On January 10, 2025, Xavier McKinney, now a celebrated safety for the Green Bay Packers, stirred up a buzz on social media with mysterious posts that seemed to be directed at an unnamed former teammate from the New York Giants. This has raised eyebrows and sparked conversations among fans and analysts alike about possible tensions lingering from his past with the Giants.
Did Xavier McKinney Call Out One of His Ex-Giants Teammates?
Social media has become a common platform for athletes to express their views or vent frustrations, and McKinney’s latest posts are no exception. While he didn’t mention any names, many fans and pundits are quick to connect the dots pointing to Kayvon Thibodeaux, a linebacker who played alongside McKinney in New York. Thibodeaux had previously appeared on Carmelo Anthony’s podcast, where he spoke positively about his position, but McKinney’s response seemed to suggest he wasn’t pleased with the attention his former teammate received.
The Details Behind the Posts
In his Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) posts, McKinney expressed his feelings in a somewhat cryptic manner. He stated, “To think he ever thought he was better than me… lol,” along with, “We are not the same.” This reflectively sarcastic remark seemed to imply a rivalry or differing perceptions of self-worth between the two players. While this kind of banter is often accepted in sports culture, the fact that McKinney is now with a different team complicates the dynamics.
A Look Back at the Context
To understand the background of this situation, it’s essential to know what happened during Thibodeaux’s podcast appearance almost a year ago, on January 25, 2024. During that interview, he discussed his job and played up the importance of the safety position. While his words did not seem disrespectful, it looks like McKinney interpreted them as veering towards boastfulness, leading to his recent remarks.
Xavier McKinney’s Rise with the Packers
Since signing a lucrative four-year, $67 million contract with the Packers in March 2024, McKinney has been living up to expectations. His impressive performance earned him a spot on the All-Pro First Team, an honor that highlights his status among the best in the league. He also made it to the 2025 NFC Pro Bowl Games roster, adding to his growing accolades. It’s clear that McKinney is thriving in Green Bay, yet these posts reveal that he might still be processing his experiences with the Giants.
What This Means for McKinney and Possible Future Conflicts
As conversations continue regarding McKinney’s social media antics, it raises questions about how past relationships haunt players long after they leave a team. Sports are often filled with intense emotions, rivalries, and friendships that can dramatically shift with a change of jersey. For McKinney, his success with the Packers might be overshadowed by his continued feelings about his time in New York.
| Player | Team | Contract Value | All-Pro Selections |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xavier McKinney | Green Bay Packers | $67 million | 2025 |
| Kayvon Thibodeaux | New York Giants | N/A | N/A |
As fans look on, they can’t help but wonder what will happen next. Will this rivalry escalate on or off the field, or will they find common ground in the spirit of the game? For now, McKinney’s cryptic messages serve as a reminder that professional sports are as much about personal relationships as they are about performance.
