The Green Bay Packers are making moves in the backfield again – and this one brings a familiar face from the FCS ranks back into the spotlight.
On Monday, the Packers signed running back Pierre Strong Jr. to their practice squad, parting ways with Israel Abanikanda in the process. It’s a full-circle moment of sorts: Strong, like Amar Johnson before him, hails from South Dakota State, the same school Abanikanda beat out for a practice squad spot just weeks ago. Now, Strong gets the nod – and brings with him a résumé that suggests he’s more than just a depth piece.
Let’s start with the speed. Strong clocked a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the 2022 NFL Combine, and that burst has translated well to the league.
Originally drafted in the fourth round by the New England Patriots, Strong has since suited up for the Patriots and the Cleveland Browns, logging 99 carries for 499 yards (a clean 5.0 yards per carry) and two touchdowns over 46 games. He’s also added 26 receptions for 193 yards, showing he can be a weapon in the passing game as well.
His most productive stretch came in 2023 with Cleveland, when he rushed for a career-high 291 yards and added 14 catches. That same year, he also made a name for himself on special teams – not always a glamorous role, but one that often makes the difference for players trying to stick on a roster.
Strong recorded eight special teams tackles and forced a fumble in 2023, then added three more tackles in 2024. He’s returned kicks too, averaging 23.8 yards on 24 career returns.
In total, he’s logged 607 snaps on special teams and 412 on offense – the kind of versatility that NFL coaches love, especially when injuries hit or rosters get tight.
Strong was released by the Browns just last week following a concussion settlement, but he’s clearly healthy enough now to get right back into the mix – and the Packers are giving him that opportunity.
If you followed Strong during his college days, none of this should come as a surprise. At South Dakota State, he was electric.
Over four seasons, he rushed for 4,527 yards – averaging a gaudy 7.2 yards per carry – and found the end zone 40 times on the ground. He also caught 62 passes for 581 yards and three more scores.
His senior year was his magnum opus: 1,686 rushing yards, 18 touchdowns, 22 catches, and – just for good measure – four touchdown passes. Yes, you read that right.
He threw four scores, showcasing just how much SDSU trusted him with the ball in his hands.
That trust didn’t come easy. Coming out of high school in Little Rock, Arkansas, Strong flew under the radar despite nearly 4,000 rushing yards over his final two seasons.
He wasn’t highly recruited, and initially brushed off South Dakota State’s interest. But then-running backs coach John Johnson made the trip for an in-home visit, and it changed everything.
A campus tour, a few conversations with players, and a deep dive with his parents sealed the deal. He committed – and the rest is Jackrabbit history.
Strong became the first SDSU running back drafted since 1962. He shared the field in college with current Packers tight end Tucker Kraft, and earned high praise from head coach John Stiegelmeier, who lauded his smooth running style and ability to explode out of tackles. “He gets to top speed quick,” Stiegelmeier said – and that’s exactly what the Packers are banking on now.
He’ll wear No. 22 in Green Bay, a jersey most recently worn by rookie wideout Matthew Golden – another burner. Speed clearly remains a priority for this Packers front office, and Strong fits that mold to a tee. Whether he carves out a role on offense, special teams, or both, he brings a level of playmaking potential that can’t be taught.
For now, he starts on the practice squad. But with his track record, don’t be shocked if Pierre Strong Jr. gets his shot on Sundays sooner rather than later.
