They say all good things must come to an end.
The phrase is now true for former Shippensburg University star running back John Kuhn, who signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints on August 5.
The two-time Super Bowl champion and four-time Pro-Bowler, played nine of his ten seasons in the league with the Green Bay Packers. Kuhn was a fan favorite in Green Bay and you could often hear the chants of “KUUUUUUHHNN” anytime the talented fullback was on the field.
Over the course of his career, Kuhn has been a hardnosed fullback who has paved the way to the end zone for Green Bay running backs Ahman Green, Eddie Lacy, James Starks and many others. Kuhn also has been able to find the end zone himself, scoring 23 touchdowns in his career, with 15 of the 23 touchdowns coming on the ground.
Even with the success Kuhn has had over the course of his career, the Packers decided to part ways with the 10-year veteran. Kuhn, who will turn 34 in September, had been hoping to continue his playing career this season with the Packers since he still lives in Green Bay, but the call never came.
The most memorable moment from Kuhn’s Packers career came in 2010, when he hoisted the Lombardy Trophy, helping guide the Packers to their first Super Bowl championship since 1996. Kuhn also won a Super Bowl as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2006.
Kuhn scored two touchdowns in frigid conditions at Lambeau Field in the 2013 NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Packers NFC North rival Vikings. The Packers went on to win the game, 24-10.
Other memorable moments in Kuhn’s Packers career include a three-touchdown game against the New York Giants on December 26, 2010, a two-touchdown performance against the St. Louis Rams on September 27, 2009 and another two-touchdown performance against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Divisional Playoff matchup on January 15, 2011.
Kuhn is extremely grateful for his time in Green Bay.
"He loved his time there, but he wanted to play," Kuhn’s agent, Scott Gold told ESPN’s Rob Demovsky. "This was an opportunity, and coach Sean Payton was excited to know he was available and wanted to play. It's bittersweet, but it's also a great opportunity."
Now, Kuhn will continue his career in New Orleans, where he can come in and fill a need, whether it is pushing a pile to score a touchdown on the goal line, or keep star quarterback Drew Brees upright this season.
Kuhn expressed his desire to play this season in a radio interview on SiriusXM NFL Radio in July.
"At this point in my career, I want to play because I still enjoy it, I still love it, I'm still in shape, I'm still ready to go," Kuhn said. "I want to be on a team that I think can go somewhere and do some damage."
Over Kuhn’s NFL career, he has registered 619 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns, as well 82 receptions for 572 yards and eight touchdowns. Kuhn has found the end zone 23 times in his career, including twice last season.
At SU, Kuhn compiled 4,685 rushing yards, 53 touchdowns, 5,300 all-purpose yards and 26 games with at least 100 yards rushing. All of his achievements set Red Raider records. In 2003, Kuhn won the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division Offensive Player of the Year Award, and he was a three-time PSAC Western Division First Team selection.
Kuhn participated in the Saints practice today and was seen on the field wearing the No. 29, not the No. 30 that he wore for his entire Packers career.
Kuhn’s deal is for the veteran minimum in the NFL, which for a 10-year veteran is $985,000.
With Kuhn transitioning from the Green Bay Packers to the New Orleans Saints, he joins a team that competes in the NFC South, which will match him up twice a year, against former SU alum and former SU teammate, Brent Grimes.
Kuhn, just grateful for the opportunity, should provide a spark to the Saints red zone offense. Signing with New Orleans gives Kuhn at least one more chance at a third Super Bowl championship.
The Slate welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.