his wife, Elizabeth, celebrated the birth of their son, Benjamin, eight weeks ago tomorrow. Benjamin joins sisters Delany and Lucy. As soon as they are able, the Fackrells will move to New Jersey.
"It's definitely going to be very different than Green Bay, I know that," he said. "I've already seen that in looking for housing. But we're excited. My sister and her husband lived in the northeast for a while. They lived in New York for a little bit and they lived in Boston. We visited them. It's beautiful. We're excited. It's definitely a change in pace, but we're always excited for new adventures. To be in that area of the country, we're very, very excited."
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