Just 12 Hours After Leaving the Packers to Join the Miami Dolphins, Defensive Star with 121 Tackles Declares He Will Never Return to Green Bay Along with Bitter Messages Aimed at Head Coach Matt LaFleur

Posted May 16, 2026

Green Bay, Wisconsin – Just 12 hours after being waived by the Green Bay Packers and immediately claimed by the Miami Dolphins, James Ester has caused a stir throughout the entire NFL community.

The 24-year-old rookie defensive tackle did not choose to leave quietly but instead made strong and emotional statements on social media.

James Ester publicly expressed his deep disappointment and resentment toward his former team.

Article image

In the posted video, Ester spoke with a clear voice and determined eyes: “I trained non-stop for two years in Green Bay, sacrificing days off, staying late to train, and giving everything I had every single day on the practice squad. But Matt LaFleur — he never once acknowledged my efforts. Not a single word of praise, not a single real opportunity. Green Bay is a place I never want to return to. Miami is where I will prove my true worth.”

Ester’s short but bitter message quickly spread and received great sympathy from NFL fans.

Ester joined the Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2024. In two seasons with Green Bay, he played a total of 49 games at the college level with 121 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and 9 sacks before moving to the NFL.

However, he was only kept on the practice squad and never had the chance to play in any regular season game.

Many fans and analysts believe this situation reflects the harsh reality of NFL rookies.

Ester represents countless young players who work tirelessly but receive no recognition from the coaching staff.

While the Packers are restructuring their roster, the Dolphins under Jeff Hafley saw value in Ester and quickly claimed him off waivers. This is the fourth reunion of Hafley with former Packers players this offseason.

The reaction from Packers Nation has been mixed. Some believe Ester lacks patience, but the majority expressed sympathy because he had spent two years making quiet contributions without being given a real opportunity.

Head coach Matt LaFleur and the Packers leadership have not issued an official comment on Ester’s message.

With the Dolphins, Ester has the chance to compete for a real roster spot in the 2026 season. Jeff Hafley, who previously worked with him in Green Bay, is believed to have great trust in the potential of this rookie defensive tackle.

James Ester’s story has once again sparked a major discussion in the NFL about how teams treat rookies and practice squad players.

Although still young, Ester has clearly shown determination and a strong desire to be recognized. Many believe his journey in Miami will be the opportunity for him to prove the value that the Packers once overlooked.

When the Packers and Dolphins meet next season, the name James Ester will certainly receive special attention.

Comments (0)

Loading comments...

Just 12 hours after the Chicago Bears failed to extend the contract with six-time Pro Bowl veteran wide receiver, the superstar has quickly set his sights on joining the Green Bay Packers to pursue the first Super Bowl championship of his career
Green Bay, Wisconsin — Just twelve hours after the contract negotiations between the Chicago Bears and six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen officially collapsed, the veteran superstar is being rumored to join the Green Bay Packers. According to Adam Schefter, Allen immediately emerged as one of the top names linked to Green Bay after the Bears failed to reach a new agreement. According to league internal sources, Allen is currently prioritizing one last chance at a championship before officially retiring. The Packers have suddenly emerged strongly in the negotiations after actively seeking another veteran player with rich experience to strengthen Matt LaFleur’s passing attack ahead of the 2026 season. Green Bay has created a large void at the wide receiver position after trading WR1 Christian Watson to another team in the offseason. Although the Packers have added promising rookies to the receiving group in the NFL Draft, many analysts still believe that Green Bay lacks another reliable veteran pass-catcher. Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed remain excellent options, while the rookies continue to develop. However, league analysts believe that the Packers still lack a veteran wide receiver with rich experience needed to help stabilize the situation in critical late-game moments. That is exactly why Keenan Allen is suddenly viewed as the near-perfect choice for Matt LaFleur’s offensive system before training camp begins. Even at age 34, Allen continues to play with astonishing efficiency despite having to go through injuries and instability at the quarterback position in recent seasons. Last year while playing for Chicago, Allen still recorded 81 successful receptions, 777 receiving yards, and 4 touchdowns despite the unstable offensive performance of the teammates around him. Some league executives are believed to think that Allen’s route-running ability and football intelligence will immediately elevate Green Bay’s passing game and greatly help quarterback Jordan Love. The situation becomes even more interesting after reports emerged that Allen is “extremely excited” about the offensive structure and young roster of the Packers. According to many internal sources, Allen evaluates the Packers as one of the few NFC teams capable of making a serious breakthrough into the playoffs immediately. Many people in the league also believe that Allen respects Matt LaFleur’s creativity in the attack and the opportunity to operate as a reliable veteran WR3 option. An NFC executive is said to have described the potential combination between Allen and Green Bay as “one of the most perfect football combinations currently available on the free agent market.” The Bears’ inability to retain Allen has caused disappointment throughout Chicago after fans expected this veteran player to end his career there. Instead, the possibility of Allen joining Green Bay is currently creating great excitement in the Packers fan community as the rumors continue to spread rapidly online. “At this stage in his career, Keenan only wants one thing above all. He wants a real opportunity to finally compete for the Super Bowl ring before his career ends.” As of Tuesday evening (May 13, 2026), neither Allen nor the Packers team leadership has officially confirmed whether contract negotiations are taking place privately.

