After a long and uncertain weekend during the 2025 NFL Draft, Georgia defensive tackle Nazir Stackhouse found himself on the outside looking in as all seven rounds concluded without his name being called. But mere hours later, he had a new opportunity — and he made his feelings about it known with a powerful and emotional three-word message.
“Delayed, not denied,” Stackhouse wrote on X (formerly Twitter) after signing with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent. It was a concise but telling statement, offering a glimpse into the heart and mindset of a player who refuses to let setbacks define his journey.
Despite being projected as a Day 3 pick by The Athletic’s Dane Brugler and other draft analysts, Stackhouse didn’t hear his name called during the NFL’s three-day selection process. Yet rather than dwell on the disappointment, the 6-foot-3, 320-pound lineman remained focused and resilient. His message wasn’t just about the draft — it was about the journey, the grind, and the belief that his story is far from over.
Stackhouse brings a championship pedigree and valuable experience to Green Bay. He spent five seasons at the University of Georgia, becoming a key figure on one of college football’s most dominant defenses in recent years. Though his early years with the Bulldogs saw limited playing time, he remained committed and steadily developed into a force on the interior line.
In 2022, Stackhouse emerged as a full-time starter, making an impact on Georgia’s national championship run. That season, he earned second-team All-SEC honors and played a vital role in the Bulldogs’ suffocating run defense. His ability to anchor the line, occupy blockers, and create opportunities for linebackers to make plays didn’t go unnoticed by coaches and teammates.
By 2023, Stackhouse had become a seasoned veteran, known for his work ethic, leadership, and physicality in the trenches. His production and presence helped Georgia maintain its status as a powerhouse program, and though his draft stock fluctuated throughout the pre-draft process, he remained confident in his abilities.
Now, with the Packers, Stackhouse gets the chance to prove himself once more. Green Bay’s defense is in the midst of a youth movement, and the addition of a hungry, high-motor player like Stackhouse could prove to be a savvy move. Undrafted free agents often face long odds, but many have carved out successful careers — and Stackhouse appears poised to be the next in line.
His message, “Delayed, not denied,” echoes the stories of countless players who’ve taken unconventional paths to the NFL. For Stackhouse, the journey may have taken a detour, but the destination remains the same: proving he belongs on football’s biggest stage.
As he begins his next chapter in Green Bay, all eyes will be on the determined defensive tackle from Georgia — and few doubt he’ll make the most of his opportunity.
