Packer nation was still abuzz about Aaron Rodgers new contract when the Packers needed to make a roster move. They needed to activate 2nd year defensive tackle Justin Harrell, and needed to remove someone from the roster to make room. That someone turned out to be the teams all-time sack leader, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila.
Gbaja-Biamila was in his 9th season, struggling to return to health after offseason knee surgery. It was just last year that Kabeer registered 9 1/2 sacks and passed the late Reggie White as the Packers all-time sack leader with 74 career sacks.
Gbaja-Biamila's on field accomplishments are extensive. In 2004, he became the first Packers player to post double-digit sacks in four consecutive seasons. But for everything Kabeer did on the field, he had done something equally amazing off of it. Gbaja-Biamila is a religious man, always thanking the "Good Lord" for everything that came to he and his family. He was equally as giving in return.
When Kabeer was in high school, he was one of 40 student-owners of the nation's first student-run natural food company, 'Food from the 'Hood,' which provided South Central Los Angeles with high-quality organic produce. He appeared on the cover of Newsweek magazine as a 17 year old in recognition of the group's efforts.
You always knew where Kabeer was coming from. He was friendly and had time for everyone. But just because his football playing days are over in Green Bay, doesn't mean the kindness will stop. This is not an act. Kabeer is the real deal.
When he was released by the Packers on Saturday, he and his wife Eileen composed some thoughts and put them on paper for one of the team's trainers to read to the players in the lockerroom. Kabeer wasn't bitter, he was thankful and he let his former teammates know that. He thanked them for being great teammates and wished them all good luck among other things. Most would have found it nearly impossible to do such a thing, let alone find the right words.
Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila is no longer an active playing member of the Green Bay Packers, but he'll be forever remembered for the great things he did both on and off the field.