NFL Green bay Packers

4:07 AM at Packers Facility — The Moment New WR Matthew Golden Realized What “Packers Way” Truly Means

4:07 AM at Packers Facility — The Moment New WR Matthew Golden Realized What “Packers Way” Truly Means

Posted Jun 24, 2026

Green Bay, Wisconsin – Matthew Golden stepped out of his car into the quiet pre-dawn air outside the Green Bay Packers’ training facility. The spring ...

TRENDING: Packers President Ed Policy Announces $12 Ticket Day at Lambeau Field, Giving Thousands of Low-Income Families a Chance to See the Packers Live for the First Time — Fans Call It One of the Most Generous Gestures in Team History

TRENDING: Packers President Ed Policy Announces $12 Ticket Day at Lambeau Field, Giving Thousands of Low-Income Families a Chance to See the Packers Live for the First Time — Fans Call It One of the Most Generous Gestures in Team History

Posted Jun 24, 2026

Green Bay, Wisconsin — In an era where attending an NFL game has become increasingly expensive for working families, the Green Bay Packers have delive...

Packers Icon Jordan Love Speaks Out to Defend Legend Aaron Rodgers Amid a Fierce Wave of Backlash From the NFL Community

Packers Icon Jordan Love Speaks Out to Defend Legend Aaron Rodgers Amid a Fierce Wave of Backlash From the NFL Community

Posted Jun 24, 2026

Green Bay, Wisconsin — The NFL world erupted this week after a brief on air comment from a franchise legend unexpectedly ignited a wave of controversy...

SAD NEWS: Matt LaFleur Cuts Two Rising UDFA Players for Missing Every Offseason Program Session: “They Chose to Travel While the Entire Team Was Training”

SAD NEWS: Matt LaFleur Cuts Two Rising UDFA Players for Missing Every Offseason Program Session: “They Chose to Travel While the Entire Team Was Training”

Posted Jun 24, 2026

Green Bay, Wisconsin — The Green Bay Packers have made a decisive and pointed move that is already sending a strong message throughout the locker room...

Packers Sign Record Two-Year Deal With UFL Kicker After Impressive Playoff Performance — Despite Trey Smack’s Displeasure, per Adam Schefter

Packers Sign Record Two-Year Deal With UFL Kicker After Impressive Playoff Performance — Despite Trey Smack’s Displeasure, per Adam Schefter

Posted Jun 20, 2026

Green Bay, Wisconsin — The Green Bay Packers have quickly become the center of attention after making a surprising move just before training camp. Thi...

Star Green Bay Packers "Returns Home" After Remarkable NFL Journey, Signs One-Day Contract to Retire in Packers Colors at Age 40 as Playoff Hopes Fade Away

Star Green Bay Packers "Returns Home" After Remarkable NFL Journey, Signs One-Day Contract to Retire in Packers Colors at Age 40 as Playoff Hopes Fade Away

Posted Jun 18, 2026

Green Bay, Wisconsin — In an emotional full-circle moment for Packers fans, legendary former kicker Mason Crosby has returned to Green Bay, signing a ...