The Green Bay Packers have re-signed linebacker Kristian Welch, a true Wisconsinite through and through. Welch, a lifelong Packers fan from Iola, Wisconsin, is stoked to be back in the state he calls home. Here are five things you should know about the returning Packers linebacker, plus why this matters for Welch and the team.
1. A True Wisconsinite Through and Through
Welch’s roots run deep in the Badger State. Born and raised in Iola, Wisconsin, a town of less than 1,200 people, Welch was a Packers fan his whole life. He attended Iola-Scandinavia High School, where he was a running back and linebacker.
As a senior, Welch rushed for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns on 85 carries, averaging 11.8 yards per carry. On defense, he had 75 tackles and was all-state and all-region. He was also a team captain and MVP on the basketball court.
Welch has spoken at length about what it means to play for the Packers in front of family and friends at every home game. “That was probably one of the most wholesome experiences of being that close,” Welch said after the 2023 season. “Having at least 10 family members and close friends at every home game made it really special for me—and that was a big part of what made it so special.”
2. A Special Teams Stalwart
Welch may not have been a name you’d know during his first stint with the Packers in 2023. But his work on special teams was impossible to ignore. He earned a spot on the active roster just a few weeks into the season-after signing to the practice squad before the regular season even started.
In 12 regular-season appearances, Welch played almost exclusively on special teams. He finished third on the team with six coverage tackles and logged the fourth-most snaps (210). His energy and tenacity made him a reliable presence on those units. You saw that in his kickoff and punt coverage work.
This preseason, Welch made a strong case for a spot on the initial 53-man roster. He led the Packers with 16 tackles, two interceptions and a fumble recovery during exhibition play. Though he ultimately landed with the Denver Broncos, his performance there—including his first two career defensive starts—showed he can contribute at multiple levels.
3. Mutual Respect with Rich Bisaccia
One of the best parts of Welch’s time with the Packers was working under Rich Bisaccia, the special teams coordinator. Bisaccia is a tough but supportive coach and Welch loved him.
“I love Rich. He’s great,” Welch said last August. “Learning his system has been fun. Really, focusing in on the little things during training camp was something I enjoyed.”
Welch didn’t make the team last summer, but with Eric Wilson gone (now with the Vikings), there are more opportunities this offseason. With fewer bodies in the mix, Welch could be a core special teamer or even see some time on defense.
4. A Journeyman Who Keeps Coming Back
Welch’s NFL journey hasn’t been without its bumps. But the one thing that’s kept him in the league—and in the game—is his perseverance. That was on full display when he entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens in 2020. He spent his early years bouncing between the practice squad and active roster. That experience—43 games over four seasons—has given him a sense of what it takes to stick.
After his release from the Denver Broncos last October, Welch headed back to Baltimore’s practice squad for a month. Then he was right back on the active roster. In nine games with the Ravens, he made his presence known—five tackles and a first regular-season fumble recovery that really stood out. That was in a 34-17 win over Pittsburgh on December 21. You could say that game—and that play—really showed what he’s capable of.
That resilience, that ability to adapt—and to learn from his mistakes—has earned Welch a lot of respect around the league. Now, with another chance in Green Bay, he’s determined to prove that he belongs.
5. Part of the Iowa Football Legacy
Welch is one of those many Iowa Hawkeyes who made the jump to Green Bay. In his college career, which spanned from 2016 to 2021, Welch suited up for 46 games and started 16 of those. He racked up 145 tackles, 4.5 sacks, six passes defensed, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries during that time.
As a senior, Welch was a defensive captain. He started every game he played in that season—at middle linebacker—and led the Hawkeyes with 87 tackles. That included nine tackles for loss and three sacks. He also added three passes defensed, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery to that total.
That leadership and toughness he showed in Iowa is exactly what the Packers look for in a player—and what makes him such a good fit for their culture.
Why This Signing Matters?
Re-signing Kristian Welch is about embracing a player who embodies the spirit of Wisconsin football. That spirit is all about roots like Welch’s—small-town, hardworking and proud. You see that in his play on special teams, where he flies down the field with passion and determination. And you see it in his drive to step up into a larger defensive role.
Welch’s re-signing is about building depth and character on this team. And that’s something that will resonate with fans. Bringing him back feels like the right move—for everyone involved.
Leave a Reply